Food is magical.
[I want to preface this post while my mom is a medical professional, I am not. I am simply relaying my experience with a health transformation that occurred in front of me, in my own house. As always, consult with YOUR medical professional before making any changes to your lifestyle.]
Not only for its wide range of tastes, textures, and joy-inducing properties, but also because of its nutrition. The old cliché of “food is medicine” could not be more true.
I’ve always believed that, but after seeing a firsthand example of it in my own life, I am even more convinced. The importance of a healthy diet is so underestimated sometimes in society, especially in the US.
As I mentioned last summer, my elderly uncle moved in with us after experiencing some significant declines in his health. Read the details here. In addition, to heart disease, dementia, a severe smoking addiction, and neuropathy, he had diabetes and a weight problem. My uncle was on over twenty medications and could barely walk anymore.
Notice how I used the past tense above? Well that’s because in 5 months of living in our house, he has dropped 40 pounds, virtually reversed his diabetes (unfortunately not some of the side effects of it), reduced his cholesterol to healthy levels, and is on the lowest amount of medications he’s been on in over a decade.
This is all do to my mom. But more specifically, the lifestyle and routine she’s created for him. He now consistently eats 3 meals a day, whereas before he was barely eating and when he did, it was mostly unhealthy, junk food. He eats balanced, whole food-filled meals that contain all the necessary food groups, whereas before he was mostly eating sugar and processed foods. He’s more active and now does physical therapy weekly, whereas before he hardly got up or out. He’s more social, whereas before he lived a very solitary, isolated life. And overall, HE’S HAPPIER! Even the simplicity of having a dog around has greatly improved his mood and health!
Of course, he is not a pure picture of health. But at 83, he’s doing a lot better than he has in years despite a number of setbacks he’s faced recently and a lifetime of abusing his body. Obviously there are a lot of contributing factors to his improved state, but the number one thing that has impacted his health (and my mom, his nurse, agrees) is the change in diet.
It’s truly incredible what consistent, regular eating can do for the body. Keeping the blood sugar steady on top of nourishing yourself with wholesome, real foods is one of the simplest, most effective actions you can take for improved health. It doesn’t have to be hard, complicated, or expensive! SMALL changes make a big difference…and the results can be seen relatively quickly. Here’s a little proof…
+When my uncle came to live with us his Hemoglobin A1C was 12.5, after 5 months of ‘healthier’ living, it is now down to 6.5. Virtually cut in half!
+As I mentioned above, my uncle lost 40 pounds! For an elderly person, that is truly incredible and it only has to do with diet since he can’t regularly exercise. The quips about weight being 80% related to diet and only 20% related to exercise are true.
+His swelling in his extremities has almost completely disappeared. My uncle used to have edema in his arms, legs, and belly and now these parts have returned to their normal size. This is due to eating a diet more moderate in salt and ingesting a wide variety of foods.
One of the biggest changes? His blood sugar is NORMAL. Think about it! A Type-2 diabetic has virtually reversed his illness simply by eating healthier! If an 83-year-old man who was set in his ways can do it….ANYONE CAN.
His world has opened up. Not only in regards to the quality of living and amount social interactions, but to food choices as well. My mom and I have introduced him to tofu, beans, lentils, all sorts of veggies, new-t0-him fruits, healthy baked goods, alternative dairy products, tempeh, jasmine rice, quinoa, buckwheat, Cheerios (he used to never eat breakfast!), peanut butter, kefir, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and all sorts of other healthy additions to his diet.
Things aren’t perfect of course, and no diet should be! He still regularly enjoys sweets and treats, takeout, pizza, and other “fun” foods. But in general, his diet is MUCH healthier, more balanced, and more LIFE GIVING.
And that’s truly what I think food’s purpose is…to give us life! Not only in the sense of nutrition to our bodies, but in nourishment of our minds, spirits, and souls as well. Food heals, folks. It truly does. Now that I’ve seen it right within my own home, I am even more of a proponent of health and wellness.
Whatever I do when I am out of school, I want to keep spreading the word about good nutrition, balanced fitness, and self-love. These three components can lead to a life of fulfillment and ultimate happiness inside and out.
Do you believe that “food is medicine”?
Have you or anyone in your life changed their health by making smarter diet choices?
What’s one thing you would tell someone trying to live healthier?
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Sarah @ BucketListTummy says
This is such a great story. I LOVE hearing this since i am a dietitian and in the health field. Obviously, I believe in the power of food in managing (and reversing) chronic conditions, and I’m so glad he has had so much success. Cutting his A1c in half is amazing!
Healthy Helper says
I know! I was astounded with his test results! Truly incredible.
Jess @ run pink says
Wonderful post! Food is indeed medicine!! As a personal trainer how I wish I could magically change everyone’s poor dietary habits. But, like you said, if an 83 year old can change…
Healthy Helper says
EXACTLY. If he can do it…ANYONE CAN.
