Abstract
The food that we consume plays a crucial role in our overall health. While some foods are packed with nutrients and have medicinal properties, others can contribute to the development of diseases. Understanding this dichotomy is key to making informed dietary choices.
Obesity and mental health have become global epidemics. These two conditions are the cause of many health issues experienced by the public, including various cardiovascular issues, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, mental health conditions such as Alzheimer’s, and many more. Along with directly causing many health issues, obesity and mental health disorders can also worsen existing ones. This paper analyzes the potential positive effects of proper diet and exercise and how these can be used together to prevent the onset of medical conditions.
This article explores the dichotomy between medicinal foods, which can promote health and prevent disease, and disease-causing foods, which can contribute to health problems. It delves into the characteristics of these food types, their impacts on human health, and the importance of dietary choices in maintaining well-being.
ChapterContents
Introduction
Medicinal Foods
Disease-Causing Foods
The Role of Dietary Choices
Proper Diet and Exercise is the Best Medicine
Diet is a key aspect of preventive medicine
What is Preventative Medicine?
The Counterargument
Physical Health: Obesity
Benefits of Exercise
Importance of Diet
Mental Health Epidemic
Benefits of Diet to Mental Health
Benefits of Exercise to Mental Health
Conclusion
Patient Testimonial
Introduction
In the realm of health and wellness, the role of food is paramount. This chapter delves into this critical topic, exploring the dichotomy between medicinal foods and disease-poromoting foods. It is acknowledged that the age-old adage, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food,” underscores the profound impact our dietary choices have on our health. It emphasizes the concept of preventive medicine, advocating for a proactive approach to health through mindful eating.
We will categorize foods into two broad categories: medicinal foods, which nourish our bodies and bolster our health, and disease-causing foods, which can lead to chronic illnesses. By understanding the properties of these foods, people can make well-informed decisions about their diet, turning everyday meals into a form of preventive medicine.
This chapter builds on previous chapters and serves as a comprehensive guide for those seeking to understand the complex relationship between our diet and our health. It is a valuable resource for anyone looking to harness the power of food in their journey towards wellness. Whether you are a health enthusiast, a medical professional, or someone simply interested in improving your health, this book offers insights that can transform your perspective on food and health.
Medicinal Foods
The concept of food as medicine has been around for thousands of years. The idea is that by eating the right foods, you can prevent, mitigate, and even cure certain health conditions. On the other hand, consuming the wrong types (quality & quantity) of food can lead to various diseases.
Medicinal foods, also known as functional foods, contain natural or bioactive compounds that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. These foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, herbs, spices, and lean proteins, which are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. They can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. For example, the omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish like salmon can improve heart health, while the fiber in whole grains can aid in digestion and weight management.
Medicinal foods are those that not only provide us with the nutrients we need for our daily functioning but also have properties that help prevent and treat diseases. Here are some specific examples:
- Fruits and Vegetables: These are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that enhance our immune system, reduce oxidative stress, and help reduce risks of diseases.
- Whole Grains: They are a great source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps control blood sugar levels.
- Fish: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease.
- Nuts and Seeds: These are high in healthy fats, fiber, and protein, which can help control weight and reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
- Spices and Herbs: Many spices and herbs like turmeric, ginger, and garlic have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Disease-Promoting Foods
Disease-promoting foods are typically high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and high levels of sodium, preservatives, food colorings, additives,corn syrup, etc.. These include processed foods, fast foods, and sugary drinks. Regular consumption of these foods can lead to obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems. For instance, consuming too much sodium can raise blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Some examples of foods can contribute to the development of certain diseases:
- Processed Foods: These often contain high levels of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, which can lead to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
- Sugary Drinks: Consuming too many sugary drinks can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, dental caries, and other chronic illnesses.
- Trans Fats: Found in many fried and baked goods, trans fats raise your bad (LDL) cholesterol levels and lower your good (HDL) cholesterol levels, increasing your risk of heart disease.
- Red and Processed Meats: These are often high in saturated fats and sodium, which can increase the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
The Role of Dietary Choices
Our dietary choices can significantly impact our health. A balanced diet rich in medicinal foods and low in disease-promoting foods can promote good health and prevent disease. However, it’s important to remember that no single food can guarantee good health. Instead, it’s the overall pattern of our diet that can significantly impact quality of life.
