Something I Struggle with as a Dietitian (Is Food Medicine?)

A few years ago, Instagram bombarded me with ads for an article about how food can “cure” depression. When I finally gave in and read it, I discovered that cashews made the list. I sarcastically thought to myself – “I eat cashews pretty much every day. Why am I still depressed?”

I’ve experienced depression since adolescence. My depression didn’t significantly improve until I found the right therapist and cocktail of medications. I don’t notice a difference in my depressive symptoms from when I am eating cashews vs when I’m not. 

This doesn’t stop me from eating cashews! They’re an easy snack, I love how they taste, and I know they have a lot of nutritional benefits. I just know they won’t “cure” my depression.

When I’m working one-on-one with clients in my nutrition practice, we address their ailments or health concerns (at least in part), but the intervention is often simpler than they expect. It doesn’t involve a grocery list of exotic foods, expensive supplements, or intricate recipes. Changes in their health markers and physical symptoms usually take some time to surface. AKA: food isn’t a magic pill for overnight success. 

So, here is where my conflict lies. 

Food is powerful, but where do we draw the line? Is food medicine?

The Power of Food

I’m a dietitian. Of course I believe in the power of food! 

There are countless examples of just how important the nutrients in food are for our health and ability to function.

• Limes cure scurvy because our bodies need vitamin C. 
• Low blood sugar can become a medical emergency because your brain and other organs need a steady supply of glucose. 
• Your heart relies on electrolytes like potassium, calcium, and magnesium to keep beating normally. 
• Iron helps carry oxygen throughout your body.
• Dietary fat helps you absorb vitamins and produce hormones. 
• Protein provides the building blocks your body uses to maintain and repair tissues.

We see the consequences when our bodies don’t get enough of what they need. Nutrient deficiencies can cause fatigue, anemia, bone loss, impaired immune function, neurological symptoms, and, in severe cases, life-threatening complications, among other things.

So yes, nutrition matters. A lot.

But how far do we take it? Do we really need to follow extremely restrictive diets at all costs? What is the return on that investment? How are your quality of life and mental health? 

The Problem With Saying “Food Is Medicine”

Oftentimes in our society, that nuance is lost. Food is given too much power. 

Food is incredibly important and can be healing as a piece of a larger treatment plan. That being said, food isn’t medicine in the literal sense. 

You can eat an incredibly nutritious diet and still have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, depression, diabetes, migraines, or another health condition that requires treatment.

Needing medication (or any other medical intervention) doesn’t mean you failed to take care of yourself; it isn’t somehow the “lazy” choice compared with trying to manage everything through food and lifestyle alone.

Let’s also not forget that health is influenced by so much more than what we put on our plates. Genetics matter. Access to healthcare matters. Stress, sleep, socioeconomic circumstances, environment, relationships, and plain old luck matter.

Additionally, some minor ailments are simply part of the human experience. It’s normal to sometimes feel tired, bloated, irritable, have a headache, or just feel off for a day. Not every uncomfortable sensation is evidence that you have a nutrient deficiency, a food intolerance, a hormonal imbalance, an inflamed gut, or some mysterious underlying problem that needs to be solved with a supplement or a more restrictive way of eating.

Sometimes, symptoms do indicate that something more significant is going on. Nutrition may be one piece of the puzzle, but that doesn’t mean food is the only treatment.

It’s Okay If Nutrition Isn’t Enough

I love nutrition. I believe deeply in the power of food. I also believe in the power of modern medicine. We don’t have to choose between the two.

So here’s the lesson you can take from my internal conflict: take nutrition information and advice with a grain of salt. Find professional help from a dietitian if you really want answers to your nutrition questions. 

Most importantly, remember that food won’t fix all of your problems. It’s okay to need support beyond nutrition and lifestyle changes. 

Needing medication, therapy, medical treatment, or other forms of support doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re using the tools available to you to take care of yourself, and that’s something worth celebrating.

Nutrition Support Without the All-or-Nothing Thinking

If you’re wondering whether nutrition could help with something you’re experiencing (or you’re overwhelmed by all the conflicting advice about what you should and shouldn’t be eating), you don’t have to figure it out on your own!

My approach to virtual nutrition coaching is all about helping you figure out what nutrition can do for you. I’ll help you make changes that feel realistic and sustainable, while also helping you recognize when it may be time to bring other members of your healthcare team into the conversation.

If that sounds like the kind of support you’re looking for, book a free discovery call with me. We’ll chat about what’s going on, what you’re hoping to get out of nutrition counseling, and whether working together feels like a good fit.