Dr. Sasha Hope Publishes New Book
Congratulations to the Standard Process Functional and Integrative Nutrition Chair, Dr. Sasha Hope! She recently published her new book, Supporting Anxiety and Vagus Nerve Dysfunction through Nutrition and Lifestyle, just before the new year.
About Dr. Hope
Dr. Hope is a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition with a background in Neuroscience & Psychology who has been working in the healthcare field for over 15 years. Dr. Hope previously worked as a fitness trainer for the U.S. Military and now practices integrative and functional healthcare in Boulder, CO.
Dr. Hope is a top practitioner for the management of vagus nerve dysfunction, nutrigenomics counseling, and the gut-brain connection. When not supporting her students, Dr. Hope enjoys art, hiking, and spending time with her family and dog.
The Importance of the Vagus Nerve
Dr. Hope graciously shares some details about her new book. “The vagus nerve is the main nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system, which influences the function of all our internal organ systems. So, when the vagus nerve is not functioning optimally, such as with cases of chronic anxiety conditions or when stuck in the “fight or flight” response, the wide-ranging impact on our nervous system can manifest in a multitude of ways from mood conditions to hormonal imbalances to gastrointestinal issues.”
This is what inspired Dr. Sasha Hope to write her recent publication, “Supporting Anxiety and Vagus Nerve Dysfunction Through Nutrition and Lifestyle.” Health conditions associated with vagal dysfunction are all outlined within the book based upon the current research.
The book also outlines the proposed Vagus Protocol for Healthcare Optimization of Parasympathetic Expression (HOPE). “HOPE aims to be a guide for true functional and integrative healthcare plans by bridging the divide between the mental and physical health, as well as between various healthcare disciplines,” said Dr. Hope.
Three Pillars of Healthcare
The protocol is divided into three pillars of healthcare which combine for a true holistic plan for supporting vagal function:
- Nourish (supporting dietary and supplement recommendations),
- Restore (supporting integrative care teams and laboratory testing)
- Train (supporting fitness and lifestyle recommendations)
Each of these pillars is also broken down into three phases for personalizing client protocols. These are dependent on their individual need for support within each of these key areas of healing. “Detailed theory and an abundance of practical guidance, including various recipes, example intake questionnaires, and transition plans, all combine in an aim to help support the root of healing, build resilience, and achieve peak wellness,” she shared.
Story by Kit Harlow, Chiropractic Student