“Leave your drugs in the chemist’s pot if you can heal the patient with food.” This is not the ramblings of a heretical mad man but none other than the father of modern medicine.

It’s nothing new. 2 500 years ago, Hippocrates, the greatest physician of his time was already propagating the belief that “food is medicine”.

Although pharmaceutical drugs have their place when it comes to treating serious or life-threatening conditions, as we know, many have serious side effects that lead to a build up of toxins in the body, especially over long-term use.

On the other hand, the “healing powers” of foods have been known and used for centuries, where researchers in the field of nutrigenomics (a branch of genetics looking at diet versus DNA) have succeeded in proving that healthy foods rich in nutrients can assist in healing the body at a cellular level and build strong defences against environmental toxins and disease.

According to a study on the “future of nutrition”, published in the Journal of Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, chronic conditions such as obesity and cardiovascular diseases can be treated at a molecular level, “taking into account the interaction between diet, genes and health.” This links with further extensive evidence supporting that eating certain foods can help to prevent several diseases; including type 2 diabetes, various cancers, autoimmune conditions and mental health disorders.

Hungry for facts?

Here’s what some experts suggest should be eaten to help treat and prevent the following chronic conditions:

• Cancer Numerous studies have found that eating foods rich in antioxidants, like berries may protect against certain cancers. Other cancer-fighting foods, according to WebMD include tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, spinach, carrots, beans, garlic and onions.

• Heart disease According to Healthline, studies have shown that a higher intake in cruciferous vegetables (broccoli), leafy greens, legumes, whole grains, avocados, fatty fish and oils, nuts (walnuts and almonds), olive oil and green tea, berries and even dark chocolate are associated with a decreased risk of heart disease. These foods help to lower “bad” cholesterol and blood pressure, preventing the risk for blood clot formation and stroke. They are also good for keeping blood sugar levels stable, hence assisting in diabetes management.

• Depression Becoming “conscious of which foods impact your mood can help you better manage symptoms of depression” according to Verywellmind. Foods that are good for the mood (and support brain health) include fish, nuts and seeds, poultry, vegetables, tofu as well as Greek yoghurt and fermented foods like sauerkraut and kombucha which are good sources of probiotics.

• Arthritis Foods that help to reduce inflammation can help with joint pain. According to the Arthritis Foundation, following a Mediterranean diet is recommended, i.e. eating mostly fish, nuts and a variety of vegetables. Fruits like grapes, berries and cherries, as well as ginger and garlic also have excellent anti-inflammatory properties.

• Auto-immune disorders Foods rich in vitamins that are known for boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation can help those with auto-immune conditions to feel better and heal their bodies. Health experts recommend following a predominantly plant-based diet, including sulphur rich vegetables like onions, cabbage and broccoli. One can also benefit from adding turmeric spices to foods and drinking green tea.

Bringing it all together in one mouthful… 

Some diseases are incurable, but many are manageable, and there’s so much that you can do, using food to help you nourish a vibrant and healthy lifestyle.

However, you should always consult a health care professional if you’re feeling unwell or have a persistent ailment and should be wary of trying to treat a condition merely with diet without first consulting an expert. 

References:

Alexandra. S. et al. Protective Role of Dietary Berries in Cancer. Available at the Journal of Antioxidants [online] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5187535/

Arthritis Foundation. The Ultimate Arthritis Diet. Available [online]  https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/nutrition/anti-inflammatory/the-ultimate-arthritis-diet

Clarke. J (2020) Foods to help fight depression. Available [online] at https://www.verywellmind.com/foods-for-depression-4156403

Cole. W. 10 Tools To Start Reversing Your Autoimmune Disease. Available at Mind Body Green [online] https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-14583/10-tools-to-start-reversing-your-autoimmune-disease.html

Henning. B. et al (2007) Using Nutrition for Intervention and Prevention against Environmental Chemical Toxicity and Associated Diseases. Available at the Journal of Environmental Health Perspectives [online] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1852675/

Lee. E. Seven (Easy to Find) Foods That May Help Prevent Cancer. Available at WebMD [online] https://www.webmd.com/cancer/features/seven-easy-to-find-foods-that-may-help-fight-cancer#1