Proper Diet and Exercise is the Best Medicine
Unhealthy dietary patterns and lack of exercise place people at higher risks of developing numerous health problems, as well as contributing to the severity of existing conditions. It may negatively affect both physical and mental health. Many sources suggest that “obesity…is associated with increased prevalence of numerous health-related conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, some forms of cancer, and musculoskeletal disorders, among others.”[1] This suggests that management of weight through diet and exercise are of the best ways to maintain good health and prevent disease.
Diet is a key aspect of preventive medicine
Preventive medicine is a type of medical practice that focuses on preventing diseases before they occur. One of the key aspects of preventive medicine is diet-as what we eat can significantly impact our health. This is where the concept of medicinal food versus disease-poroting food comes into play. Preventive medicine is the practice of promoting preventive healthcare to improve patient well-being with the goal of preventing disease, disability, and death [4].
Incorporating medicinal foods into your daily diet and reducing or avoiding disease-causing foods is a key aspect of preventive medicine. By making these dietary changes, you can reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
What is Preventative Medicine?
According to the American College of Preventive Medicine, “Preventive medicine is the practice of promoting preventive health care to improve patient well-being”. In other words, the concept of preventive medicine is to consider the possibilities of health issues before they occur and to better equip the human body to avoid such health issues. Preventive medicine takes a proactive approach to maintain a healthy individual. It focuses on preserving wellness, preventing disease and disability from occurring as well as managing disease progression.
It is the practice of promoting preventive health care to improve patient well-being. The goal is to ultimately prevent disease, disability, and death. Preventative medicine is a central tenet of public health policies. Public health is the art and science of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting physical and mental health, sanitation, personal hygiene, control of infectious diseases, and organization of health services [6]. This field of care is all about health promotion and preventing health decline.
When it comes to seeking healthcare or medical attention, it is most often when individuals develop a sickness, sign or symptom, or notice something “abnormal” within their body. We are taught and trained to seek help when it is most needed or has become a significant concern. These actions of only going to the doctor when you are sick contribute to a “reactive” approach to health care and medicine, rather than a “proactive” approach. Preventative medicine does just that; it takes a proactive approach to the health and wellbeing of an individual.
History of Preventive Medicine
Preventive medicine is the practice of promoting preventive healthcare to improve patient well-being with the goal of preventing disease, disability, and death [4]. Preventive medicine is not a modern practice. In fact, preventive medicine has been around even before the 20th-century biomedical revolution. In surveying historical efforts to prevent communicable diseases and nutritional deficiency diseases, three categories of prevention are apparent; (1) individual control over personal health through adherence to dietary and hygiene codes; (2) social control over health by means of isolating diseased individuals or protecting large groups of people from environmental dangers; (3) application of increased scientific understanding of disease [11].
Source: https://provakar.net/2020/11/24/science-society-and-politics/
In the late 1960s and the early 1970s, prevention was a prominent feature of health care reforms. Universal vaccination, promotion of lifestyle changes, population screenings, and safety regulations were widely accepted by the public to improve public health while reducing health care expenditures. During this time, the first Healthy People program was initiated in 1979 by the Carter administration. The Healthy People program was launched to call attention to public health issues and establish 10-year targets for improvement in population health, which is still used today. In the 1980s and 1990s, managed care organizations introduced the concept of insurance coverage for services emphasizing disease prevention and health education. Disease state management programs were also introduced in the early 1990s. These programs introduced aggressive interventions focused on preventing disease as well as providing treatment for chronic conditions [12].
Types of Preventive Medicine
Preventive medicine treatments have three main classifications: Primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention.
Primary prevention’s goal is health protection. Primary prevention aims to prevent disease or injury before it ever occurs. This is done by preventing exposures to hazards that cause disease or injury, altering unhealthy or unsafe behaviors that can lead to disease or injury, and increasing resistance to disease or injury should exposure occur [3]. 
Examples of primary prevention:
- Legislation and enforcement to ban or control the use of hazardous products (e.g. asbestos) or to mandate safe and healthy practices (e.g. use of seatbelts and bike helmets).
- Education about healthy and safe habits (e.g. eating well, exercising regularly, not smoking)
- Immunizations against infectious diseases (Flu, varicella, measles, HPV, polio, meningococcal).
