Food Is Medicine

The concept of “Food as Medicine” underscores how dietary choices can activate the body’s natural defenses, helping to prevent illness and promote longevity.

Key foods to incorporate include:

• Leafy Greens (e.g., kale, spinach): Rich in vitamins A and C, these powerhouses enhance immune function and protect against oxidative stress.

• Berries (e.g., blueberries, strawberries): Packed with antioxidants, they combat inflammation and support brain health.

• Fatty Fish (e.g., salmon, mackerel): High in omega-3 fatty acids, these help reduce chronic inflammation and support heart health.

• Nuts and Seeds (e.g., almonds, chia seeds): A source of healthy fats and micronutrients that bolster cellular repair mechanisms.

• Spices (e.g., turmeric, ginger): Their bioactive compounds, like curcumin, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Tailor your diet to include a variety of these nutrient-dense foods daily to optimize your health defenses.

Food AND Medicine: Supporting Recovery During Treatment

During illness or treatment, the right foods can complement medical care, mitigate side effects, and accelerate recovery.

Examples of nutritional strategies for specific needs:

• Cancer Therapy: Include high-protein foods (e.g., eggs, Greek yogurt) to combat muscle loss and fatigue. Ginger tea can alleviate nausea, a common side effect of chemotherapy.

• Post-Surgery Recovery: Focus on vitamin C-rich foods (e.g., oranges, bell peppers) to support wound healing and immune function.

• Chronic Illness Management: Foods like oatmeal and beans, rich in soluble fiber, can stabilize blood sugar and improve gut health.

Tips for integration:

• Work with a registered dietitian and healthcare providers to align your diet with your treatment plan.

• Monitor food-drug interactions with your healthcare team.

• Prioritize small, nutrient-dense meals to ensure adequate intake when appetite is low.

Food IS Medicine: Therapeutic Innovations from Food

Scientific advancements are uncovering how compounds derived from foods can be developed into medicines and supplements with therapeutic potential.

Emerging breakthroughs include:

• Sulforaphane in cruciferous vegetables: Currently being researched for their chemopreventive properties (see spotlight study below).

• Probiotic Innovations: Strains of beneficial bacteria from fermented foods are being harnessed to treat gut-related conditions.

• Curcumin Extracts: Concentrated forms of turmeric’s active compound are now available as anti-inflammatory agents.

• Mushroom-Derived Therapies: Compounds from reishi and lion’s mane mushrooms show promise in enhancing immune function and cognitive health.

Important note: While the study of food-derived supplements is exciting, it’s important to prioritize getting your nutrition from whole foods. Whole foods offer a complex array of nutrients and bioactive compounds that work synergistically to support health. For example, enjoying a variety of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli provides sulforaphane alongside fiber, vitamins, and minerals—a combination not replicable in a pill.

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Best wishes,
- The Angiogenesis Foundation