Hippocrates Could Be the Father of Nutritional Medicine

---

The Greek philosopher and physician believed in the body's natural ability to heal and balance itself, and his teachings at the Hippocratic School of Medicine focused on promoting natural processes to improve patients’ health and well-being.

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.

Ancient Greek and Roman physicians understood that each nutrient plays a unique role in maintaining bodily functions, and deficiencies or excesses of these nutrients can lead to imbalances and disease, which pave the way for nutritional medicine.

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.

Whole Foods Help Manage Calorie Intake

Consuming too many calories can lead to weight gain, while eating too few calories can slow down metabolism and make weight loss more difficult. By being mindful of serving sizes, individuals can better manage their calorie intake and achieve a healthy body weight. In addition to the type and amount of food consumed, the quality of food is also important.

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

Whole Grains – Make the switch from refined grains to whole grains like oatmeal, barley, and brown rice to boost metabolism, reduce belly fat, and control weight. Including nutrient-rich whole grains in your diet can help lower cholesterol levels, decrease diabetes risk, promote weight loss, and enhance overall health.

Colorful Vegetables – Consuming a diet filled with colorful fresh produce can boost wellness and help you maintain a healthy weight. Their vibrant hues come from phytochemicals that offer a wealth of nutrients and health benefits. Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals in the body, which can damage cells.

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 – Chia and flax seeds are both very nutritious and offer similar benefits for heart health, blood sugar levels, and digestion. Pistachios are a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Nuts, seeds and beans contain antioxidants and fiber that may aid in reducing disease risk; but consume them in moderation.

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.

Make informed decisions to enhance your overall well-being through healthy eating habits. While there may be concerns about obtaining enough essential nutrients on a plant-based diet, by choosing a variety of whole plant foods and including fortified products, it is possible to meet all nutrient requirements.

Physical Activities Help Burn Calories

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 towards healthy living for life.

Incorporating a balance of physical activity, nutritious eating habits, and mindfulness practices into your daily routine can help you live a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life. It also creates a ripple effect, inspiring others to make positive changes. 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.