Nutritional Medicine Pre-Dates Recorded History

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Nutritional medicine is not a new concept. In fact, the Greek physician Hippocrates, known as the father of modern medicine, recognized the importance of diet and exercise over 2400 years ago in discovering the ability of the body to heal itself.

Today, the principles of medicine set forth by Hippocrates align with the field of nutritional medicine, which advocates for whole-food diets and regular physical activity like walking as part of personalized lifestyle changes to heal adverse conditions.

In addition to the individual impact of consuming and avoiding certain foods, ancient physicians recognized the importance of overall dietary patterns to maintaining health and wellness. So, lifestyle medicine may pre-date recorded history.

Although less standardized than Lifestyle Medicine or Integrative Medicine, Holistic Medicine is also a preventative approach to health that follows the basic principles of Hippocratic Medicine that prescribed diet and exercise to promote healthy living.

Eating Whole Foods Is Enhanced by Daily Exercise

Incorporating regular physical activity into a healthy eating routine can further enhance overall well-being. Exercise not only helps with weight management but also has numerous benefits for the body and mind. It can improve cardiovascular health, boost mood and energy levels, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Discussed below are whole food choices recommended for good health and nutrition, such as:

Whole Grains – Improve your health and well-being by making better food choices. Say goodbye to refined grains like white bread and white rice, and welcome whole grains for a healthier lifestyle. Whole grains help you naturally consume fewer calories.

Colorful Vegetables – One of the main benefits of including colorful plant-based foods in your meals is their high antioxidant content. In addition to their nutritional benefits, colorful fruits and vegetables can also add flavor, texture, and variety to your meals. Let a rainbow of vibrantly colored food benefit your health and wellness.

Whole Fruits (not fruit juices) – Most fruit phytochemicals may not be essential for our vital functions or human nutrients, but they offer valuable health benefits by lowering the risk of various illnesses. Fruits with different colors like green, yellow-orange, red, blue-purple, and white contain phytonutrients crucial for good health.

Nuts, Seeds, Beans, and Plant Proteins – Since beans contain both complex carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and are rich in insoluble fiber, they complete a balanced diet filled with healthy nuts and seeds. Moreover, there are numerous options for nuts, seeds and beans but be sure to enjoy them in moderation to reap the optimal benefits.

Plant Oils – Plant oils are an excellent source of essential fatty acids. They are rich in antioxidants, which help protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that can cause oxidative stress and lead to chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.

Choose minimally processed whole foods like grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, lean proteins (fish, poultry and beans), and plant oils over sugary beverages and highly processed items for weight management. Embrace a whole-food plant-predominant diet emphasizing vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds while minimizing meat, eggs, and dairy for holistic health benefits.

Balanced Living Requires a Healthy Balance

Exercise also helps with weight management by burning calories and increasing muscle mass, leading to a higher metabolic rate. So, next time you think about skipping your workout, remember all the benefits it has to offer beyond just weight loss. Balanced living involves optimizing various aspects of life including relationships, work, fitness, emotional happiness, and good health. So, plan on making healthy lifestyle habits to support your journey.

Achieving optimal health isn't just about physical fitness; it's also about nurturing relationships, managing stress, and finding joy in everyday activities. Take proactive steps like incorporating exercise throughout the day and improving your diet gradually. Keep moving, stay mindful, and make healthy choices for yourself and those around you.

So, let your brain be the driving force towards longevity and overall well-being without any exceptions. Visit MRC to learn more about our personalized menus.