The idea of treating illnesses with nutritional strategies is nothing new, and it seems to pop up in headlines and through popular books every few years.
This is part of what’s behind “fad diets,” which largely concern the idea of weight loss but also deal occasionally with overall wellness and methods for attaining sustainable health.
But the concept of curing and preventing common illnesses through sound nutrition is in itself far more than a fad. It’s a proven strategy that’s genuinely effective with huge numbers of people.
Nutrition and autoimmune diseases
In particular, recent years have brought about a lot of research regarding the association between nutrition and the treatment of autoimmune diseases. These types of diseases tend to be very mysterious in their causes and presentations, and unfortunately that means that treatments are often ineffective.
Historically, very little has been spent on scientific research regarding conditions in this category. Today, however, there are innumerable treatment concepts online, most of which have to do with dietary restrictions and vitamin supplements.
A few promising foods and nutrients are emerging as potentially beneficial in the management of autoimmune symptoms, though as of now there are no definite cures or reliably effective treatments.
But that’s merely one example of the idea of using nutrition to manage a specific disease or type of disease.
Dietary habits and medical remedies
In a broader sense, people are also turning more and more frequently to their own dietary habits as a potential starting point for a range of medical remedies.
The foundation for this trend is that we now live in a world filled with processed foods and unhealthy eating options. Rather than relying on natural products, we’ve created a lot of our everyday foods and supplements. The result is that it’s more difficult than ever before to figure out what’s truly healthy.
Many who fully realize this are then inspired to do their research, or consult with health and nutrition professionals, to figure out how to eat healthier foods and feel better as a result.
Natural nutrition and “super foods”
For a lot of people, the process of implementing better and more natural nutrition begins with research into so-called “super foods” that are known to possess qualities and nutrients that can play a significant role in preventing diseases.
In this regard, experts are quick to point out that variety is the spice of life, and that infusing a few super foods into your diet isn’t the only step toward better nutrition. However, mixing a few of these foods into your diet among a variety of fresh, healthy, and natural foods can take great effect.
Berries, fatty fish, nuts, and dark leafy greens are a few commonly mentioned super foods, with the latter being one of the trendier selections of late.
If you stay tuned in to nutritional advice, you’ve likely heard recently that kale is one of the healthiest foods in existence. Foods like these that start to make headlines purely because of the benefits people are realizing they contain are often the most genuine super foods. They also tend to have extensive disease-fighting (and curing) properties.
The link between nutrition and wellness
As for what these specific disease-fighting properties include, it really varies depending on the type of food you’re discussing — but it’s not just about keeping your weight down.
For example, berries’ main benefit is a wealth of antioxidants that are known to decrease the likelihood of certain cancers and common infections. Healthy fats (like those in fatty fishes) are known to prevent heart disease, largely because they supply your body with the fat it needs and keep you from relying on less natural sources for it. The magnesium in leafy greens can help to prevent the onset of diabetes.
And the list goes on and on, usually pertaining to the prevention or management of common conditions such as heart disease, high blood sugar (or pressure), and cancer.
In the realm of treatment, as opposed to prevention, there are also countless incredible stories about the management of severe health conditions through dietary changes. Some claim to have cured chronic illness through nutrition, and sometimes illnesses as serious as multiple sclerosis and other debilitating processes are the subjects of such studies.
Exact scientific findings can be difficult to come by in this regard, but there are enough case studies and examples to show that people really are treating, or at least managing, serious disease through changing what they eat and drink.