Over the centuries, cultures around the world have used food principles as a treatment for various ailments, acute or chronic.
In the Western world, this concept of food as a medicine is now increasingly promoted, due to several factors, from lack of trust in the medical-pharmaceutical system, to the rejection of synthetic substances and the full embrace of the idea of natural -healthy-without risks or actually looking for an alternative as gentle as possible. Decades of scientific research have supported the idea of integrating nutrition into health management. However, the role of diet and food in the prevention and treatment of diseases compared to conventional medicine raises questions when it comes to generalizing the concept and universal applicability.
There is talk of a global epidemic of chronic diseases related to dietary options, one in five deaths worldwide is attributed to a suboptimal diet, thus overcoming all the classic risk factors, such as tobacco or alcohol. Therefore, the food-drug used to prevent, manage and treat diseases does not seem to be an out-of-the-ordinary concept, given that food has a major impact on overall health. However, diet alone cannot and should not replace medicines in all situations because although many diseases can be prevented, treated or even cured through changes in diet and lifestyle, there are many that cannot be influenced in this way.
Health benefits of food
A balanced nutrition with an optimal content of proteins, fats and carbohydrates offers more chances for a strong immune system, lower risk of diabetes or cardiovascular disease, safer pregnancies and in general, a longer lifespan and quality of the good life. Even the World Health Organization supports the idea that nutritional status is linked to the effectiveness and responsiveness of the immune system.
Accordingly, for a healthy cardiovascular system, the American Heart Association recommends diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, vegetables, and vegetable or lean meat proteins. At the same time, it is recommended to avoid products with added sugar, salt above the set limit, saturated fats and alcohol.
Good news for the liver brings carotenoids, antioxidants commonly found in vegetables and fruits and introduced into the daily diet can lead to improved liver function.
Controlling diseases with food
For the management of the disease achieved with the help of nutrition there is solid medical evidence that has clearly demonstrated the link between food and the effective management of certain specific, chronic or acute health problems.
High-fiber foods lower blood glucose levels for patients with pre-diabetes or diabetes, thus preventing blood vessel and nerve problems associated with hyperglycemia. Sufficient fiber intake is also useful for chronic or acute constipation, helping to achieve a normal intestinal transit and feeding beneficial bacteria in the intestinal flora.
Consumption of foods such as vegetables and fruits contributes to good overall health, ensuring the intake of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals that the human body needs. Insufficient intake of vitamins C or D can lead to immune system dysfunction and increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
The Omega-3 fatty acids we benefit from when we eat fish help reduce inflammation and improve heart and immune system health.
A scientific study has shown that in the case of breast cancer, a healthy diet has helped patients to have milder symptoms of nausea and has been found to improve appetite.
Conclusion
The incidence of chronic diseases is increasing and implicitly this entails higher costs of healthcare. The idea of food-medicine, of nutrition that manages to manage various pathologies is also attractive from an economic point of view because it would reduce the costs for the National Health Houses.
On the other hand, while “food as a medicine” can help some patients manage their disease, with the improvement of symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease, it should not be used as a stand-alone treatment, but as a supplement to medical therapy recommended by the doctor. .
An unhealthy diet can help trigger various ailments, but the risks of disease are complex and cannot be attributed solely to diet. Aspects related to genetics, pollution, stress, age, sex, work environment, lack of exercise, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are also involved in pathological mechanisms.
Valentina Ghimpau
Health from Specialist Pharmacist,
Thank you for reading me!
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