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NatureMed Pulse

The Institute for Natural Medicine

Vol. 3, Issue 19

Food as Medicine, a First, Therapeutic Approach

Starting with the least extreme treatment options, when appropriate, is a natural medicine principle that saves not only dollars but years. A bit of trial and error and lifestyle fine-tuning can mean fewer pharmaceuticals and side effects and more peace of mind.

The Food as Medicine movement is a perfect example. As a first-line treatment for many whole health providers, nutrition changes can do so much good in a relatively short time. Culinary medicine has its own special tenets that eschew fad diets or restrictive eating. It’s a way of life, as much about enjoying cooking and meals as benefiting from them.

How Effective Is Culinary Medicine? Science Says Very.

Advances in molecular nutrition are helping researchers measure the incredible effects of whole foods and their bioactive compounds. Whereas “superfoods” are marketed as miracle produce, a cornucopia of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and fungi can all support disease prevention. Bok choy, for example, shields cells from oxidative damage and may even fight certain cancers.

The bigger takeaway is food can be part of health care. That’s the crux of Food as Medicine: not perfect eating, but consistent, informed choices to nourish and heal.

RDNs are powerful allies

absorption & aging

The Produce Prescription

If nutrition is a knowledge base, Food as Medicine is what puts that wisdom to work. This therapeutic framework is leaps and bounds beyond “food as fuel.” It fills meals with intention, giving equal weight to what we eat, when, and why. For many whole health providers, leveraging food and dietary patterns to prevent, manage, and treat all sorts of conditions is an Rx worth calling in.

nutrition-trained docs

good greens

Eczema: the Root of the Rash

Our bodies speak loudest through symptoms, and skin is a prime pathway for communication. More than 31 million people in the U.S. have some form of eczema, characterized by chronically itchy, inflamed, scaly, or dry skin.

Eczema’s telltale sign, however, is not necessarily skin’s appearance. It’s the ongoing discomfort that seems unconquerable by steroid creams or immunosuppressants.

​Eczema flares are often linked to allergies and common food culprits, like ultra-processed products. Sometimes, a little diet cleanup is enough to tamp down the inflammation that sends skin spiraling.

treating hives at home

nature-made rashes

You’re Invited to INM’s Fall Semiannual Seminar

Naturopathic residents and early career professionals, this event is especially for you. Join us on November 14 at Seattle University for a day of networking, cutting-edge seminars, best-practice discussion, and stimulating presentations:

• AI in Medicine
• Emergency Medicine
• Emergency Mental Health

The NatureMed Pulse Team

Please note that we do not provide individualized medical advice, diagnose conditions, or answer personal health questions. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for specific guidance.

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