The Healing Power of Natural Medicine (and Food)
Healing can be an inaccessible and complicated process for many, but you can make it much easier through the medicinal power of food. A study entitled Food is Medicine, on the BMJ, highlights how medically-tailored meals resulted in 49% fewer admissions to hospitals, as well as a 72% reduced admissions to skilled nursing facilities. On top of that, patients enjoyed a 16% reduction in overall health costs because of how nutritious and accessible food was.
As a nutritional therapist and after years of work in the field, Mark Dana Mincolla Ph.D. can affirm how food can positively transform your body’s state. To illustrate, here are some conditions that can be improved through the medicinal power of food:
Improved Thyroid Function Many individuals overlook their thyroid health, not knowing that poor thyroid function can actually cause numerous ailments and diseases.
Our article on Low Thyroid function quotes Dr. Broda Barnes who stated that 64% of the most common medical conditions are the result of undiagnosed low thyroid function. Unfortunately, about 40% of Americans suffer from undiagnosed hypothyroid function, making them susceptible to weight gain, fatigue, and even mental illnesses. Recognizing the prevalence of low thyroid function, Mark Mincolla recommends natural medicines like vitamin A, vitamin B complex, iron, selenomethionine, and zinc gluconate. These natural remedies manage your thyroid hormones, therefore boosting your optimal health.
Stronger Mental Well-Being
Low thyroid function can also cause mental illnesses like depression and anxiety, which is why the right food plays an especially important role.
Maryville University’s insights into the future of psychology highlights how medical professionals are starting to recognize the impact of food and vitamins on one’s mental health. In fact, researchers are showing that the healing properties of food can improve how one thinks and feels since poor dietary habits can further exacerbate one’s mental illness. To illustrate, individuals with depression are encouraged to consume food rich in vitamin B and zinc due to their roles in mood regulation and brain health.
Better Heart Health Your everyday diet is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which happens to be the leading cause of death worldwide. Given the prevalence of these illnesses, a registered dietitian from the University of Reading recommends a natural food source that can help lower one’s risk of cardiovascular diseases. According to research, individuals can lower their risk of cardiovascular disease by 16% and coronary heart disease by 21% by eating two or more servings of avocado each week. Avocado happens to contain lots of dietary fiber, fatty acids, and micronutrients, making them suitable for individuals who want to improve their heart health.
Reduced Inflammation Heart diseases are just one of the most common illnesses that stem from inflammation. Dr. Mark Mincolla pays a lot of attention to inflammation since inflammatory foods can increase one’s risk of cardiovascular illnesses, some cancers, arthritis, and more. This is backed up by research from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, which discovered that dietary patterns with higher inflammatory potential can lead to heart diseases and stroke. The researchers thus recommend consuming food sources that can reduce inflammation, such as green leafy vegetables, yellow vegetables, and whole grains. These natural food sources contain high levels of antioxidants and fiber, making them a natural medicine against chronic inflammation.
The right dietary practices can be easily followed at home, which is why it’s crucial to maximize the healing power of natural medicine and food. By incorporating these healthy options in your daily life, you can reduce your health costs and vastly improve your quality of life.
by Mirabelle Sylvester
