As the old saying goes, “we are what we eat!” Our biology demands the proper raw materials to function optimally—the right balance of quality protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. God built healing compounds, called phytonutrients, into the colorful pigments in plant foods. This is a big reason why plant food can heal our brains, ward off cancer and support our overall well-being and function. Unfortunately, most people are nutritionally imbalanced in some way. One of the most powerful tools you have to change your brain, nervous system and your health in general is your fork! Food is not just calories or energy.
Food contains information that talks to your genes, turning them on or off and affecting their function moment to moment.
Aside from prayer, food is one of the fastest acting and most powerful medicines you can use to change your health. This exciting discovery is called nutrigenomics and it’s one of my areas of special interest. Think of your genes as the software that runs everything in your body. Just like your computer software, it only does what you instruct it to do with the stroke of your keyboard. The foods you eat are the keystrokes that send messages to your genes telling them what to do—creating health or disease! Imagine what messages you are sending your genes by eating a fast food burger, fries and soft drink 🙁
Here is the basic nutritional advice I give to my patients: choose an anti-inflammatory, nutrient dense and high fiber diet. To quote a popular nutrition book:
Eat real food, not too much, mainly plants.
If your grandmother never heard of it or you cannot pronounce it, don’t eat it! I know how challenging it is to eat nutritious foods in our fast-food culture. Just make the best choices you can today. Little changes go a long way:)
With gratitude,
Cynthia Libert, M.D.