Food as Medicine

These are notes from my study so a lot of these are not my words. I've used this avenue to bring you the correct information.

Foods, beverages, plants and other substances from nature have been part of the healing tradition since ancient times. The foods and beverages we choose to consume can have a profound effect on our health and wellbeing.

The therapeutic value of foods and beverages can be a result of the direct biochemical effects of specific constituents. But diet therapy also offers psychological benefits and examples of this are:

Eating iron-rich foods may prevent anaemia-related fatigue or eating white rice, high in soluble fibre, might alleviate some types of diarrhoea
Taking supplements is not the same as getting the nutrients your body needs from whole foods. Getting vitamins and minerals from whole foods provides a perfect harmony of nutrients that our body can use and absorb. Some supplements may help to address a known deficiency eg; B12 may need to be supplemented in a strict vegan diet
Some foods and beverages contain potentially harmful properties such as trans fats and heavy metals and avoiding these may result in health benefits
Foods and beverages that are perceived as pleasureable, trigger neuroleptics and neurotransmitters that create a feeling of wellbeing. So eating foods that appeal to our senses may benefit our health by indirectly altering our biochemistry and physiology
Specifit textures, aromas or tastes of foods can stir up memories, associations and feelings that can influence our health and wellbeing

The focus for using foods and beverages therapeutically is based on the value of dietary patterns rather than viewing any one food as having magical healing properties.

Throughout history humans have come up with theories to explain health and disease. Some of these have withstood the test of time and others have been discarded in the wake of new knowledge or new technology.

It is important to keep in mind that dietary behaviour is only one factor, amongst many, that influence our health, but it can be a powerful factor and one that we choose to change.

Keep an eye out for the blogs to come as we explore this subject more…

Source: Food as Medicine Learning Guide, Nature Care College