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“Let Food be Thy Medicine and Thy Medicine be Thy Food.” – Hippocrates, Father of Medicine

we have just finished our series on complete digestive cleansing: caring and nurturing our inner tube of life. Now, let us rebuild our entire system for optimum health, vitality and longevity to prevent the chronic diseases sweeping through the 21st century.

We are currently experiencing alarming rates of chronic disease EPIDEMICS, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, hypertension and auto-immune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, eczema, chronic fatigue syndrome. These chronic diseases can be prevented or even reversed. Today, more than 95% of all chronic disease are caused by food choice, toxic food ingredients, nutritional deficiencies, lack of rest and physical exercise.

Unfortunately, we live in a crisis oriented society, a disease-care system instead of a health-wellness care system. The system of medicine practiced today by most physicians is oriented toward acute care, meaning the diagnosis and treatment of trauma or illness that is of short duration and in need of urgent care such as pneumonia, appendicitis, stroke, dengue fever or a broken leg. Physicians apply specific, prescribed treatments like drugs or surgery that aim to treat an immediate problem or symptom. Visualize a group of health care practitioners mopping up the floor around an overflowing sink, but no one is turning off the faucet. Similarly, Dr. Denis Burkitt (who discovered Burkitt’s lymphoma) once said that raising money to pay for ambulances and a hospital at the base of a cliff is not as smart as building a fence at the top to keep cars from falling off. It is crucial not only to treat the problem, but also address its underlying causes. Otherwise, the same problem often recurs, like angioplastied arteries that clog up again, and a new set of problems may occur, such as side effects from medications.

The acute-care approach to medicine lacks the proper methodology and tools for preventing and treating complex, chronic diseases. In most cases, it does not take into account the unique genetic makeup of each individual, factors such as environmental exposure to toxins, and aspects of today’s diet and lifestyle that have a direct influence on the rise of chronic disease in modern society. There is a huge gap between research and the way doctors practice. The gap between emerging research in science and integration into medical practice is enormous—as long as 50 years—particularly in the area of complex, chronic illnesses.

Hence, most physicians are not adequately trained to assess the underlying causes of complex, chronic diseases and apply strategies such as nutrition, diet, and exercise to both treat and prevent these illnesses in their patients. On the other hand, we, the consumers, do not pay attention to warning signs in our body until it is too late. We are often reminded that our health is largely up to us. The choices we make every day can lead to vibrant health, a never ending struggle with chronic diseases and conditions, and everything between the two extremes.

Prevention is a tandem between a rigorous academic research, dedicated practitioners and strong community participation. Prevention should be woven into all aspects of our lives, including where and how we live, learn, work and play. Everyone—government, businesses, educators, health care institutions, communities and every single Filipino—has a role in creating a healthier nation.

There is a growing body of scientific evidence showing that our body has a remarkable capacity to heal itself, much more quickly than had once been realized, when the underlying causes of illness are addressed. The choices we make each day for what we eat and how we live are among the most important underlying causes. When we eat a healthy diet, quit smoking, exercise, pray, have more love in our lives and manage our stress, then our body receives more blood, oxygen and nourishment. We can be empowered once we discover there is no magic pill and that we are part of the decision-making process.

It is definitely cheaper to prevent a problem or disease than to treat it. The wisdom of prevention holds true in many parts of our lives, which is why many of us with cars change the oil regularly. How much cheaper are regular oil changes compared to replacing an engine? The concept is not difficult to understand in relation to cars, so why is it difficult when it comes to our health?

Food as medicine was originally coined by Hippocrates. He believed that eating wholesome food is the basis for good health. Hippocrates said, “Leave your drugs in the chemist’s pot if you can heal the patient with food.” It is time to get back to basics. Mother Nature is abundant in herbs, spices and foods that heal, rejuvenate and build our immunity. Let us learn how to navigate our way back to optimum health. Why just survive when we can thrive?

Let us focus on prevention, wellness not sickness, and learn how we can defend ourselves against chronic diseases with the food on our plates and drinks in our glasses. Through innovative research, policy work, educational efforts and clinical care, we can open pathways to keep us out of unnecessary hospitalization, lifetime prescription drugs and living longer and healthier lives.

Because prevention is the best cure!

Meanwhile, here is the Green Secret’s “Disease Prevention” juice to prevent chronic diseases. (Make sure to wash all ingredients well before juicing). It is a MUST to use organic ingredients only.

• 1 cup malunggay leaves
• 1 cup ampalaya leaves
• 3 calamansi (remove seeds and peel)

Juice all ingredients in your masticating juicer. Stir and enjoy the shot of long life!

Let us replace the outdated and ineffective acute care models carried from 20th century health care practices with effective chronic disease prevention systems that will keep millions of Filipinos from developing deadly and debilitating disease. In the following weeks, we will cover detailed benefits of chronic disease prevention and the recipe for change.I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences on “Ask Dr. C at www.greensecret.com.ph” Our deepest gratitude to IAJ WELLNESS CORPORATION for making this information public. For more information or questions, email me at [email protected].

Christine E.V. Gonzalez is a doctor of naturopathic medicine and holds PhDs
in holistic nutrition and natural medicine. LLM (MS Environmental Laws & Labor)
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