Marina @ A Dancer's Live-It says
What an amazing story! I’m so happy your uncle was able to heal himself through food. That’s what I love most about the power of whole, nourishing food 🙂
Healthy Helper says
Yes…food really is incredible!
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit says
That is incredible! I am so happy for him and for all of you, what a transformation! Nourishing food + happiness, that’s a powerful combo!
Heather McClees says
Love this! He is so lucky to have you both! Food truly does amazing things for our bodies. Great post!:)
Kathryn Grace says
Hello. I really wanted to read this article, but the big orange buttons on the left cover up the first word or two of every line, so I gave up. If your webmaster is able to fix that, I’d love to know so I can come back and read this page. If it helps, I’m viewing it on a Windows 10 PC in the most recent version of Firefox.
rachel @ Athletic avocado says
Great proof that food can be medicine or poison!
Healthy Helper says
Thank you Rachel! That’s the truth!!
Mandy says
Such an interesting story – food is so powerful! #CookBlogShare
Healthy Helper says
So true! It’s magical!
Emma says
I’m two months into a totally new way of eating to try and reduce the symptoms and progression of my MS. I’ve lost 30lbs in that time and I’m more energetic and people say my skin looks better, but it’s a long term change for MS and only time will tell. But it’s certainly not going to make me worse.
Healthy Helper says
Exactly! Only benefits can come from eating better!! 🙂 Wishing you the best of luck!
Michele Morin says
This is very helpful in adjusting my attitude toward food!
Healthy Helper says
That is so good to hear! Glad it helped!
[email protected]/wp says
I do believe that food is medicine because the same thing happened for my husband when we got rid of all the white foods – sugar, flour, pasta, rice etc. – he had been eating and seriously restricted or switched to good carbs improving his health in an amazing way.
In six months he lost 35lbs and was taken off his diabetes meds. He has been off it for five years now! Keep it up, IT WORKS!! (visiting from Let’s Get Real Link Party.)
Healthy Helper says
That is so awesome! Congrats to you two for making such important changes!
Bethany says
It is amazing what a difference the right food can make.
Healthy Helper says
YES!!!
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
This is truly AMAZING. I love hearing stories like this. I had horrible allergies, was overweight and had bad asthma before I started eating better. I lost 40 pounds, was able to get a cat and dog and eat the raw fruits and vegetables that used to bother me, and was able to minimize my asthma to a point where I was comfortable working out. Seriously, eating well is AMAZING.
Healthy Helper says
What a great story! You should be really proud of yourself!
Cassi says
OMG that’s totally awesome that your uncle has improved so much since moving in with you guys!
Healthy Helper says
Thanks Cassi! It’s really been amazing to see!
Nicole @ The Professional Mom Project says
Wow What an awesome result. Happy to hear that your uncle is doing better. It’s proof that food really can make a difference. #LetsGetRealSocial
Healthy Helper says
Thanks Nicole! It really has been amazing to see firsthand!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says
I absolutely believe that food is medicine. SO much can be linked back to gut health. Thanks so much for sharing this at Savoring Saturdays linky party! Hope you’ll join us again.
Healthy Helper says
You’re welcome!
Betty says
Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop
Healthy Helper says
Welcome, Betty! Thanks for stopping by!
Nikki Frank-Hamilton says
I really love this. When I got sick I began learning more about food, and how it can hurt the body or help it. My whole outlook changed, and so did my diet. This is such a cool story. I hope more people begin to cut out processed food, gluten, GMOs etc. It’s life changing!
Healthy Helper says
Thank you so much for taking the time to read it!
Kim~madeinaday says
Great post sure to help a lot of sufferers, my family included. Thanks for linking up to Merry Monday! Sharing on Twitter &Stumbled! Have a great week!
Kim
Healthy Helper says
Thank you for stopping by Kim! I am glad you found this helpful!
Rhonda says
Stopping by from Sunday’s Best linkup. What an amazing story. I’m striving to eat healthier, so this post is an inspiration for me. Thanks for sharing on Sunday’s Best.
Healthy Helper says
Thank you so much for stopping by! I am glad you liked the post!
Honest Mum says
Love this, shows how healing food is. Thanks for linking up to #tastytuesdays x
Healthy Helper says
Thank you so much for taking the time to read it!
kimmythevegan says
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”
I believe it! I lived it! That’s why I became a nutritionist. I was completely unhealthy and going down a bad path. I had a health scare and it made me want to change things around. I gradually made changes for the better and my health improved significantly and becoming a nutritionist means I can help others do the same as well.
It is so great that your family took your uncle in and helped him with this. I truly believe that physical activity and food are huge contributing factors, but so is the support system you gave him. He couldn’t have done it without you!
“Even the simplicity of having a dog around has greatly improved his mood and health!”
That helps everything =)
Healthy Helper says
Thank you so much Kimmy! It’s really been amazing to see the transformation right before my eyes!