Food Isn’t Medicine

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It is also important to consider how foods interact with medications. This is referred to as drug-nutrient interaction, which may enhance or interrupt the effect of a medication in the body.

Don't demonise any food is the message of this book, which is what he then does that with saturated fat. However, it can also be a source of misinformation and sharing of unverifiable information, especially where “food as medicine” or alternative medicinal therapies are concerned. Advocates believe better targeted, supported and funded prescriptive approaches are needed and that’s where the idea of food as medicine comes in. Wu and colleagues recently conducted a study involving 50 people with type 2 diabetes who were finding it hard to afford enough food. The group were “prescribed” a free box of fresh fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, lean meats and dairy – delivered to their home every week. They also had regular access to a dietician and were given recipes and advice on how to prepare healthy food using the ingredients.Thus, while “food as medicine” may support disease management by improving symptoms and slowing disease progression in some diseases, it must not be used as a stand-alone treatment, rather in conjunction with appropriate medical therapy. Fueled by misinformation However, “food as medicine” is not a cure for all and should be used in conjunction with appropriate medical treatment.

Clare Collins, a nutrition and dietetics professor at the University of Newcastle, says she would like to see nutrition managed care plans – similar to the mental health treatment plans currently subsidised by Medicare – that give people access to dieticians and nutritionists who can help overcome at least some of the barriers to healthy eating. It is focused on the increased consumption of a variety of whole, minimally-processed plant-based foods, and limited intakes of highly processed foods rich in added sugar, oil, and salt. Food as medicine” is a practice built on the knowledge that food and diet play important roles in disease prevention and management.

I love Dr Joshua Wolrich because of his no BS drive to make the world a better place. His advocacy mixed with his knowledge is wonderful. Kenzie Brenna (@kenziebrenna)