In the quest for health, wellness, and a fulfilling life, the journey can often feel overwhelming. In this discussion, we welcome Dr. Mark Sherwood, a former law enforcement officer turned functional medicine expert, to share insights on how to pursue a healthier lifestyle. With his extensive background, Dr. Sherwood emphasizes the importance of mindset, nutrition, and holistic health practices.
From Law Enforcement to Wellness Advocate
Dr. Mark Sherwood's transition from a law enforcement career to a focus on health is rooted in a deep desire to serve and protect. After years of serving on the SWAT team and engaging with the community, he found that his calling extended beyond the badge. He explains, “The idea of protection and service just really expanded... it’s always been part of who I am.” This pivot is not just a career change but a continuation of his mission to help others.
Emphasizing a Mindset Shift
Dr. Sherwood believes that a significant barrier for many in law enforcement and beyond is the mindset surrounding health and wellness. He notes that cynicism often prevails in high-stress professions, leading to unhealthy habits and a lack of proactive health management. “Cynicism... takes a lot of good people because you’re constantly dealing with this BS factor,” he explains.
He advocates for a mindset that prioritizes wellness, encouraging individuals to look beyond their current circumstances and recognize their potential for a healthier life. “Mindset is driven and trained by a repetitive series of steps... it becomes concrete in who you are,” he adds, stressing the importance of intentional thought patterns.
Identifying Barriers to Wellness
When discussing the challenges faced by law enforcement professionals, Dr. Sherwood highlights a critical issue: leadership. He argues that many officers are blocked from understanding the importance of wellness as a fundamental aspect of safety. “It’s a leadership problem,” he states, noting that without support from the top, initiatives to promote health often fall flat.
Dr. Sherwood’s commitment to helping others achieve total wellness stems from a desire to break this cycle. He aims to create a culture where health is valued and prioritized, leading to better outcomes for individuals and communities alike.
The Role of Functional Medicine
As a proponent of functional medicine, Dr. Sherwood emphasizes a holistic approach to health that considers the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. “Functional medicine is about looking for upstream problems,” he explains, “and preventing downstream diseases.” This proactive approach encourages individuals to take control of their health by addressing root causes rather than merely treating symptoms.
Foundational Pillars of Health
Dr. Sherwood outlines several foundational pillars that he believes are essential for achieving total wellness:
Nutrition: Emphasizing whole foods over processed options, he advises individuals to focus on a diet rich in nutrients.
Hydration: Staying adequately hydrated is crucial for overall health and well-being.
Movement: Regular physical activity is vital for maintaining a healthy body and mind.
Sleep: Prioritizing quality sleep is essential for recovery and overall health.
Mindset: Cultivating a positive mindset is a critical component of wellness.
Nourishing the Body and Mind
Dr. Sherwood stresses the importance of nutrition in achieving optimal health. He argues that many people underestimate the impact of their dietary choices on their overall well-being. “You can’t pill away, hormone away, supplement away poor lifestyle choices,” he asserts. Instead, he encourages individuals to focus on what they put into their bodies, advocating for a diet that prioritizes whole, unprocessed foods.
“You need to begin to bring and supply and plan for that meal,” he advises, emphasizing the importance of meal planning and preparation. He also highlights the role of hydration, noting that many individuals fail to drink enough water, which can lead to various health issues.
The Importance of Supplementation
While Dr. Sherwood advocates for a solid foundation of nutrition, he also recognizes the role of supplementation in supporting health. He recommends a few key supplements that can benefit most individuals:
A high-quality multivitamin
Vitamin D (with K1 and K2)
Omega-3 fatty acids
These supplements can help fill nutritional gaps and support overall health, especially in individuals with dietary restrictions or those who may not be getting adequate nutrients from their food alone.
Addressing Lifestyle Choices
Dr. Sherwood emphasizes that making conscious lifestyle choices is essential for achieving wellness. He encourages individuals to incorporate movement into their daily routines, whether through structured exercise or simply being more active throughout the day. “Every single time you get out of that patrol car, you need to be out walking somewhere,” he advises.
He also stresses the importance of quality sleep and offers practical tips for improving sleep hygiene, such as using blackout curtains and minimizing exposure to blue light before bedtime. “Sleep is crucial for recovery and overall health,” he reiterates.
Understanding the Supplement Industry
As individuals seek to improve their health, Dr. Sherwood warns about the potential pitfalls of the supplement industry. He explains that many supplements on the market may not be effective or safe due to lack of regulation. “You can actually manufacture a supplement line in your own garage with no regulation at all,” he cautions.
He advocates for seeking out reputable brands that adhere to good manufacturing practices and undergo third-party testing to ensure quality and efficacy. “Fifteen to twenty percent more cost, hundred percent more effectiveness,” he notes, emphasizing the value of investing in high-quality supplements.
Finding the Right Healthcare Provider
For those looking to start their wellness journey, Dr. Sherwood offers guidance on finding a suitable healthcare provider. He encourages individuals to search for functional medicine practitioners in their area, reading reviews and asking questions to ensure a good fit. “You can find somebody today. There’s more and more out there,” he reassures.
Dr. Sherwood’s clinic, the Functional Medical Institute, offers resources and support for individuals seeking to improve their health. He invites anyone interested to participate in their free monthly webinars, where they can learn more about functional medicine and ask questions directly. “We’re all about communicating information,” he states, highlighting their commitment to empowering individuals on their health journeys.
Embracing Total Wellness
Dr. Mark Sherwood’s journey from law enforcement to functional medicine serves as an inspiring example of how one can pivot to a life dedicated to health and wellness. By emphasizing the importance of mindset, nutrition, and holistic health practices, he encourages individuals to take control of their well-being and pursue a path toward total wellness.
As we conclude this enlightening discussion, remember that the journey to health is a personal one, filled with opportunities for growth and transformation. Whether you are just starting or looking to enhance your current practices, Dr. Sherwood’s insights offer valuable guidance for anyone seeking to live a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Travis Yates is the co-author of “The Courageous Police Leader” and has been training risk management and leadership for over two decades that have spanned thousands of students and 48 states. After dedicating over 30 years to the law enforcement profession, he is now working full-time consulting and training law enforcement leaders across the country.
Brian Ellis is a retired law enforcement lieutenant with over 25 years of service. He is the co-author of “The Theory of Magnus Ovea”, and his dedication to the theory of leadership led him to the National Command & Staff College, where he and his colleagues launched MAGNUSWorx, an education and data analytics platform dedicated to peak performance and wellbeing. Brian is a speaker, coach, and trainer for government and private organizations, dedicated to promoting leadership, high-performing teams, and providing others with actionable information for personal preparedness and resilience. His work has been featured in various media outlets, including numerous articles, book chapters, and podcasts.
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