Food as medicine is a debated concept to some. To others, it can be a way of living and living for the better. As a Certified Nutrition Coach and Personal Trainer, I take food rather seriously. I am a firm believer that the food we eat is either working for us or against us. However, I am not alone.
The History of Food as Medicine
There is a famous quote you may have heard before, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”. This is a quote credited to Hippocrates, who is often referred to as the Father of Modern Medicine. Hippocrates believed that good health was a result of eating healthy foods, avoiding overeating, and getting exercise. These are three beliefs I agree with, but Hippocrates isn’t the only example of medical experts suggesting the importance of what we eat, and how it affects our health. [1]
The history of Ayurvedic medicine, an ancient Indian medical system, is rooted in understanding the effects different foods have on our body and mind. Turmeric, for example, is a natural herb that is commonly used in traditional Ayurvedic practices. Several research studies support the medicinal benefits of turmeric for relieving pain and reducing inflammation. [2]
Food as Medicine Today
There are numerous studies on how foods impact human health. If you aren’t into reading studies, try checking out some food documentaries that sum up the research in 90 minutes or less. Some ones I would personally recommend are Forks Over Knives, Fed Up, and What The Health. All of these food documentaries have great commentary, backed by scientific data, that gets explained in an entertaining way.
Fair warning though, learning more about how important food is to your health can change how you think about food. That may be a good thing, but it can also be overwhelming at times.
The best way to approach any sort of changes in what you eat, or habits in your lifestyle, is to start small and progress slowly. Simply drinking more water and eating one or two new fruits and vegetables a day can go a long way towards living a healthy life.
References:
1. Smith, W. “Hippocrates”. Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 May. 2020, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hippocrates.
2. A Ayurvedic Medicine: In Depth. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Jan. 2019. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/ayurvedic-medicine-in-depth
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