At Sanoviv, we practice the highest possible level of cellular nutrition to help restore health and wellness for our guests. So, what is “cellular nutrition?”
“It means ensuring that the cells of our body receive all the nutrients they need for performing all cellular functions, repairing and regenerating structures, and preventing oxidative damage.”
Dr. Myron Wentz, Invisible Miracles
The Sanoviv diet is a whole-food, healing diet that promotes optimal cellular nutrition. It eliminates common food allergens, processed sugars, toxic fats, additives, preservatives, caffeine, and alcohol. The Sanoviv diet includes abundant raw and lightly cooked vegetables (many from our garden), green juices, wheatgrass, fermented vegetables, sprouts, legumes, nuts and nut milk, seeds, and some gluten-free whole grains. It includes fruit since it’s essential to health yet, it’s low-glycemic and ideal for managing blood sugar disorders. The only natural sweeteners used minimally are dates, figs, and honey. The diet also includes small amounts of high-quality animal protein, such as “wild caught” fish, organic humanely raised poultry, and eggs.
The Sanoviv diet includes delicious, nutrient-dense, satisfying foods designed by our chefs and nutritionists. It naturally nourishes your body, reduces inflammation, enhances immune function, balances blood sugar, detoxifies, and revitalizes. The beautiful presentation of food helps nourish your spirit and enhance the taste and enjoyment of the overall experience of healing cuisine.
Our Cellular Nutrition “Creed“
When asked, “What is Sanoviv’s nutrition and diet philosophy?” or “What type of diet does Sanoviv offer?” The truth is no diet is perfect for everyone. Each body is unique and requires a customized approach. We support many diet styles for specific patient needs. These include Mediterranean, Paleo, vegetarian, vegan, raw, gluten-free, low FODMAP, ketogenic, and Pegan. Rather than labeling our diet, prefer to characterize it by a set of “dietary beliefs” allowing for flexibility and individualization rather than dictating specific foods.
Whole Food Variety
We believe in a variety of whole foods as the foundation of a healthy diet. Eating foods that are from nature provides us with all the nutrients, fiber, water, and vitality in perfect balance. Our bodies function most efficiently on unaltered or unrefined foods. Whole foods include vegetables, fruits, herbs, nuts, seeds, legumes, grains, sprouts, grasses, sea vegetables, and unprocessed animal protein (see “animal protein” below). Whole food is what nature intended.
Food as Information
We believe in food as information. Food serves as nourishment and, in nature, is a signaling substance. With all its nutrients, enzymes, and vitality, food sends signals to our cells, telling our genes how to express themselves. Every time we eat, the food tells our cells which genes to turn on or off (or how to behave). This process is most active within two hours after eating. So, the next time you eat a food item, whether healthy or not, consider what instructions you just gave to your cells. Food as information plays a crucial role in cellular nutrition.
Reduce or Eliminate Common Allergens
We believe reducing or eliminating common allergens or problematic foods is important. While many foods today can cause sensitivities, the most common allergens include gluten, dairy, soy, corn, and peanuts. Sometimes, reducing (or eliminating) certain foods, even in the short term, can improve or help manage many health conditions, including chronic inflammation, which is often a root cause.
Gluten, a protein in wheat (and other specific grains), can damage the intestinal tract, impair the digestive immune system, and be a root cause of many illnesses. Over the years, wheat has been hybridized to yield a high gluten (protein) content. Wheat is also often sprayed with glyphosate, which adds to toxicity in the body and may contribute to autoimmune diseases and cancer. Many people benefit from eliminating gluten from their diets. If you eat gluten, select organic Einkorn wheat. This ancient variety is friendlier to the digestive system and is free of harmful chemicals and pesticides.
Dairy includes milk or milk products from cows, goats, sheep, or other animals. Dairy is problematic for many people. Conventional dairy products undergo a lot of processing and cows are not fed their natural diets. This alters the food product from how it occurs in nature – raw and unprocessed. If you choose to include dairy in your diet, select organic, fermented, or raw milk products from animals fed their natural diet. Goat and sheep dairy products are often less inflammatory and may be more appropriate for some people.
Soy has gone from one of the best foods to the worst. Today’s soy products are highly processed, genetically modified, and contaminated with pesticides and other chemicals. Highly processed soy protein products include soy protein isolate, soy protein concentrate, texturized vegetable protein, and hydrolyzed vegetable protein. Minimize consumption of all processed soy food products. Organic, non-GMO (genetically modified organism) soy in its traditional fermented form, such as tempeh, natto, shoyu, and tamari, is healthy and can be eaten occasionally.
Corn is a common allergen, primarily because it’s usually grown as genetically modified corn in the US. Reduce processed corn and corn-containing products (corn flour, tortillas, gluten-free bread). Choose non-GMO, organic, and heirloom corn products if you eat corn. Ancient corn, grown by Native Americans and Mexicans, is healthy and full of medicinal compounds.
Processed sugar lacks nutrients, contributes to blood sugar problems (insulin resistance), suppresses the immune system, and promotes chronic inflammation. Natural unprocessed sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup, and dates are healthier choices. Still, these, too, can be problematic in excess. Enjoy a healthy dessert that’s naturally sweetened once a week. Limit added sugar to 25 grams daily (or less) for women and 38 grams daily for men. This recommendation applies only to sugar “added” during processing, in the kitchen, or at the table. Don’t include the sugar in whole fruits and some other natural foods.
