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Let’s Look into the ‘Food as Medicine’ Trend

by | Jun 23, 2022 | Issues, Lifestyle, Special Issue - Dr. Beau Daniels | 0 comments

Eating organic and unprocessed foods has many benefits for your overall health. The 'food as medicine' trend can help you achieve this goal!   What is 'Food As Medicine'? While...

Eating organic and unprocessed foods has many benefits for your overall health. The ‘food as medicine’ trend can help you achieve this goal!

 

What is ‘Food As Medicine’?

While this trend is a relatively new concept in the Western world, ‘food as medicine’ is based on ancient philosophy. The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates is famously quoted saying, let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food. This simple, yet powerful statement encapsulates the essence of the ‘food as medicine’ trend: that what we eat directly impacts our health.

‘Food as medicine’ has been gaining increasing popularity in recent years, as more and more people recognize the power of food to improve overall health and well-being. With its emphasis on nutrient-dense foods that can prevent and treat diseases, the ‘food as medicine’ trend advocates for eating a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods that nourish the body from the inside out.

Some of the key principles of this trend include incorporating nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains into your diet, thus using food as an alternative to conventional medicine when possible. Whether you’re looking to improve your overall health or manage a specific condition such as diabetes or heart disease, following the ‘food as medicine’ trend principles can help you achieve your health and wellness goals.

 

Is the ‘Food as Medicine’ Trend Effective?

The Mediterranean diet perfectly encapsulates the ‘food as medicine’ trend. This diet, which consists of plenty of fruits, vegetables, olive oil and fish, is heart-healthy and beneficial for preventing diabetes and other chronic diseases.

Some research supports the idea that food can be used as medicine. For example, a recent study found that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables may help reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer. Another study found that eating fish may help improve cognitive function and protect against Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition, several specific foods can effectively treat or prevent certain conditions. For example, ginger effectively treats nausea, while garlic is effective in treating high blood pressure.

There is substantial evidence to support the idea that food can be used as medicine. However, it is essential to remember that food is not a magic bullet. It is only one part of a healthy lifestyle. Other factors, such as exercise, stress management and getting enough sleep, are vital for maintaining good health.

 

How to Use ‘Food as Your Medicine’

The ‘food as medicine’ trend is all about using food to improve your health. This means eating more nutrient-rich foods and avoiding processed and junk foods.

Here are some tips on how you can start using this approach in your own diet:

  • Eat more whole foods: Whole foods contain minimally processed ingredients that haven’t lost any of their natural nutrients. They include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
  • Avoid processed and junk foods: These foods are often high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats. They can also lack essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins and minerals.
  • Incorporate nutrient-rich foods into your diet: Some foods are particularly good for providing essential nutrients that can improve your health. These include items like wild-caught fish, leafy greens and berries.
  • Consider using supplements: If you’re not getting enough of certain nutrients from your diet, you may want to consider taking supplements. This is especially important if you have any specific health concerns that need to be addressed.
  • Speak with a healthcare professional: If you’re not sure how to incorporate ‘food as medicine’ into your diet or if you have any specific health concerns, it’s always a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional. They can help you create a customized plan that’s right for you.

 

What Foods Can I Eat with ‘Food as Medicine’?

There are several different ways to eat ‘food as medicine.’ One way is to focus on eating whole, unprocessed foods. These foods are typically rich in nutrients and antioxidants, which can help protect the body against diseases. Another way to eat ‘food as medicine’ is to focus on specific foods with proven health benefits. For example, research has shown that certain berries can help improve brain function, while other studies have shown that garlic can help lower cholesterol levels.

Some of the most commonly recommended foods include fruits and vegetables, lean proteins like fish and poultry, whole grains, nuts and seeds and healthy fats such as olive oil or avocado. Based upon the principles of ‘food as medicine,’ these foods will help you regain your health and well-being.

 

A Parting Reminder

While food can be a powerful tool in the fight against illness, it should not be viewed as a cure-all for every health issue. Instead, it should be used as one part of a holistic approach to wellness that includes diet and other lifestyle factors. If you’re interested in exploring the ‘food as medicine’ trend, plenty of resources are available to help you get started. You can also speak with a registered dietitian or certified nutritionist to get customized advice on making the ‘food as medicine’ approach work for you.

Drew B

Drew B

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