Reflections - Health Care
This week, I want to share something that has been on my mind lately. It’s a reflection on the potential we have to shift the healthcare landscape and why I believe nutrition should be at the heart of that change. Recently, I’ve been working with a client diagnosed with severe IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). After being bounced between multiple gastroenterologists, he kept hearing that “nutrition doesn’t matter” or “it’s irrelevant to your condition.” One even dismissed it entirely, saying, “Nutrition is a Fiction.” Meanwhile, his dietitian’s advice was simply to “just eat whatever you want” to put on weight, despite his serious inflammatory condition. Thankfully, his wife wasn’t afraid to push back!
This experience got me thinking; how, in 2025, with all the knowledge we have at our fingertips, is nutrition and still overlooked in healthcare? The evidence supporting nutrition in healing and disease prevention is undeniable, and the connection between our bodies and what we eat goes far beyond calories. Yet, for many, it’s still absent from their care plan. That must change.
Doctors and dietitians play an essential role in healthcare, but there’s a fundamental gap in their understanding of how nutrition supports healing. When we think about true health and healing, food is medicine. It’s something we’ve known for centuries, and it's an accessible, cost-effective solution. In fact, if more emphasis was placed on nutrition, it could reduce the need for medications, providing a more sustainable approach to health; something that could truly transform the NHS.
I understand the confusion around nutrition. With so much conflicting information out there, it’s hard to know what’s true. But doctors and healthcare providers have the responsibility to lead the way, helping patients understand the foundational role nutrition plays in their health. Or at the very least, facilitate their patients accessing the information they need from other professionals, if they don't have the understanding. Healing is complex, but nutrition is central to that process. Full stop.
The good news is, change is gradually happening. More experts are beginning to embrace the importance of nutrition in healthcare, and it’s an exciting time. Private health care policies are starting to include "Nutritional Therapy" and similar services in what they cover. We’re seeing the tide turn, and as we continue to advocate for a more integrated approach, I believe we’ll see nutrition finally take its rightful place in public healthcare.
It’s time for food to be recognized as the cornerstone of health. And you can help.
My Three Tips
Embrace Food as Medicine: Nutrition has the power to heal. Prioritize nutrient-dense foods in your daily routine to support your body’s natural healing processes. Think of food not just as fuel, but as the foundation for your health.
Advocate for Yourself: If you feel your healthcare team isn’t addressing the role of nutrition in your treatment plan, speak up. It’s okay to ask questions and push for a more holistic approach that includes nutrition.
Explore Alternative Opinions: If you feel your current advice is incomplete, seek a second opinion from a qualified nutritionist. Many offer a free discovery call, allowing you to explore different perspectives and find the right support for you.