"Food is Medicine"
Have you ever heard that term and wondered what exactly does it mean? Sure it sounds nice. Like "natural" or "healthy" but what does it really mean? When I go to the doctor they don't prescribe food like they do medicine. But what if the doctors of the future did? And what if the future is now?
I like to think it is. And being just over half way through my Integrative and Functional Nutrition degree program, I think I can finally bring these two things together in a way that makes the most sense.
Food is made from molecules that we call nutrients. There are big nutrients that our bodies use for a multitude of things and these are called macro-nutrients. You're likely really familiar with these. They are protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Then you have the smaller nutrients called micro-nutrients. These are your vitamins and minerals that are essential to your health.
When you eat, your body breaks food down into these individual elements and uses them for the health of your cells, processes, and functions. Much in the same way that medicines are are chemical elements that have an effect on the body.
Now I wonder, "What does my body use this carrot for?" or "What is it going to do with this avocado?"
Did you know there is even an alternative medical discipline that focuses on just this. It's called Ortho Molecular Medicine. Where they aim to maintain human health through nutritional supplementation.
For now, let's just keep it simple. Next time you eat something, think, "What is my body using this for?"
You never know where the answer of that question will lead you.
Happy Eating!
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