Food as a medicine

I believe that what we eat becomes who we are. Consider this: when we eat a banana, it enters our digestive system, breaks down, and becomes part of our body's structure. Therefore, our primary goal should be to provide our bodies with high-quality food to build and maintain them efficiently. Consuming low-quality or toxic foods forces our body to work harder to eliminate these toxins, draining our energy. When we consume non-organic, processed foods that our body doesn't recognize, the liver works overtime to break them down. This can strain the liver, which has many other essential functions. Overloading the liver can lead to fatty liver and initiate a vicious cycle.

It's crucial to pay attention to what we consume, but how do we determine what's beneficial and what's harmful?

During my studies in naturopathy, I discovered significant confusion in the field of nutrition. Various schools of thought, offer conflicting dietary advice. For instance, one school advocates for a diet rich in animal fats, while another recommends a plant-based diet.

How can one determine the right approach?

One of the most profound lessons I've learned is that there's no one-size-fits-all truth, and this extends beyond nutrition. Nutrition is a highly individualized subject. The microbiome theory, which studies the microorganisms in our digestive system, suggests that each person's microbiome is unique. Therefore, our bodies process food differently.

Do we need to undergo an intestinal bacteria test to determine our ideal diet? What if our gut microbiome changes due to medication, such as antibiotics?

You don’t necessarily need an intestinal bacteria test to identify beneficial or problematic foods.

I believe that the best gift you can give yourself is to simply listen to your body's signals. If a particular food causes discomfort, such as bloating, fatigue, headaches, or weakness, it might not be suitable for you.

While there isn't a universal optimal menu, there are three dietary elements that everyone should avoid:

1. Sugar - Until 150 years ago, sugar didn't exist. Natural sweeteners like honey, dates, and fruits were used. Sugar is detrimental to our health, and eliminating it from our diet is both possible and beneficial.

2. Processed Food - These foods are not natural and contain preservatives, stabilizers, food colors, and flavoring agents. They drain our energy due to the body's efforts to detoxify, weakening us in the process.

3. Trans Fat - This is vegetable fat subjected to an industrial chemical process that hardens it. It's used to extend product shelf life but is harmful to health. In the U.S., the FDA has banned trans fats due to their health risks, including increased cholesterol levels, heart and brain diseases, and links to aggressive and impulsive behavior.
   

In conclusion, by simply avoiding these three harmful elements, we can make a significant positive impact on our health. If you wish to delve deeper, I invite you to explore the content on this page further. Wishing you both a hearty appetite and good health!