In western medicine, medications are commonly the first line of treatment for disease. For example, steroids and immunosuppressive drugs are prescribed to calm inflammation seen in many auto-immune diseases such as ulcerative colitis, lupus, and fibromyalgia. While these medications are effective, but lose efficacy with prolonged use, they come with many side effects. Chronic steroid use can lead to bone loss, high blood sugar, weight gain, and increased risk for infection. Other immunosuppressive drugs lower the immune systems response to infection and increase the risk of cancer. Another class of drugs commonly prescribed for heartburn and GERD are proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs. This group of medication, initially developed to be taken for only two weeks, blocks acid production in the stomach preventing heartburn and GERD, but like immunosuppressives, lose efficacy with prolonged use. Many users are unaware of the side effects of PPIs such as preventing the absorption of vital vitamins and minerals (calcium and magnesium to name a few) which require acid for proper absorption. Studies have shown that long-term use of PPIs leads to an increased risk of developing kidney disease and dementia.
Before discussing the side effects of a whole foods diet, let’s discuss what this means. A whole foods diet consists of minimally processed foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, high quality protein from lean meats, fish, and eggs, fermented foods such as plain Greek yogurt, nuts, legumes, olive oil, and whole grains. The whole foods diet is also very low in refined sugar. When switching from the highly processed western diet to a minimally processed diet, think Mediterranean Diet, there will be side effects, but not the one’s commonly seen with medications. These positive side effects include improved digestion, decreased chronic inflammation, better glucose control (important for Type 2 Diabetics), increased energy, better sleep, improved mood, weight loss, and reduction in cholesterol and blood pressure. So, with the many positive side effects why don’t we see the whole food diet prescribed before medications? The possible answer to this question is many. First, most physicians receive little to no nutrition education in medical school and only know how to treat patients with medications. Second, we live in society that would rather take a pill than make lifestyle changes. For many taking medication is the only answer. Finally low socioeconomic groups may experience food insecurity and live in food desserts in which access to minimally processed foods aren’t readily available.
So, the next question is what can physicians treating the multitude of diseases present in our society do before prescribing medications or treat patients with the fewest number of medications and at the lowest dosages? Intake forms prior to the patient’s appointment should include a 24-hour dietary recall including an assessment of food insecurity and access to high quality, nutrient dense food. During the appointment the 24-hour dietary recall should be reviewed, a handout with a variety of minimally processed whole foods should be given to the patient along with discussing the government's My Plate nutrition guide which shows what a balanced diet looks like focusing on high consumption of fruits and vegetables. In certain circumstances referrals to registered dietitians should be made along with social workers if food insecurity is identified. Then, before the next appointment a 3-day dietary recall should be completed by the patient and reviewed to determine compliance and where modifications can be made. This approach empowers the patient to take control of their health without relying solely on medications.
Unfortunately, physicians do not have the training or time to discuss nutrition with their patients, but that does not mean that looking for alternatives to medication is impossible. If you are diagnosed with a medical problem such as GERD, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol due your own research. Ask your doctor if you can try a whole foods diet before going on medication. If medication is initially required, eat a whole food diet in conjunction with taking medication and a consequence may be the medicine is no longer needed, or the dosage may be reduced. Not only should you improve your diet, but get daily exercise, adequate sleep, and engage in stress reduction modalities such as deep breathing and yoga. Show your physician the effects a whole food diet has on improving health. Now is the time to change our way of treating illness from a reactive mentality to being proactive.
https://www.verywellhealth.com/side-effects-of-proton-pump-inhibitors-1742874
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