Secondary prevention emphasizes early disease detection, and its target is healthy-appearing individuals with subclinical forms of disease. The subclinical disease consists of pathologic changes, but no overt symptoms that are diagnosable in a doctor’s visit. This is done by detecting and treating disease or injury in the earliest stages to halt or slow its progress, encouraging personal strategies to prevent reinjury or recurrence, and implementing programs to return people to their original health and function to prevent long-term problems [3]. The most common form of secondary prevention is done through health screenings.
Examples of secondary prevention:
- Regular exams and screening tests to detect disease in its earliest stages
- Mammograms to detect breast cancer
- Papanicolaou (pap) smear to detect cervical cancer
- STD testing
- Regular blood pressure testing
- Newborn screening
- Diet and lifestyle changes to prevent further comorbidities following heart attacks or strokes
- Micronutrient medicine and prophylactic medicine
- Daily intake of vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, Zinc
- Daily, low-dose aspirin prophylaxis therapy for heart attack and stroke prevention
Tertiary prevention aims to limit the damage of the current and ongoing illness or injury. This is done by helping people manage long-term, often-complex health problems and injuries (chronic diseases, permanent impairments) to improve as much as possible their ability to function, their quality of life and their life expectancy [3]. Making the patient as comfortable as possible is also part of this level of care. Tertiary prevention manages disease post diagnosis and focuses on slowing or stopping disease progression through treatment and rehabilitation.
Examples of tertiary prevention:
- Surgical and pharmaceutical interventions
- Chemotherapy and radiation
- Cardiac or stroke rehabilitation programs
- Occupational and physical therapies
- Support groups for individuals to share their experience and offer their advice
Components of Prevention
In general, prevention strategies focus on reducing the incidence of disease in the general population. These strategies promote awareness of the disease process, their causes, and symptoms and how to manage complications [7].
The basis of epidemiology was laid in the mid-17th century. Vaccination was introduced in 1798. The early and middle years of the 19th century were notable for discoveries in the transmission of contagious diseases.
The modern era in preventive medicine opened in the mid-19th century with Louis Pasteur’s discovery of the role of living microbes as the cause of infections. Another notable discovery was made by Alexander Fleming in 1929, that was penicillin, which led to the introduction of antibiotics to prevent and treat infections. 
After 1900 there were many advances in preventive medicine other than those related to infectious diseases. The use of X- rays and radioactive substances in the diagnosis and treatment of disease (e.g., tuberculosis and cancer) as well as in fundamental physiological research opened new possibilities.
Current Trends in Preventative Medicine
Advances in preventive medicine in the 20th and 21st centuries also included a wider recognition of psychological factors in relation to total health, new surgical techniques, new methods of anesthesia, and genetics research. Advances in cancer detection led to improved screening for various malignancies.
The Future of Preventive Medicine
The future of preventive medicine will include a greater focus on genetics and DNA testing. Genetic testing and analysis can be used to identify mutations in the genome which can cause hereditary and genetic disorders. Examples of diseases that can be detected early with genetic testing include bipolar disorder, Huntington’s disease, psoriasis, Parkinson’s disease, cystic fibrosis and many more.
Clinical Significance 
Preventive services have proven an essential aspect of healthcare; however, they appear consistently under-utilized in the United States. With cost, time, and resource constraints on physicians, many preventive services get overlooked for patients. Physicians need to remain up to date on the prevention guidelines and ensure all patients are offered appropriate services with a full explanation of risks and benefits.
Proactive Providers 
Across the health disciplines, clinical prevention and population health activities increasingly are recognized as integral to the practice of their professions [9].
Health promotion should be a collaborative, patient-centered process that promotes trust and recognizes patients’ self-directed roles and responsibilities in maintaining health.
While a physician’s role tends to focus on diagnosing and treating illness once it occurs, physicians also have a professional commitment to prevent disease and promote health and well-being for their patients and the community.
The clinical encounter provides an opportunity for the physician to engage the patient in the process of health promotion. Effective elements of this process may include educating and motivating patients regarding healthy lifestyle, helping patients by assessing their needs, preferences, and readiness for change and recommending appropriate preventive care measures [10].
