LET FOOD BE THY MEDICINE

Food being utilized as a form of medicine is the future of healthcare. The Center for Integrative Health and the Center for Integrative Nutrition both adopt integrative approaches to healthcare. Ayurvedic medicine, a comprehensive healing system, places a strong emphasis on food as medicine. Ayurveda's health approach revolves around prevention and empowering individuals to take charge of their healing. In contrast, Western medicine often merely treats symptoms, while Ayurveda delves into addressing the root cause. The Gerson Institute, on the other hand, focuses on utilizing diet and elimination methods to treat various medical conditions, originally developed by Dr. Gerson to alleviate his migraine headaches. By making dietary changes, three sons were able to recover from allergies, autism symptoms, asthma, and autoimmune issues. These sons had severe allergies, with one almost losing his life due to pecans in stuffing during Thanksgiving. Their recovery was attributed to incorporating organic food into their diet and nurturing their gut biome. The healthcare industry in the nation has the potential to be transformed, leading to the recovery of families. The laboratory's objective is to enhance transparency in the food system and educate the public about nutritional values and harmful substances. Understanding food quality enables parents to make informed decisions for their families. The demand for healthier food options creates opportunities for farmers to produce food free from harmful chemicals, resulting in increased nutritional benefits. The health of the soil and gut microbiomes significantly impacts overall well-being. Farming played a crucial role in saving a military veteran misdiagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. Medical systems are facing challenges in dealing with tick-borne illnesses. A couple initiated a farming program to cultivate food for their community, constructing raised beds to grow their produce.

In 2014, they embarked on a farming journey and commenced selling their produce to their neighbors. However, they soon realized that their community extended beyond their immediate neighbors to include the patients they encountered during their IV treatments. With a commitment to quality, they cultivated 100% heirloom produce and utilized minimal organic pesticides. To reach a wider audience, they formed a partnership with Christina, enabling them to provide their food to patients who were unable to cook for themselves as well as those who desired to prepare meals for their families. This initiative has proven to be successful, prompting medical doctors to place greater emphasis on nutrition within their curriculum. Gradually, the focus has shifted towards training in biochemical nutrition, as the practical application of memorizing the Krebs cycle forwards and backward is limited. Instead, more attention is being given to the nutritional epidemiology of chronic diseases. In certain medical practices, the primary approach revolves around utilizing food as therapy. The therapeutic order prioritizes the use of food before resorting to medication or invasive procedures. Both Western medicine and Ayurveda emphasize the importance of food synergy and optimizing digestion. Consuming foods that contain the right combination of macronutrients and micronutrients aids in digestion. Ayurveda recognizes the significance of the six tastes, which contribute to the intake of essential micronutrients and support the digestive process. By combining different tastes in meals, food synergy is achieved, leading to enhanced nutrient extraction. Understanding the scientific aspects of food and its impact on digestion is crucial. Knowing which ingredients to incorporate into meals plays a vital role in promoting effective digestion. The six tastes also play a significant role in optimizing healing and creating well-rounded meals. However, it is important to note that raw kale may pose digestion challenges for certain individuals. Gerson therapy, on the other hand, involves reducing protein intake and employing slow, low, and waterless cooking methods. Gerson therapy aims to provide predigested food to support stressed and compromised bodies. Initially, protein restriction is temporary for the first six weeks of the therapy to allow for healing reactions and detoxification.

Following this phase, organic low-fat yogurt or lentils can be introduced as alternative protein sources. The therapy regimen includes a substantial amount of fresh organic produce, accompanied by an intensive juicing routine. Medical food refers to chemically defined compositions that are specifically formulated and approved by the FDA for individuals with specific dietary needs. Unlike real food, medical food is typically available in the form of powders, supplements, and liquids. While medical food serves its purpose, it is important to note that the most beneficial foods for our health are derived from plants, such as nuts, seeds, vegetables, and fruits. Embracing a whole food plant-based diet is widely recognized as the healthiest approach to preventing chronic illnesses. Animal proteins should only constitute a small portion of one's diet, as the typical American diet tends to be heavily skewed toward meats. Incorporating fermented foods into our meals can also contribute to a healthy gut. It is advisable to introduce fermented foods in small doses and even sneak them into sandwiches. Enjoying fermented foods like kefir, cheese, and yogurt can be a delightful addition to our diet. The Olive Wood Garden organization actively promotes the cultivation and utilization of fresh produce. Encouraging the exploration of new foods through the one-bite rule can be a beneficial practice.

It is important to acknowledge that food can influence gene expression and impact our physiology. It is not solely about macronutrients, but also the intelligence within food that affects our overall well-being. The effects of gene expression can occur rapidly and may be reversible. However, the long-term functioning of our genes can be influenced by the diet we choose to follow. Epigenetics plays a role in altering the chemical functioning of our genes, and these changes can have long-lasting effects that may even be inherited. Transitioning to a healthy, plant-based diet can have profound effects on our health. It is advisable to conduct research or seek professional guidance to determine the right foods for our body types. By avoiding unhealthy foods and opting for nutritious choices, we set ourselves on the right path toward well-being. Making conscious decisions about our food can lead to the restoration of our health within a matter of days or weeks. Furthermore, altering our diet can positively impact the composition of our gut microbiome. A whole food plant-based diet plays a crucial role in nourishing beneficial microbes while depriving harmful ones. It is important to acknowledge that making healthy choices and understanding food labels can be challenging endeavors.

