Food is social. It induces a nice feeling. We buy it every week and consume it every day…. could it actually act as medicine?!?
The human body is a well-oiled machine that has withheld generations of daily activities. It consists of many processes that keep it functioning. It is the most complex “machine” you will find- a finely balanced mixture of many thousands of different chemicals.
Food is the fuel.
It provides us with core vitamins and minerals that help maintain this fine balance. This keeps the machine working at its full capacity.
We can delve deeper into the fuel and pinpoint the function of various components. Minerals are required to help build the tissues which transmit nerve impulses and metabolic processes. Vitamins are required for biochemical processes of health. These are essential for various chemical processes that occur in the body. For instance, Coenzyme Q10 is required in a cellular process known as the Kreb’s cycle. Without CoEnzyme Q10, the Kreb’s cycle is interrupted. This results in a reduction of energy being produced leading to fatigue.
So, we yes! Food can be medicine!
It can also be one of our biggest poisons…..
Long before medicine was commonly used, people used to seek out healing herbs, plants, and food to bring facilitate the body’s innate ability to heal. Eating the right foods gives our bodies the best fuel to keep our internal engine running the best it can. Today, many of our processed foods contain toxins, preservatives, and chemicals. These have an impact on the biochemical processes in our body and thus on our health.
Then we can explore the different nature of different foods. Did you know that there are foods that have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body? There are also foods that have antibiotic and anti-fungal properties. There are even foods that can heal the body and build strong defences….the list goes on!!!
Food has major effects on hormones, energy, digestion, our immune system, and our overall wellbeing. Having a balanced, whole food diet will not only give you all the vitamins and minerals that you need, but it can also have an overall effect on achieving a healthy equilibrium.
So yes, food can promote health and promote wellbeing. AND food can keep your body functioning like a well-oiled machine…. or not. That is the choice you have to make.
Disclaimer: this blog post is an educational tool only. It is not a replacement for medical advice from a registered and qualified doctor or health professional.
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