In recent years, a remarkable shift has taken place in the way people perceive their health and wellness. The concept of “food as medicine” has gained significant momentum, as Americans embrace what your grandparents knew: Nutrition can have a powerful impact on your overall health and well-being.
Let’s delve into the growing awareness of food as medicine in the USA, shedding light on the importance of nutrition in combating diseases and why there is a growing demand for nutrition services.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrition:
While conventional medicine certainly plays a role in treating certain conditions, there is a growing realization that a well-balanced diet can be equally important. The foods we consume provide us with essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that our bodies require to function optimally. Research has consistently shown that poor dietary choices are strongly linked to chronic diseases such as heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Statistics on Diseases Affected by Nutrition:
Let’s take a closer look at some alarming statistics that highlight the connection between nutrition and disease:
- Heart Disease: Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that it is responsible for 655,000 deaths annually. A poor diet, high in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium, contributes significantly to the development of heart disease.
- Obesity: The obesity epidemic has reached alarming levels, affecting both adults and children. In the USA, more than 42% of adults are considered obese, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A nutrient-poor diet, coupled with sedentary lifestyles, is a significant contributing factor to this epidemic.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Diabetes has become a widespread health concern, with over 34 million Americans living with the disease. Poor nutrition and over-consumption of sugary drinks and processed foods can cause type 2 diabetes. This condition can be prevented or managed through dietary changes.
- Cancer: Nutrition plays a critical role in cancer prevention and management. The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately one-third of all cancer deaths in the United States are linked to poor diet, physical inactivity, and excess weight.
The Growing Demand for Nutrition Services:
As the strong link between nutrition and health becomes better known, it has caused an increase in the need for nutrition services. People are looking for advice from qualified professionals such as dietitians, nutritionists, nutrition coaches, and holistic healthcare providers. They’re looking for help to make informed decisions about their diet and reach their health goals.
- Weight management: Obesity rates are increasing. Many people are turning to professionals to help them create individualized meal plans and make healthier dietary choices. Nutrition services can provide guidance on portion control, meal preparation, and adding nutrient-dense foods into daily diets.
- Disease Prevention and Management: People are becoming more aware of their health. They are looking for nutrition services to prevent and manage chronic diseases. Healthcare professionals with expertise in nutrition can give tailored dietary advice. This advice can help individuals decrease their risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
- Sports Performance: Athletes and fitness enthusiasts recognize the pivotal role nutrition plays in optimizing performance. Nutrition services can offer personalized strategies to enhance athletic performance, improve recovery, and ensure proper nutrient intake.
- Mental Health and Well-being: There is growing evidence that nutrition can have a significant impact on mental health. Nutrient deficiencies and imbalances have been linked to conditions such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Nutrition services can provide guidance on optimizing mental well-being through dietary choices.
The current paradigm of healthcare – treating symptoms with drugs and surgery – is shifting towards a more holistic approach of discovering root causes, and prevention of disease. This has led to the concept of “food as medicine” gaining ground.
Discovering what nutrients your body needs to reach your health goals is key. A qualified Nutrition Response Testing® practitioner can help with this. Get tested so you can start to work on your health goals. Once you have been tested, you will get a personalized, clinically designed nutrition plan that you can easily follow.
