Holistic Nutrition

Nourishing the Body, Mind, and Spirit

Robison, Jonathan I. PhD, MS
Wolfe, Karen MBBS, MA
Edwards, Lisa MBA, RD

Jonathan I. Robison, PhD, MS, is adjunct professor at Michigan State University.
Karen Wolfe, MBBS, MA, is a medical doctor, author, and speaker from Mission Viejo, California.
Lisa Edwards, MBA, RD, is a registered dietitian who specializes in strategic planning and product development.

Address correspondence to: Jonathan I. Robison at robisonjemsu.edu or (517) 347–6016.

Complementary Health Practice Review 9(1):p 11-20, January 1, 2004.

Medical science has profoundly influenced the development of nutrition philosophy in the United States. However, Western medicine is currently in a state of transition, one that has important implications for our understanding of the significance of nutrition to human health. The authors begin by exploring the foundations of traditional Western medicine and nutrition philosophy from a historical perspective. They then suggest how the current transition in medicine is likely to affect our conceptualization of the relationship of nutrition to health in the future. The article concludes with recommendations for helping health professionals to employ this new information in their personal and professional lives. The authors' hope that this article will contribute to a broadening of our perspective on nutrition beyond current thinking, with the ultimate goal of helping people to develop a healthier and more peaceful relationship with eating and food.