Tom Potisk

Expert Interview: Tom Potisk

The Down to Earth Doctor

When did you decide you wanted to be a doctor for nutrition?
I was studying to become an MD but learned about the benefits of holistic health and changed career plans in 1980.

What defines your personal style as a specialist?
Why do people come to see you instead of others? My patients call me "The down to Earth Doctor" because of my organic lifestyle and practical, easy to implement solutions for health problems.

What are the latest trends in the field of nutrition and dietetics?
Eat more fresh, organically grown foods.

What does your daily diet consist of?
I raise my own chickens so I eat fresh organic eggs several times per week. I try to eat a salad daily, sometimes making a meal out of it. I grow much of my own produce so I enjoy that whenever possible. I start every morning with a glass of hot water containing juice of 1/2 lemon.

If there was one food you could all ban from our diets, what would it be?
Processed sugar -- it is very inflammatory.

When you are dining out, what meal choices do you gravitate towards?
I look for the healthiest choices first and then digress from there, usually picking the salad with meat or fish.

Have you noticed a trend in the culinary field towards better nutrition? How are restaurant menus evolving?
I notice more salad choices, better oils, some non-gluten, and locally grown produce.

What are the most dangerous eating habits common among Americans?
Too much and too fast. I've traveled the world and that difference is obvious.

You teach a lot to your patients about nutrition, what have you learned from them?
People take foods for granted, not taking the time to really notice the tastes.

I want to lose weight, should I take diet pills? Definitely not ever! All the quick weight loss plans are a waste of time

I am on a diet, what should I eat? What should I avoid?
Minimize processed sugars and flours. Slow down and really make an effort to taste the uniqueness of each food, and eat smaller portions.

Can vitamins replace the nutrients we are supposed to get from food?
Somewhat, but nothing beats the benefits of a wholesome, balanced diet.

What should I eat to boost my energy level?
Whole grain carbohydrates in moderation.

If you were to teach us all one good rule about healthy eating what would it be?
Slow down to cherish the uniqueness of each food.

< PREVIOUS EXPERT NEXT EXPERT >

Share This >

Login to comment

Expert Profile

One of America's top natural health care practitioners, Doctor Tom Potisk is a leader in his field. He was elected Chiropractor of the Year, published and lectured extensively in his community, helps thousands of patients in the holistic practice he began in 1985, and presented a research case study at a conference in Paris, France. Now, with his books and presentations he shares his knowledge and experience worldwide, in practical self-care heath methods we, our families, and our doctors can benefit from immediately.

His patients call him "The Down to Earth Doctor" and he is a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic. He has hundreds of hours of post graduate training and is certified in nutritional counseling and wellness. Besides sharing lessons from his professional training and daily clinical encounters, he lavishes his books and presentations with fascinating real-life stories, some sad some joyful, that motivate and inspire us to see health and wellness in a new light. On top of all that, he then allows us a peek into the secrets of his own family's superior health.

His extensive world travels to remote places, sometimes on volunteer medical missions, adds to his unique perspective. Gardening, outdoor recreation, cooking, family life and Christian studies are his other passions. His goal with his books and presentations: improving patients lives by empowering them to make wiser healthcare decisions, and empowering doctors with more joyful practices.