Unhealthy fats contribute to cellular dysfunction and chronic inflammation. These include trans fats, hydrogenated oils, and highly processed seed oils, all found in cakes, cookies, roasted nuts, convenience and fried foods, chips, and other processed snack foods. Healthy fats are essential for brain and skin health, cell membrane integrity, and hormone production. Choose healthy, unprocessed fats from avocado, coconut, olives, raw nuts and seeds, and cold-water fish (salmon). Use butter, ghee, or avocado oil in small amounts for cooking. While healthy fats are needed for optimal cellular function, use them in moderation.
Alcohol is a toxin and addictive substance. It disrupts sleep, impairs fat burning, suppresses immune function, disrupts detoxification, depresses mood, increases appetite, and promotes weight gain. For optimal cellular nutrition and healing, zero alcohol is best.
Vegetables and Fruits Support Cellular Nutrition
We believe in consuming an abundance of vegetables and fruits for optimal health. Most vegetables and fruits contain vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients (biologically active compounds), fiber, and water. Choose organic, local produce whenever possible, or consider growing your own. Some people avoid fruits due to sugar content; however, fruits contain beneficial, disease-fighting nutrients. If you are eating to manage your blood sugar, select lower-sugar fruits more frequently, such as berries, tart apples, and under-ripe bananas, and limit higher-sugar fruits (mango, apricot, fig) and dried fruits (raisins). Strive for nine servings (combined total) of vegetables and fruits per day for optimal health.
Cleansing and Detoxification
We believe in periods of cleansing and detoxification. There is a difference between a cleansing diet and a nourishing diet. A cleansing diet is part of the detoxification process. Usually, it includes a period of whole food, vegetable, and juice-based food consumption designed to boost nutrition and eliminate toxins. Some cleansing diets contain all liquids intended to rest the digestive system. A nourishing diet helps you maintain good health for life. The Sanoviv diet combines cleansing and nourishing foods.
Juicing
We believe in the power of juicing. Wheatgrass and fresh green vegetable juices concentrate nutrition into a readily absorbable form. One ten-ounce glass of green juice contains about 12-15 servings of vegetables, nutrients, and living enzymes. While the fiber in raw and cooked vegetables is desirable, adding green juices to your regular diet is a great way to boost nutrition, especially for those with digestive issues.
Animal Protein
We believe animal protein nourishes us but should come from humanely raised animals fed their natural diets. Suppose an animal eats an unhealthy diet, comprised mainly of GMO grains filled with chemicals, pesticides, antibiotics, and hormones. In that case, these unhealthy substances become concentrated in animal food products. Likewise, animals confined to small cages in very close quarters are physically stressed and often sick with various bacterial and viral illnesses affecting the food quality. Choose organic poultry, pastured eggs, grass-fed beef, and wild-caught seafood. Consider selecting animal proteins from farms that practice regenerative agriculture, holistic grazing of animals, and environment sustainability.
Ancestral Heritage
We believe that ancestral heritage plays a role in dietary choices. Based on the work of Weston A. Price, a traditional diet of foods consumed by your cultural ancestors should be considered for optimal health and cellular nutrition. Traditional diets varied widely in macronutrient (proteins, fats, carbohydrates) composition and food choices, yet they kept traditional people healthy. Consider including healthy versions of some ancestral foods in your diet.
Biochemical Individuality
We believe in biochemical individuality. Our unique biochemical factors influence how our bodies process food and nutrients. Foods that work well for some may harm others, even if considered “healthy.” Eating styles that are touted as optimal may promote poor health in certain people. At Sanoviv, we use many diagnostic tools to help you determine what dietary choices are best for you so you can make informed nutritional choices. But, ultimately, no one can dictate your ideal diet, not a nutritionist, doctor, media guru, book, or internet article. You are the one who must find the diet style and foods that make you feel best and keep you optimally healthy.
Professional Support
We believe in professional support. Eating well should be simple, but in today’s world, working with a knowledgeable nutritionist who provides specific guidance and considers your unique needs is essential. A good nutritionist uses various methods to help you customize an optimal diet, rather than following trendy plans.
Food Presentation
We believe in the beautiful presentation of food. A beautifully presented meal is more flavorful and nourishing, not only to your body but also to your mind and spirit. Make every meal appear as if it is a special occasion — because it is.
Mindful Eating
We believe in mindful eating. Take steps to appreciate each meal, sit at a table away from distractions, chew thoroughly, eat slowly with good posture, and breathe between bites. Focus on the nourishment you receive and the information (or signals) your food will send to your cells. Mindful, intentional eating is essential for optimal cellular nutrition.
Food Energy
We believe in the energetics of food. Meals prepared with love and good intentions nourish our bodies and souls. When eating, surround yourself with positive people and have uplifting discussions.
Food as Medicine
We believe in food as medicine. Sanoviv is committed to guiding you toward practical life-giving nutrition.
While the basic Sanoviv dietary philosophy applies to anyone interested in optimal cellular nutrition, individual needs may vary, and modifications can be made to provide the best healing diet for each person. is intended to be a lifetime eating plan—helping you to thoroughly enjoy all aspects of healthy, healing foods, and cellular nutrition. Our diet is the foundation for Sanoviv’s wellness and medical programs.
