Nutritional Medicine Is a Personalized Approach

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Hippocrates is credited with being the first physician to reject superstitions and apply clinical principles to the practice of medicine. Although you may have only recently heard about nutritional or lifestyle medicine, he touted food as medicine 2400 years ago.

The Hippocratic Corpus contains texts that was written for both specialists and laymen. While the original Hippocratic Oath is rarely used today, it still serves as the foundation of medical practice with high morals and an individualized approach.

Nutritional medicine is a personalized approach to healthcare where each person’s dietary needs and preferences are considered as unique to them. This recognizes the intrinsic connection between diet, lifestyle, and well-being. By incorporating healthy habits, individuals can reduce their reliance on medication, improve overall well-being, and potentially avoid developing chronic conditions like obesity using evidence-based interventions to promote health.

Balanced Diet for Better Weight Control

Dieting often fails in the long run and can lead to unhealthy eating patterns. However, focusing on a healthy and balanced diet, controlling portion sizes, and making better food choices can help with weight control. A healthy and balanced diet is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. Discussed below are whole food choices recommended for good health and nutrition, such as:

Whole Grains – According to Mayo Clinic, consuming whole grain foods can help control cholesterol levels, weight, and blood pressure as well as lower the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Whole grains provide important fiber, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.

Colorful Vegetables – Boost metabolism, improve immunity, burn belly fat, and enhance energy levels by incorporating a variety of colorful plant-based foods into your diet. Avoid excessive oil or sodium from canned options and lightly cook colorful vegetables in a plant oil like olive oil for optimal nutritional benefits.

Whole Fruits (not fruit juices) – Adding watermelon to your menu plan is a healthy choice, especially for replacing high-calorie snacks and desserts. Watermelon is 90% water and one of the best fruits to eat when trying to lose and keep it off. It is also a great source of arginine, which is an important amino acid that helps burn stored fat deposits.

Nuts, Seeds, Beans, and Plant Proteins – Nuts, seeds, and legumes are not only nutritious, but they also offer a great deal of versatility in the kitchen. They can be added to salads, used as toppings for yogurt or oatmeal, and even ground up to make healthier versions of classic dishes. This makes it easier to incorporate nuts, seeds and beans into your diet.

Plant Oils – Plant oils have environmental advantages, making them a more sustainable option compared to other types of animal oils. But, remember to choose high-quality, organic plant oils and use them in moderation for optimal results. That way you can enjoy the many benefits that these natural oils have to offer.

Embrace a lifestyle emphasizing whole-food plant-predominant eating patterns by incorporating abundant vegetables, fruits, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds while reducing or eliminating meat and dairy intake for optimal health benefits. Adopting a whole-food, plant-based diet has been shown to improve overall health outcomes and decrease the risk of chronic diseases.

Combined Strategies Lead to Healthy Results

Combining cardio and strength training maximizes fat loss and reduces health risks. Additionally, exercise can improve cognitive function and protect against age-related decline in brain function. It does this by increasing blood flow to the brain. Consistently exceeding basic exercise recommendations can better support long-term weight loss efforts. Sedentary lifestyles and depression are closely linked, with each potentially exacerbating the other.

Walking briskly is a simple way to improve well-being. Along with exercise and healthy eating, including strength training in your fitness routine can also aid in weight loss. Lifestyle choices significantly impact overall health and longevity, with diet and exercise playing vital roles in increasing life expectancy. Prioritizing self-care through proper nutrition, physical activity, adequate sleep, stress management, mental stimulation, and social engagement is key to longevity.