Let Your Food Be Your Medicine

In today’s society, many people are looking for a quick fix to their everyday health problems.  But who says that our health has to be a problem at all?  Studies show that people with these four healthy behaviors - not smoking, physical activity, having a glass of wine, and eating five servings of fruit or vegetables a day will live an average of 14 years longer than those who don’t. 

When it comes to health care, we seem to have gotten away from the basics.  Clinicians tend to overlook the cause of the problem and treat the symptoms associated with the condition.  This way of thinking could be responsible for high health care costs and unnecessary visits to the doctors.  Let’s get back to the basics and treat the cause of the problem, finding ways to save time, money and most importantly to stay healthy. 

The cures to a lot of our health problems can be found right at your local supermarket.  We should reexamine our reliance on over the counter drugs to patch our health problems. If we encourage folks to take charge of their own health, we might succeed in getting to the root of the problem. 

Some examples of food helping with our health; apples help protect the heart and slow down fat absorption as well as cushion the joints. Avocados can help battle diabetes by keeping glycemic levels steady. Avocado also helps in lowering cholesterol and can aid in controlling blood pressure. Carrots assist in promoting good vision, combat cancer-causing agents, and support your immune system. Cauliflower can help protect against prostate cancer as well as reduce risks associated with breast cancer while helping to strengthen bones. Many of the active ingredients that are responsible for treating conditions such as hypertension can be found in fruits and vegetables.

By drinking 64 ounces of water a day you can lower your risk of kidney stones as well as numerous diseases that are caused by the constant dropping of ph in one’s blood stream.  Research has shown that individuals who have frequent drops in their ph level due to diet increase their chances of different types of cancers.

The next time you go to the doctor for a checkup ask if your condition can be treated with lifestyle changes-specifically your diet.  If so, gather the necessary information so that your lifestyle change can be effective in treating and resolving your medical issue at hand. Sometimes treating symptoms only patches up the problem. But lifestyle changes and behavioral modification can resolve and potentially cure your medical issue.

Dominique A. Davis

Rehabilitation Trainer  B.S, CPT

Detroit Medical Center

Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan

Ford Community and Performing Arts Center 

15801 Michigan Ave. Dearborn, MI 48126

313.943.2350  

www.dearbornfordcenter.com