Labels such as GMO, non-GMO, and organic can be perplexing and lose their significance. It is crucial to be mindful of the cultivation methods and origins of our food. Certain individuals may experience adverse health effects due to personal sensitivities to specific foods. The prevalence of corn in the United States makes it challenging to avoid. The costliness of genetic testing for GMOs creates uncertainty surrounding organic claims. Even though grains may be labeled as organic, they can still be genetically modified. The California Organic Cert conducts tests to identify genetically modified greens entering the state. Allergic reactions can be triggered by hybridized foods. The speaker noticed a significant improvement in their health by adopting a completely organic or heirloom diet. Paying attention to your body is essential in determining what foods to consume. It is important to listen to your body and honestly assess what makes you feel amazing. Experimenting with different foods can help identify what works best for you. Following the 80/20 rule for your diet and not obsessing over eating perfectly all the time is recommended. The majority of your diet should consist of foods that promote optimal health for your body. It is important not to give up and actively seek opportunities for change and improvement. Being open to the possibility of finding alternative ways to enjoy foods that were previously off-limits is beneficial. Taking small steps can have a significant impact on improving your health. The body needs to eliminate, cleanse, and detoxify to prioritize its well-being. Active involvement and engagement in one's healthcare can have a positive influence on overall health. Making small changes such as monitoring blood pressure or making healthier food choices can lead to improved well-being. Having a plan and being proactive in taking control of your health is empowering. It is crucial to commit to implementing dietary changes, even if it requires time for the body to adapt.

There is optimism for improvement and recovery through self-care and adopting positive lifestyle modifications. Conventional medicine has the potential to disempower patients, as specialists may assert that their diet has no impact on their condition. However, taking responsibility for one's health can significantly alter the course of a disease positively. Empowering patients to make choices that influence the dynamic processes of their bodies is essential. The microbiome and gene expression can be influenced by the diet one follows. Diet and lifestyle serve as the fundamental pillars of good health. Numerous health conditions can be resolved by making alterations to one's diet and lifestyle. If necessary, targeted natural therapeutics and allopathic medicine can be utilized. Exposure to natural elements, such as the soil, can enhance the immune system's strength. Establishing healthy habits from childhood is vital for cultivating a healthy population. Educating children about making appropriate food choices and fostering a connection with nature can aid in the development of healthy habits. Reducing stress, teaching meditation, and making lifestyle modifications can enhance the body's ability to effectively utilize medications. Glyphosate, which is present in many food products, can have detrimental effects on health. It was discovered that glyphosate caused autism symptoms in one individual, but these symptoms vanished after eliminating glyphosate from their diet. Glyphosate is commonly used as a desiccant on grain crops, including non-GMO crops. Ordinary Cheerios exhibit the highest residual rate of glyphosate among the tested breakfast cereals. Opting for organic food is crucial to minimize the toxic load. Vegetarians should exercise caution regarding the elevated levels of glyphosate found in hummus and chickpeas.

Focus on the healing properties of a whole food plant-based diet. Prioritize consuming real food rather than processed food. Give importance to whole, nutritionally dense foods. Take into consideration the option of organic and non-GMO foods. Avoid developing fear towards specific foods or ingredients. Opting for organic fruits and vegetables can lead to improved health outcomes. Non-organic fruits and vegetables that contain pesticides may have lower success rates. It is crucial to have a diverse range of fruits and vegetables to maintain a balanced diet. The presence of pesticides in fruits and vegetables can disrupt the endocrine system and impact fertility. The United States has numerous endocrine disruptors. Organic food is more nutrient-dense and contains fewer toxins compared to conventional food. Research suggests that organic food is richer in nutrients than conventional food. Additionally, organic food has lower levels of toxins compared to conventional food. While it may not be feasible for everyone to eat organic food 100% of the time, it is important to focus on avoiding processed foods and choosing whole foods that are in season. Seasonal eating aligns with the life energy and intelligence of plants, maximizing nutrient density.

Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of returning to basic principles for healing and maintaining a healthy body. According to Ayurveda, our environment has a significant impact on our body. Detoxes and cleanses in Ayurveda aim to eliminate toxins and introduce healing nutrients. Supporting organic and sustainable practices in food production is essential for our overall well-being. The speaker has undergone multiple treatments for cancer and has gained knowledge about the significance of organic and whole foods. The speaker highlights the overreliance on processed foods in society. The speaker shares their journey with treatment and its influence on their dietary habits. They advocate for gradual adjustments towards a more nutritious diet. The speaker emphasizes the advantages of consuming locally-grown produce. They stress the significance of combining scientific analysis with creative approaches in nutrition and healing. The analytical aspect is essential for making informed choices. Trusting our instincts and aligning with nature's cycles are also crucial. Instead of seeing science and art as conflicting, they should be viewed as complementary. Through expanding our knowledge, we can improve our healing journey. In conclusion, it is important to remember that progress is more important than perfection, so take steps forward at your own pace.