Food as Medication for Chronic Illnesses

It has always been known, but it demands reiteration: Beyond simply satisfying hunger and certain cravings, food greatly affects people’s overall well-being.

And at a time when the number of people diagnosed with chronic illnesses are on a steep incline — alongside healthcare costs — it is more than worthwhile to revisit one’s diet, and see if it is helping the case of an improved life despite persisting health issues.

Turning food as both your sustenance and medicine against a chronic illness today, how can you make that happen?

Food as Medicine in the Early Days

Using food as a form of medicine is far from new, with roots tracing back to thousands of years past. From the Greeks to the Chinese people, these early societies understood that dietary choices could be harnessed to prevent and treat various ailments.

Ancient Greece: Hippocrates and the Humoral Theory

The “father of medicine”, Hippocrates, believed in the humoral theory of medicine. In essence, this posited that the body’s health depended on the balance of four bodily fluids, or humors: blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile. And when it comes to maintaining this balance, diet plays a crucial role, with specific foods even prescribed to “restore equilibrium” when the humors were believed to be in disharmony.

Ancient China: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

In ancient China, the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) were developed over centuries. Central to TCM is the idea of balancing the body’s vital energy, or “qi,” which is influenced by the foods one consumes. Different foods were classified as “warming” or “cooling” and were prescribed based on an individual’s specific health condition.

For example, ginger was often used to warm the body and stimulate digestion, while foods like watermelon were considered cooling and used to reduce internal heat.

Ancient Egypt: The Ebers Papyrus

One of the oldest medical texts in existence that dates back to around 1550 BC, the Ebers Papyrus contains numerous references to the use of food and herbs as remedies for various ailments. Ancient Egyptians specifically recognized the healing properties of garlic, onions, and honey, which were frequently employed to treat infections, digestive issues, and wounds.

Indigenous Healing Traditions

Indigenous cultures around the world have long relied on their knowledge of local plants and foods to address health challenges. From the use of medicinal herbs in Native American traditions to the healing properties of specific diets in Aboriginal Australian communities, these practices highlight the profound wisdom of early societies in harnessing the therapeutic potential of their natural surroundings.

Ayurveda in India

The ancient Indian system of Ayurveda, which dates back over 5,000 years, places a strong emphasis on dietary choices for maintaining optimal health. Ayurvedic texts provide detailed guidelines for personalized diets based on an individual’s constitution or “dosha.” This holistic approach to nutrition aims to balance the body’s energies and promote longevity.

These historical examples illustrate that the concept of using food as medicine has been deeply embedded in various cultures for millennia. Early societies recognized the intricate relationship between diet and health, paving the way for modern science to explore, validate, and build up on these ancient wisdoms.

How the Modern Society Undervalues Food as a Medication

Today, the significance of food as a form of medication is often overshadowed or even dismissed. Primarily, because of these contributing factors:

• Lack of nutritional education: In many parts of the world, nutritional education is often lacking or insufficient. People may not fully understand the connection between their dietary choices and their health. This knowledge gap can result in poor dietary habits and a failure to leverage food as a proactive means of disease prevention.
• Disconnection from food sources: Many people in urbanized areas have become increasingly disconnected from the sources of their food. This disconnection can result in a lack of appreciation for the nutritional value of fresh, whole foods and an overreliance on processed alternatives, like the rampant convenience foods.
• The food industry’s marketing tactics: This sector invests heavily in promoting products that are, at most, high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, which consumers tend to ingest. Factors that play into this decision may include piqued interest, affordability, and novelty. Over time, without knowing, these business-focused ploys shapes consumer preferences.
• Quick-fix mentality: In our fast-paced society, people often seek quick solutions to health issues. The allure of instant relief through medication can overshadow the slower, but often more sustainable, benefits of dietary changes.
• Pharmaceutical dominance: Pharmaceutical interventions have undoubtedly saved countless lives and played a vital role in managing chronic diseases. The downside: They have, in some cases, eclipsed the focus on dietary solutions — emphasizing drug-based treatments over lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes.

