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The Disconnect Between Food & Health: A Broken System

Sep 24, 2024 0 comments

Explore how Wendell Berry's quote exposes the disconnect between the food and health industries. Learn about the impact of processed foods, the need for better nutritional education, and how holistic health can restore balance. Start your journey to better health today!

Disconnection Between Food Industry and the Health Industry

written by Texas

Updated: November 11, 2024

Woman Preparing salad on a table with cup of coffee and plate of food
photo by Kaboompics

"People are fed by the Food Industry, which pays no attention to health, and are treated by the Health Industry, which pays no attention to food."
-Wendell Berry

Introduction

Wendell Berry’s words resonate deeply in today’s world, where chronic disease is on the rise and the connection between food and health has become increasingly strained. The food industry floods our shelves with processed, nutritionally poor products, while the healthcare industry often focuses on treating the consequences of poor nutrition with medication, rather than prevention through diet. This disconnect has serious consequences for our overall well-being.

As a certified holistic health coach, I want to empower you to critically examine your food choices and understand how what you eat impacts your health. By focusing on nutrition as a form of medicine, we can take control of our health and create lasting change.

The Food Industry: Profit Over Health

The Rise of Processed Foods

Since the mid-20th century, processed foods have come to dominate our grocery stores. Following World War II, advancements in food processing and the rise of convenience foods reshaped how we eat. While these foods may be quick and affordable, their convenience has come at the cost of our health.

Today, processed foods contribute to rising rates of chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the obesity rate in the U.S. has nearly tripled since the 1960s, with over 42% of American adults now classified as obese (1). Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death, and more than 34 million Americans currently live with diabetes. These staggering statistics highlight the direct link between our reliance on processed foods and the decline in public health.

Misinformation Through Marketing

To make matters worse, the food industry frequently uses misleading marketing tactics to promote unhealthy products as beneficial. Labels like “low-fat,” “sugar-free,” and “natural” are designed to give consumers the impression that they are making healthier choices, but in reality, these products often contain excessive amounts of sugar, unhealthy fats, and chemical additives.

For example, many "low-fat" foods compensate for the lack of fat by adding extra sugar, which can increase the risk of metabolic diseases. Deceptive labeling practices contribute to consumer confusion and perpetuate the cycle of poor nutrition.

The Health Industry’s Disconnect from Food

Focus on Treatment, Not Prevention

Despite the overwhelming evidence that diet plays a crucial role in preventing and managing chronic disease, the healthcare industry continues to prioritize treatment over prevention. In many cases, medications are prescribed to manage symptoms of illnesses that could be addressed through dietary changes.

According to a 2020 study published in JAMA (2), healthcare costs associated with diet-related diseases in the U.S. exceed $50 billion per year. This figure reflects a system that treats diseases caused by poor diet, rather than promoting healthy eating habits as a preventive measure.

Lack of Nutritional Education for Doctors

A major contributor to this problem is the lack of nutrition education in medical training. On average, doctors in the U.S. receive less than 25 hours of nutrition education throughout their entire medical schooling, which accounts for less than 1% of their curriculum.

This lack of training leaves doctors ill-equipped to address the dietary root causes of chronic diseases. Instead, they often turn to medications as the primary form of treatment, missing the opportunity to help patients make transformative changes through nutrition.

Large salad bowl with spinach and feta, wooden spoons on a table with other dishes of food
photo by Kaboompics

The Rise of Holistic Health: Food as Medicine

Functional Medicine and Holistic Health

Fortunately, the rise of holistic health and functional medicine is offering a different approach. These practices emphasize treating the root causes of disease, with food being a central component. Functional medicine practitioners focus on using whole, nutrient-dense foods to reverse chronic illnesses and promote long-term wellness.

Numerous studies have shown that dietary changes can significantly reduce the risk of chronic disease. For example, plant-based diets have been shown to lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes. By focusing on food as medicine, individuals can take a proactive approach to their health.

The Role of Health Coaches

Health coaches, like myself, are playing an important role in bridging the gap between food and health. Unlike traditional healthcare providers, health coaches take a personalized, holistic approach to wellness, helping clients develop sustainable dietary and lifestyle habits.

As a health coach, I work one-on-one with clients to assess their unique needs and provide tailored guidance. This includes creating meal plans, teaching clients how to use kitchen tools to prepare healthy meals, and offering accountability to help them stay on track. The result is not only improved health but also a deeper understanding of the power of food to heal.

Wendell Berry’s Vision: Healing Through Sustainable Agriculture

Reconnecting Food with Health

Wendell Berry has long advocated for a return to local, sustainable food systems as a way to reconnect people with their food and, ultimately, their health. He argues that industrial agriculture has severed the natural link between food and health, turning food into a commodity rather than a vital component of our well-being.

Berry’s vision emphasizes the importance of supporting local farmers and choosing whole, organic foods. By doing so, we can nourish our bodies with high-quality food while also supporting sustainable farming practices that benefit the environment.

The Connection Between Agriculture and Human Health

The industrialization of farming has not only affected the quality of our food but also the health of our ecosystems. The rise of monocultures, heavy pesticide use, and chemical fertilizers have degraded soil quality and reduced the nutritional value of our food.

Sustainable agriculture, on the other hand, promotes biodiversity, improves soil health, and results in more nutrient-dense foods. By choosing to support local, organic farms, we can help restore the connection between food, health, and the environment.

Conclusion

The disconnect between the food and health industries has had a profound impact on public health. As the food industry prioritizes profit and the health industry focuses on treating symptoms, we must take it upon ourselves to bridge the gap. By making informed food choices and embracing a holistic approach to health, we can reclaim control of our well-being.

Start by taking small steps—choose whole, local foods, reduce your intake of processed products, and seek out health professionals who prioritize nutrition. If you’re ready to take control of your health and explore the healing power of food, reach out today for a personalized health coaching session. Together, we can create a plan that supports your health goals and helps you rediscover the connection between food and wellness.  Please feel free to reach out to me via the form here.


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