We all know that good nutrition is important for overall health. But many of us don’t realize the role nutrition plays in fighting chronic diseases. It’s easy to assume that if you have cancer or heart disease, there’s nothing you can do about it except take prescription drugs and hope for the best. But research shows that healthy eating habits can make a real difference in your body’s ability to fight off chronic conditions—and even improve your odds of surviving them if they’re already present. Here are some examples of how nutrition can help your body fight back:
The role of nutrition
Nutrition is an important part of managing your health, especially if you have a chronic disease. The role of nutrition in the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases is an emerging area of research.
Although there are many factors that affect the development and progression of chronic diseases, including age and genetics, what people eat makes a big difference. For example:
- A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains may lower your risk for heart disease.
- People who drink alcohol moderately may have a reduced risk for heart disease compared with those who don’t drink at all or who drink too much alcohol (the “J-shaped” relationship).
Beta-carotene
Beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant, is known to help protect against heart disease and cancer. It’s found in orange and yellow fruits and vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, mangoes and cantaloupe. You can also get beta-carotene from dark leafy greens like spinach or kale.
The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A (retinol), which is essential for good vision (especially night vision), healthy skin tissue and cell growth. Vitamin A is also important for keeping your immune system working properly so you don’t get sick easily or often.
Cancer-fighting vegetables and fruits
These cancer-fighting vegetables and fruits are rich in nutrients that help protect against cancer:
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Kale and spinach (these leafy greens belong to the same family)
- Tomatoes and peppers (which are technically fruit)
- Cabbage, apples, oranges, grapefruit, strawberries.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that is believed to have many health benefits. They can be found in certain foods, as well as supplements.
- What are omega-3 fatty acids?
Omega-3 fats are considered essential fats because they cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained through food sources or dietary supplements. Omega-3s include alpha linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA is converted into EPA and DHA in the body, but studies show that most people convert at a rate of between 5–20%. EPA and DHA have been shown to support heart health, joint function and brain health.*
Good nutrition can play a positive role in fighting chronic diseases.
The diet you eat plays a huge role in your health, and eating well can go a long way toward preventing chronic diseases. A healthy diet is made up of whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. It also includes plenty of water to stay hydrated and prevent constipation.
If you’re looking for ways to add more fruits and vegetables into your daily routine without much effort — think about juicing! You’ll get all the nutrition from these natural sources without having to peal or chop anything yourself.
Conclusion
We know that good nutrition plays a role in fighting chronic diseases. It’s important to know how to eat healthy, but it is just as important not to overdo it. A balance of the right nutrients can help you reach your goals—whether it’s losing weight or staying fit. Remember that moderation is key when it comes to dieting and exercise!
