The words "you are what you eat" has never been
more apt for the contemporary world than it is in the context of
health-conscious persons. Increasingly hectic lifestyles require greater and
better health for people, thus increasing nutrition concerns about the role
that food plays in health. Many persons have begun to ask if food can be used
as a form of medicine. In this blog we will be talking about the astounding
connection between diet and health-how specific foods may prevent, control, or
even possibly reverse chronic conditions.
Knowing the Food-Medicine Association
The Science of Food as Medicine
Food as a medicine is nothing new. The ancient Greeks and Chinese knew what certain foods could do. Modern science now validates long-held beliefs. Nutrients in food- vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals key to sustained health and prevention of disease.
For instance, antioxidants neutralize the oxidative stress related to chronic diseases: heart diseases, diabetes, and cancer. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds have already been proven to decrease inflammation. Therefore, such nutrient-dense foods could easily be included in our diets, lowering our risks.
Nutrition Healing in Contrast to Regular Treatment
While traditional medicine often focuses on prescription
medicines to treat illness, nutritional healing instead seeks to change diets
to effect healing. It does not necessarily mean that food can replace
medication for everybody or for every condition. In fact, it can simply be a
strong complement to traditional treatments. For instance, a wholesome diet can
improve the effectiveness of medications while minimizing side effects, thereby
helping improve the general health condition.
Foods with powerful medicinal properties
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens include spinach, kale, and Swiss chard, packed
full of nutrient-dense vitamins and minerals, some of which are utterly
essential in enhancing life. These veggies include a high level of vitamins A,
C, and K and the most elemental minerals such as calcium and iron. Fiber in
these green leaves is very present, thus helping digest food properly and goes
a long way to assist the heart. Leafy greens can be the epicenter of a healthy
diet, significantly reducing one's risks for chronic diseases, heart disease,
and certain cancers.
Berries
Berries as an informed choice for snacking or breakfast. Add
them to your morning oatmeal, or simply toss them into a salad, and you are all
set to enjoy these berries-a delicious way to maintain yourself healthy while
satisfying your sweet cravings.
Fatty Fish
Omega 3 fatty acids are present in enormous amounts in fatty
fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. These essential fatty acids have been
very essential in keeping one's health at the best state, reducing
inflammation, and lowering pressure in the blood or hypertension that may
reduce risks of heart diseases. According to the American Heart Association,
this heart-loving effect is associated with two servings of oily fish per week.
Nuts and Seed
They help control the sugar level, hence they are great
munchers. Walnuts and flaxseeds, seem to be the most specialized omega-3 fatty
acids for anti-inflammatory as well as brain depletion. Sprinkle them over your
salad, blend with your smoothies, or simply crunch on them as a snack: nuts and
seeds add nutrition to the spiciness of a meal.
Turmeric
Probably, it is a spice that contains curcumin-its active
principle. Curcumin has been studied and shown to be of potential in the
management of diseases like arthritis. Its consumption may eventually reduce
the risk of certain cancers. Turmeric is great in the addition you make to your
recipes in regard to giving flavor and improving your health.
Garlic
It has been used medicinally since ancient times. Amongst
the various compounds in garlic, it contains one that is proved to reduce blood
pressure and cholesterol in the blood. Garlic also contains a property that
boosts immunity. So, a very healthy addition to your diet, especially during
cold and flu season.
Whole Grains
Whole grains include brown rice, quinoa, and oats, which
contain fiber for digesting food but keeping the blood sugar stable. These food
items also carry essential nutrients that help protect the heart. Highly
convincing evidence which prevails shows that the consumption of whole grains
is associated with prevention of heart diseases, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
Some Helpful Tips on Using Food as Medicine
- Eat
Rainbow: You will ensure that you obtain one of everything by consuming a
rainbow of colorful fruits and vegetables.
- Meal
planning way to make better choices and avoid the processed food aisle.
- Keep
Hydrated: For starters, drinking enough water is, of course, always important
for everyone's health, and herbal teas can help keep you hydrated and carry a
host of other health benefits.
- Avoid
processing foods, as much as possible. Processing contains harmful fats,
sugars, and additives.
- Know Your
Body: It will unravel what those foods do to your body. Not even a food
diary but knowing how bad/good you are with each would really help in this
regard.
Role of Diet in the Management of Diseases
1. Heart disease
Heart attacks and strokes are dramatically lowered by a
heart-friendly diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy
fats. It has been established that dietary fiber causes a natural lowering of
cholesterol levels; Examples of sources of dietary fiber include oats and
legumes.
2. Diabetes
It is highly linked with the blood glucose levels of the
patients diagnosed with diabetes. There are numerous ways you can get in
control of your blood sugar by providing your body with more intake of whole
grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
3. Inflammation
Of course, the entire spectrum of diseases, from autoimmune
to cancer has had links associated with chronic inflammation. Then there's the
anti-inflammatory diet which basically is comprised of high levels of fruits,
vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish, and that will also help reduce and
prevent inflammation. And the reduction in the intake of processed foods,
sugars, and trans fats also contributes toward reducing that inflammation being
reduced.
Conclusion
A body of research continues to grow in support of food as
medicine. Healthy, balanced diets can never replace traditional medical
treatments; however, they will most powerfully improve health and wellbeing.
Such conscious choices, regarding what we eat, provide us with an avenue to tap
into the healing power of food for the prevention and management of chronic
conditions. Applying a wide range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and
healthy fats in your diet leads to healthier living. As you start on your
journey to better health, remember food is not just fuel; it is a strong
supporter in taking you toward wellness.
Please book an appointment with the best Nutritionist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.
