Food is primary care: the role of food in preventing and managing chronic diseases
Long a blind spot of medicine, nutrition has stepped into focus in recent years. Yet it can be a powerful tool to promote a healthy life, if used correctly. "Food Is Medicine" is defined as the provision of healthy food resources to prevent, delay, manage, or treat specific clinical conditions in coordination with the health care system.
December 7, 2023 | Francine Blinten, MBA, MS, CCN, CNS
Long a blind spot of medicine, nutrition has stepped into focus in recent years. Yet it can be a powerful tool to promote a healthy life, if used correctly. "Food Is Medicine" is defined as the provision of healthy food resources to prevent, delay, manage, or treat specific clinical conditions in coordination with the health care system.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, six out of every ten adults in the United States have at least one chronic disease, and about four in ten have two or more chronic diseases. Chronic diseases are conditions of long-term duration and require ongoing medical care; they include cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, hypertension, cancer, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and osteoporosis, among others. Healthful nutrition practices are an essential component of efforts to prevent or control these diseases.
While nutrition cannot replace medicine, it can be an important part of a care plan; one the patient can control. Importantly, people are demanding it and if their healthcare providers are not incorporating therapeutic lifestyle options in their patient encounters, they will seek it out elsewhere, often from scientifically unsupported sources.
Fortunately, several organizations and associations are recommending guidelines, research, and funding for food as medicine programs. The American Heart Association (AHA) recently called for more research on integrating food and nutrition into healthcare. In September 2022, the AHA launched a Food Is Medicine research initiative designed to determine the impact of nutrition-based interventions on disease prevention and treatment, compared with standard medical care.
The National institute of Health published a study that showed preventable cancer burden is associated with poor diet in the United States, which means we can decrease our risk of cancer by maintaining a healthy diet.
Another example is preventing diabetes: the National Diabetes Prevention Program is the CDC-recognized lifestyle change program, a research-based program focusing on healthy eating and physical activity which showed that people with prediabetes who take part in a structured lifestyle change program can cut their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58% (71% for people over 60 years old).
Below are some examples of how your healthcare providers can integrate nutrition in their care, empowering clients to live a healthy lifestyle.
- Providing educational materials such as handouts on diet related disease with sample meal plans and recipes.
- Providing support for clients experiencing treatment related side effects. Dietary modifications can provide symptom relief so they can better tolerate treatment.
- Appropriate referrals to dietitians or nutritionists. A feedback loop is crucial so providers can reinforce diet recommendations during patient visits.
- Nutrition competency training for staff so everyone can participate in the effort and provide support.
Here's what you can do on a daily basis to improve your eating habits and lower your risk of chronic disease, or manage its symptoms:
- Prioritize Plant-Based Foods
- Increase the proportion of plant-based foods in your diet, such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Limit Processed Foods and Sugars
- Reduce the intake of processed foods, sugary snacks, and beverages. Opt for whole, unprocessed foods to minimize added sugars and artificial ingredients.
- Choose Healthy Cooking Methods
- Opt for cooking methods such as baking, grilling, steaming, and sautéing instead of deep frying. These methods help retain the nutritional value of food.
- Include Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Incorporate sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, which are beneficial for heart and brain health.
- Regular Physical Activity
- Combine a healthy diet with regular physical activity for optimal health. Exercise contributes to overall well-being and can complement the benefits of a nutritious diet.
- Consult with Healthcare Professionals
- Seek advice from healthcare professionals, such as registered dietitians or nutritionists, for personalized guidance based on individual health needs and goals.
- Cultivate Healthy Eating Habits
- Aim for consistency in making healthy food choices, and view food as a form of self-care. Cultivate a positive relationship with food for long-term well-being.