Benefits of Preventive Medicine
The goal of preventive medicine is to prevent the onset of illness. Once an illness occurs, the goals change to preventing complications and further damage. Many screenings and early proactive measures and treatments help people become more aware and careful of their health. Working with your doctor is an effective way of maximizing preventive medicine.
Prevention is the best and most cost-effective method of ensuring the health of a community by preventing diseases from occurring in the first place. Early treatment can significantly alter the development and manifestation of chronic conditions, which results in fewer doctor appointments, emergency room visits, and costly hospitalizations [8].
Impact of Preventive Medicine
In 2010, a study published in Health Affairs found that if 90 percent of preventive care services were used in 2006, $3.7 billion dollars could have been saved [1]. As you can see, preventive care has significant economic benefits and can greatly reduce an individual’s financial burden associated with emergency health services.
The same study found that if preventive care had been widely delivered in previous years, two million more people would have been alive in the U.S. in 2006. Preventive care is a proven, cost-effective way to help people live longer, healthier lives.
Public Health and Preventive Medicine 
Preventive medicine is a central focus in public health practice. Public health is the art and science of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting physical and mental health, sanitation, personal hygiene, control of infectious diseases, and organization of health services.
Public health focuses on prevention of disease and health promotion rather than the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
The health of the American public has improved on many fronts over the last several decades—from decreasing the incidence of lung cancer,to large reductions in the number of childhood lead poisoning cases. 
Public Policy and Preventive Medicine
States play a crucial role in promoting both local and federal prevention efforts and also contribute to prevention through their own initiatives. Beyond individual prevention efforts, local community actions can be particularly effective in bringing about changes that prevent or reduce environmentally-related illness and disease [1].
In the United States, public health is studied and coordinated on a national level by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Internationally, the World Health Organization (WHO) plays an equivalent role. WHO is especially important in helping for the implementation of organizational and administrative methods of handling problems associated with health and disease in less-developed countries worldwide.
Policymakers recognized that finances prevent some people from seeking preventive care. That is why the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 mandates that private health plans provide coverage for an array of preventive services. The ACA has helped to improve access to care by expanding health insurance coverage to those who did not previously have it.
Prevention in a COVID Era:
With the rise of COVID-19, the need and significance of prevention over treatment has been highlighted more than ever before. The repercussions of getting the virus are too great for many people. We saw the entire healthcare system buckle under pressure multiple times with waves of the virus. The source of such pressure was the lack of prevention. The first wave may have been unavoidable, but after that, the preventive measures were made clear. When individuals neglected mask mandates, didn’t respect social distancing guidelines, and avoided the vaccine, the spread of the COVID virus continued to rage on. The CDC placed repeated emphasis on the importance of preventive measures. The biggest and most effective prevention method for COVID-19 was vaccination.
As rates of vaccination increased, the severity and frequency of the virus both decreased. Even if the virus entered an individual’s body, the vaccine prevented severe symptoms and lasting effects of the virus. The COVID-19 vaccine presents an ideal example of a great preventive measure. The prevention kept most people away from illness, and for the rest it reduced the severity. If all these people had become infected and then attempted treatment and cure, the outcome would have been increased suffering and higher death rates. With most viruses in general, there is no direct cure. Treatment is only to support the body as it fights the virus and recovers. Those with weak immunity are at higher risk of lung damage and even death from a virus like COVID-19, even with medical help. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a strong reminder that especially with viruses, prevention through vaccination is the best medicine.
Benefits of Prevention:
Heart Disease:
- Prevention led to 30% decrease in mortality rate over 12 years (Ages 35-54)
- Awareness of causes: Decreased consumption of animal fats and oils; Increased consumption of vegetable fats and oils
10% decrease in serum cholesterol over 15-year period
- Large reduction of males who smoke: Less fatality from heart attacks
Cancer:
- 85% of Lung Cancer caused by smoking: large scale reduction of smokers decreases chances of cancer
- Screening women for cervical cancer reduced mortality rate greatly
- Reduction of radiation exposure: Less cancer
Accidents:
- Childhood poisonings reduced by safety caps on medication and household cleaning products
- Age restrictions on toys have reduced choking incidents
- Safety features in cars prevent injuries
- Safety equipment in sports prevents concussions and other injuries
The Counterargument:
There are also individuals who disagree with adopting preventive medicine into mainstream practice, such as Dr. Weingarten, who published his perspective in the Journal of Medical Ethics. Weingarten lists quite a few reasons preventive medicine shouldn’t be the new focus moving forward. He claims that since only a very small range of diseases can be addressed by preventive measures, only a small part of the problem can be targeted or prevented. Weingarten also claims the opportunity cost for most preventive medicine efforts presents more loss than benefit. One part is the monetary loss. Preventive measures require much more investment than treatment. This is because everyone at risk of an issue must receive preventive treatment. If they were left without any preventive help, only around half or less of those people would require treatment to overcome said illness. For this reason, the preventive medicine model seems unsustainable. Other examples were also listed in the article.
