Category: Preventive medicine

Over 50% of the world's population is deficient in one or more essential nutrients, highlighting the critical importance of nutritional guidance. In Preventive and Social Medicine (PSM), the food pyramid serves as a foundational visual tool for public health nutrition, offering a simple, graphical representation of a healthy, balanced diet.

Flavonoids, abundant in fruits and vegetables, are potent compounds with significant health benefits. Research suggests that increased intake of these phytonutrients is linked to a reduced risk of several chronic health conditions. We explore what diseases do flavonoids help prevent, examining the evidence for their therapeutic effects on various conditions.

The phrase, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food,” is famously attributed to the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, providing a profound historical context for the question, “Who says food is medicine?” Today, this ancient wisdom is being re-evaluated through the lens of modern science, showing how dietary choices impact health and disease prevention.

Approximately 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, and another 44 million have low bone density, placing them at increased risk. While many nutrients contribute to bone strength, one mineral is the undisputed champion and foundational building block for a strong skeleton.

According to the National Institutes of Health, almost one in four U.S. adults have vitamin D levels that are considered low or inadequate for bone and overall health. Maintaining optimal bone density is crucial for preventing osteoporosis, and the role of specific vitamins and minerals is paramount in this effort.

According to the World Health Organization, micronutrient deficiencies affect billions of people worldwide, significantly impacting health and disease susceptibility. This highlights the crucial role vitamins play in preventing diseases and maintaining overall well-being.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a poor diet and lack of physical activity are among the leading global risks to health. The phrase "why is food called medicine" stems from the profound impact that nutrition has on our physiological processes, disease prevention, and overall well-being.

According to the World Health Organization, unhealthy diets are a leading global risk factor for disease, contributing to chronic noncommunicable diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. A diet rich in essential nutrients can fundamentally alter your body’s internal landscape, strengthening its defenses against a wide array of illnesses.

Many U.S. medical schools fall short of the National Academy of Sciences' recommended 25 hours of nutrition education, some providing less than half. This often leaves physicians unprepared to advise patients on dietary matters.

Research indicates that lifestyle factors like smoking, poor nutrition, excessive alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity are the leading preventable causes of chronic diseases worldwide. Understanding what are SNAP risk factors is the first and most critical step toward implementing effective preventive strategies and significantly improving overall health outcomes.