The popular phrase, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food,” is one often ascribed to Hippocrates, known as the father of medicine (400 BC). For most persons, myself included, this phrase speaks volumes of the role and value of nutrition in preventing or curing diseases. The question often asked is, can food be medicine? First, let me acknowledge this question as one of vital importance. Second, let me highlight a few nutrients and their roles within the human body.
The food we eat, which makes up our diet, plays a significant role in disease causation or prevention. Furthermore, it is vital to the function and well-being of the human body to provide the nutrients the body needs that communicate specific messages. There are seven major groups of nutrients within foods, these are:
1).Carbohydrates: This is a major source of energy for the body.
2).Proteins: Nutrients that help the body to build, maintain, and repair tissues.
3).Fats: Help the body transport fat-soluble vitamins and can also be a source of energy.
4).Vitamins: Participate in different types of body metabolism processes—for example, building and maintaining healthy bones.
5).Minerals: Needed to help the body regulate varied functions. Also, minerals supply the body with essential nutrients.
6).Fiber: Nutrients that help to prevent constipation; this is listed among other health benefits that are important to know.
7).Water: Helps the body stay hydrated, transport nutrients, and remove waste.
Each major nutrient mentioned above provides the body with a host of different functions and benefits. I was just able to list a few. Now, can food be medicine? The reality is the nutrients from foods are essential to the nourishment of the body’s organs and provide resources for maintenance and repair. For example, inflammation causes pain in the body and has been linked to many major diseases. But a diet that provides the body with anti-inflammatory properties can supply antioxidants and polyphenols – protective compounds that are known to help the cells recover from damage. So, the foods we eat contain properties that can address specific health problems or concerns. In the event a health problem needs other interventions such as medications, your doctor, who is acting in line with evidence-based science and principles, may prescribe tertiary interventions for treatment.
Nonetheless, we eat food every day, so why not eat healthier foods for increased benefits and functional health? Foods are a top priority in the fight against chronic disease. Foods set the body on a path toward prevention or reversal. Foods provide the body with risk reduction towards chronic disease development while sending clear messages to the cells of the way forward.
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Rico