Caveats to Preventive Medicine:
- High opportunity cost
- Treatment towards those who don’t need it
- Funding diverted from traditional medicine
- Effects only visible after a long period of time (decades)
- Patients blamed for sickness when they avoid preventive measures
Another important point mentioned by Weingarten is Julian Tudor-Hart’s inverse care law. This law states that “those most in need of healthcare get the least of it”. In today’s society, the most chronic illnesses and medical issues are found in third-world countries and underfunded areas. However, these areas are continually ignored, even with efforts to implement and expand preventive medicine. Although this is a whole new problem, it significantly reduces the proposed effectiveness of expanding preventive medicine.
Free Will in Preventive Medicine:
Although in most cases, consent of the patient is required for preventive efforts to occur on a medical level, the argument here is more in regard to ethics, as discussed by Andre Matalon. With the example of mammography, there are large-scale marketing efforts claiming that mammography will detect cancer so prevention and/or treatment can occur. However, most patients receiving mammography may be unaware of the radiation exposure and the possibility that a present cancer isn’t detected. In order to claim that preventive medicine is true with consent and free will of the patient, information campaigns and patient briefings need to include both benefits and risks.
Home Prevention:
The prospect of home prevention provides a middle ground for many individuals in today’s society. Such a path ensures the freedom of those treated, as well as increased flexibility in terms of approach. There are many examples of home prevention measures that are common in today’s society, many of which we may not even recognize as such.
Home Preventive Measures:
- Exercise
- Stress management
- Supplemental vitamins
- Dietary choices
- Blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol tests
Physical Health: Obesity
Obesity, a global health concern, is often linked to dietary habits and lifestyle choices. This introduces the concept of medicinal foods and disease-causing foods. Medicinal foods, rich in essential nutrients and health-promoting properties, can play a significant role in preventing and managing various health conditions. These include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, which collectively contribute to a well-rounded and balanced diet.
On the contrary, disease-causing foods, often characterized by high levels of processed ingredients, sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium, can contribute to obesity and other health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Preventive medicine emphasizes the importance of these dietary choices in maintaining health and preventing disease. It encourages a proactive approach to health, advocating for mindful eating and lifestyle habits that promote overall well-being.
Understanding the impact of our dietary choices is the first step towards better health. By choosing medicinal foods and avoiding disease-causing foods, we can harness the power of diet in preventative medicine, paving the way for a healthier future.
While there are many physical health issues associated with a poor diet and lack of exercise, many of these issues can be traced back to obesity. Obesity is defined as “a complex disease involving an excessive amount of body fat.” Scientifically, obesity is often diagnosed using Body Mass Index (BMI), which is calculated using the weight and height of a person. A BMI of 30 or higher often indicates obesity.
Figure 1: BMI Measurements [2]
Obesity may increase the risk of certain diseases and may cause health problems. These include heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. [2]
Obesity is a prevalent and growing issue in society. Studies have determined that “among adults, obesity prevalence increased from 13% to 32% between the 1960s and 2004,” and that “Currently, 66% of adults are overweight or obese; 16% of children and adolescents are overweight and 34% are at risk of overweight.” [2] Tackling this issue is important for personal and public health, and one of the best ways to do so may be with proper diet and exercise.
Benefits of Exercise
Exercise is one method to achieve weight loss or prevent weight gain. This is important because “Weight loss in…patients [has] been associated with improvements in many cardiometabolic risk factors.” [3] Exercise can be used to manage and reverse weight gain/obesity but can also be used in a preventative fashion to avoid the problem of obesity altogether.