With these in the equation, the need to reevaluate the role of food in our lives and healthcare systems becomes more crucial to address.

While modern medicine has its place, a holistic approach that values food as a form of medication can complement and enhance the available medical treatments of today. Understandingly, this will require a combination of education, policy changes, and some kind of a cultural shift.

Chronic Illnesses and Their Fitting Diet

Each chronic condition has its unique set of challenges, and a well-planned diet can play a pivotal role in disease management. Outlined here are a few cases — for your own reference, or that of other people around you who might benefit.

Celiac Disease: The Gluten-Free Diet

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by the consumption of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Those with celiac disease must follow a strict gluten-free diet to prevent intestinal damage and related symptoms. This diet involves choosing naturally gluten-free foods like rice, corn, and gluten-free grains, and avoiding any cross-contamination with gluten-containing products.

Cancer: Nutrient-Dense Diet

While diet alone cannot prevent nor cure cancer, a nutrient-dense diet can support overall health and potentially reduce the risk of cancer. This includes consuming a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and foods rich in antioxidants. Adequate hydration and moderation in alcohol and processed meats are also important factors in cancer prevention.

Diabetes: The Glycemic Index Diet

Characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, diabetes often necessitates close attention to carbohydrate intake. The Glycemic Index (GI) diet focuses on choosing foods that have a lower impact on blood sugar levels. It emphasizes complex carbohydrates with a gradual release of glucose, such as whole grains, legumes, and non-starchy vegetables, while limiting high-GI foods like sugary snacks and processed grains. Portion control and balanced meals can likewise help stabilize blood sugar and prevent further complications.

Heart Disease: The Mediterranean Diet

Heart disease is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, and diet plays a vital role in its prevention and management. The Mediterranean diet — which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins (especially fish), and heart-healthy fats (olive oil and nuts) — has been extensively studied and shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications. It promotes a lower intake of saturated fats and processed foods, which can contribute to cholesterol buildup and high blood pressure.

High Blood Pressure: DASH Diet

While medications can be effective in managing hypertension, dietary modifications can also play a crucial role in blood pressure control. One dietary approach that has gained widespread recognition for its efficacy in reducing blood pressure is the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet. This focuses on increasing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy while limiting sodium intake. All the while, it also offers broad cardiovascular benefits, including improved cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of heart disease.

Inflammatory Conditions: The Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and psoriasis can benefit from an anti-inflammatory diet. This diet focuses on foods that reduce inflammation in the body, such as fatty fish (rich in omega-3 fatty acids), berries, leafy greens, and nuts. Avoiding pro-inflammatory foods like sugary snacks, processed meats, and trans fats can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life for individuals with these conditions.

Kidney Disease: The Renal Diet

Kidney disease often requires a specialized diet to manage the buildup of waste products in the blood. The renal diet involves stringent restrictions on protein, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium intake while ensuring essential nutritional needs are met. For example, instead of high-protein animal sources like red meat, individuals might opt for lower-protein alternatives like fish or poultry to reduce the burden on their kidneys. They would also be better off picking up low-phosphorus foods such as rice or pasta instead of high-phosphorus one like dairy products. Moreover, high-potassium fruits and vegetables like bananas and potatoes are moderated to maintain healthy potassium levels in the body.

Be these as they may, still remember that individual dietary needs can vary based on the severity of the chronic illness and other factors like age, gender, and activity level. Consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian is essential to create a personalized diet plan tailored to the specific requirements of each chronic condition.

In many cases, dietary adjustments can complement medical treatments and improve the quality of life for those living with chronic illnesses.

Start Cultivating a Diet That Best Benefits You

People often look to a gamut of medicines and medical procedures for their sustained well-being amid their journey with chronic illnesses — and for good reasons. Still, it is imperative not to pass up on the timeless wisdom that has since stood the test of time: “Let food be thy medicine.”

Seek out free resources that can help you better understand your needs so you can begin the work of personalizing the best diet for you, and if possible, reach out to healthcare professionals who can further help tailor-fit it.