Food Medicine

"A supplement is only as good as the diet that accompanies it. The importance of eating a healthy, well-balanced diet designed to provide all of the necessary nutrients cannot be overstated. Food contains many more beneficial substances, such as phytochemicals and fiber, that promote good health and cannot be duplicated with a pill or a regimen of supplements. Therefore, vitamins and other dietary supplements should never be a substitute for food. Nutrients should always be derived from food first. Poor dietary choices and a sedentary lifestyle account for about 300–600 thousand deaths every year according to the US Department of Health and Human Services. The typical North American diet is too high in saturated fat, sodium, and sugar, and too low in fiber in the form of whole fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to keep people healthy. With so many threats to optimal health, it is vital to address factors under personal control, namely dietary and lifestyle choices. A diet that supplies the body with the needed energy and nutrients daily will result in efficient body functioning and protection from disease. Sound nutritional choices can also support individuals undergoing treatment for short-term or chronic conditions. Finding a balance between nutritional needs and concerns about drug interactions can hasten recovery, improve quality of life, and minimize the side effects from treatment protocols."