Figure 2: American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Exercise Recommendations [3]
The importance of continued exercise cannot be overstated. Sufferers of obesity must continue to maintain levels of physical activity to maintain their weight loss. [3]
While obesity is one of the most prevalent issues associated with a lack of exercise, weight loss and prevention of obesity are not the only benefits to physical health that exercise provides. Various studies have suggested that exercise helps with many diseases, not just cardiovascular ones. This includes Type 2 diabetes and autoimmune disorders. In certain studies, exercise and physical activity have proven to be “roughly twice as effective” as certain drugs used to treat Type 2 diabetes. There is also strong evidence that “exercise can relieve or ameliorate the symptoms of a diverse array of autoimmune disorders.” [4]
Importance of Diet
Circling back to our original topic, a healthy, balanced diet can be just as effective, if not more, than exercise at managing and preventing health problems. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, 4 out of the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States are directly linked to diet. [5]
Managing caloric intake can prevent weight gain and lead to weight loss. This is directly linked to the type and amount of food being consumed. The average person requires 2,000 calories daily to maintain weight, but these requirements can vary depending on sex, age, and activity level, among other factors. By counting calories and making sure calories consumed have nutritional benefit, one can manage weight gain and maximize nutritional benefits of various foods.[6]
Figure 3: Recommended Caloric Intake for Various Groups [6]
Diet and exercise together can provide the most health-related benefits. Studies suggest that exercise and “caloric restriction together may promote greater weight loss.” [3]
Mental Health Epidemic
While obesity is an epidemic affecting society’s physical health, there is also an epidemic going on affecting mental health: that of depression and anxiety. According to studies, anxiety disorders affect 40 million adults in the United States. [10] The prevalence of these mental health issues may even be growing, exacerbated by conditions related to the Covid-19 pandemic. [11]
Figure 4: Percentage of Adults Exhibiting Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders, Aug 2020 – Feb 2021 [11]
Proper diet and exercise can help improve mental health conditions as well as prevent others from arising.
Benefits of Diet to Mental Health
There are many studies being done that are beginning to yield data that suggests that “diet is as important to mental health as it is to physical health.” A lot of these studies seem to point to a connection between the quality of one’s diet and the most common mental disorders, like depression and anxiety. An unhealthy diet might ultimately be a risk factor for these mental disorders.[8]
Obesity does not only lead to potential issues with one’s physical health. Mental health disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and depression have been linked to obesity. As previously stated, proper diet and exercise can either prevent or help reverse obesity, meaning the likelihood of a patient suffering from serious mental health disorders due to obesity is decreased. [12]
Diet may also potentially benefit one’s mental health by improving gut health. There has been increased study into the relationship between the gut and the brain. Information suggests that “the gut microbiome has an influence on brain function and probably also mood and behavior.” This means that a balanced and proper diet that benefits gut bacteria can also provide mental health benefits. [13]
Benefits of Exercise to Mental Health
Exercise has also been proven to help with one’s mental health. “Aerobic exercises, including jogging, swimming, cycling, walking, gardening, and dancing, have been proved to reduce anxiety and depression.” Exercise provides benefits like an increased circulation of blood to the brain which may help with mental health conditions such as these. Exercise also has the outside effects of improving one’s self-esteem, which may provide some benefits to any mental health issue being experienced. [9]
However, exercise does not only help with common mental health disorders. Treatments for certain psychological disorders, such as schizophrenia, often carry physical health related side effects like weight gain. Exercise can help manage these side effects, preventing a sufferer of a psychological disorder from also being stricken with physical health issues. [9]
Conclusion
The dichotomy between medicinal and disease-causing foods underscores the importance of dietary choices in health promotion and disease prevention. By understanding the impacts of these foods, we can make informed decisions to maintain our health and well-being.
Society is currently experiencing two major epidemics: those of obesity and mental health. These conditions can cause complications with overall health, leading to serious mental and physical conditions. Proper diet and exercise may help combat both by helping to reverse factors that cause these conditions. Exercise and proper diet help manage one’s weight, preventing the onset of obesity which may cause many cardiovascular and mental health issues. Diet in combination with exercise can make this process even more efficient. It is clear that in both a preventive fashion and in the management/treatment of existing conditions, proper diet and exercise may be one of the best, if not the best medicine.
Preventive care is a powerful, cost-effective form of healthcare. However, many people and communities are unable to utilize preventive care services. Community health workers promote better health outcomes through advocacy, education, and direct outreach with members of under-served communities around issues of preventive healthcare.
Seven out of 10 deaths in the United States are due to chronic disease such as cancer and Type 2 diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [5]. Many of these conditions are preventable. Studies have shown that evidence-based preventive care services can improve health by identifying risk factors for poor health outcomes sooner and addressing them before they become complicated and potentially debilitating [8].
Patient Testimonial
Tony Dinh, a resident of Pasadena, Texas, sought medical help due to declining health. Despite initial skepticism about the treatment plan, he decided to proceed with the prescribed regimen. Upon his visit, Tony was prescribed a variety of medicines. He was initially skeptical due to the number of herbal supplements, but was reassured to learn that all were natural and free of side effects.
After only a month of following the prescribed regimen, Tony noticed significant improvements in his health. He reported increased energy levels, improved digestion, and enhanced skin condition. These positive changes have encouraged him to continue with the treatment plan.
Tony is optimistic about his health’s future and plans to adhere to the doctor’s plan. He has high hopes for further improvements in his health. Tony’s case highlights the potential of natural medicines in improving overall health. His experience underscores the importance of open-mindedness and adherence to the treatment plan. Despite initial skepticism, Tony’s commitment to his health regimen has led to noticeable improvements, demonstrating the effectiveness of natural treatments.
He wrote:
“After coming here, I was given quite a bit of medicine, although I was a little skeptical at first, I did see an improvement in my health and I realised that all medicines are natural and free of side effects. I have only been taking it for a month, and I already see improvement in my energy levels, digestion, and even skin. I will definitely be following the plan the doctor has set for me with high hopes for more improvement in my health!”
- Tony Dinh, Pasadena, TX, Patient, 2022
References (preventative medicine)
- Bauer A, Newbury-Birch D, Robalino S, Ferguson J, Wigham S (2018) Is prevention better than cure? A systematic review of the effectiveness of well-being interventions for military personnel adjusting to civilian life. PLoS ONE 13(5): e0190144. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0190144
- Becker, D.M. (1988). History of Preventive Medicine. In: Becker, D.M., Gardner, L.B. (eds) Prevention in Clinical Practice. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-535602
- Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2022, February 10). preventive medicine. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/preventive-medicine
- Clarke E. A. (1974). What is Preventive Medicine?. Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien, 20(11), 65–68.
- Clarke J. L. (2010). Preventive medicine: a ready solution for a health care system in crisis. Population health management, 13 Suppl 2, S3–S11. https://doi.org/10.1089/pop.2010.1382
- Fiachra Kennedy (2020) Beyond “prevention is better than cure”: understanding prevention and early intervention as an approach to public policy, Policy Design and Practice, 3:4, 351-369, DOI: 10.1080/25741292.2020.1736766
- Kisling LA, M Das J. Prevention Strategies. [Updated 2021 May 9]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537222/
- Lüscher T. F. (2016). Prevention is better than cure: the new ESC Guidelines. European heart journal, 37(29), 2291–2293. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehw321
- Maciosek, M. V., Coffield, A. B., Flottemesch, T. J., Edwards, N. M., & Solberg, L. I. (2010). Greater use of preventive services in U.S. health care could save lives at little or no cost. Health Affairs, 29(9), 1656–1660. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2008.0701
- Zenzano T, Allan JD, Bigley MB, Bushardt RL, Garr DR, Johnson K, Lang W, Maeshiro R, Meyer SM, Shannon SC, Spolsky VW, Stanley JM. The roles of healthcare professionals in implementing clinical prevention and population health. Am J Prev Med. 2011 Feb;40(2):261-7. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2010.10.023. PMID: 21238876.
References (proper diet and exercise)
1 Obesity and physical exercise – minerva endocrinology 2021 June;46(2):131-44. Obesity and physical exercise – Minerva Endocrinology 2021 June;46(2):131-44 – Minerva Medica – Journals. (n.d.). Retrieved April 17, 2022, from https://www.minervamedica.it/en/journals/minerva-endocrinology/article.php?cod=R07Y2021N02A0131
2 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2021, September 2). Obesity. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved April 17, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obesity/symptoms-causes/syc-20375742
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