Food is Medicine - Great Idea Worth Replicating - Biomedglobal Institute Lecture Series

Introduction Hello and welcome to the inaugural lecture series on "Food is Medicine" presented by the Biomedglobal Institute. Today, we embark on a journey to explore the symbiotic relationship between our dietary choices and the resilience of our bodies. This lecture series aims to uncover the transformative potential of food, not just as sustenance but as a powerful tool for maintaining health, preventing diseases, and even treating various medical conditions. We'll delve into why prescribing food as medicine is gaining increased attention, especially in the USA.

Historical Perspective The idea of "Food is Medicine" is not a new one. Dating back to 400 BC, Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, proclaimed, "Let Food Be Thy Medicine and Medicine Be Thy Food." Throughout the centuries, physicians have consistently advised their patients on the importance of healthy eating.

Revival of Ancient Wisdom The modern concept of "Food is Medicine" is essentially a revival of the ancient Greek physicians' advice that our health lies in the food we consume, not medicine. This idea has garnered significant attention in contemporary times, receiving 350 million allocations this year from organizations such as The Rockefeller Foundation, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the USA.

Key Players in Food is Medicine Idea Let's introduce the three leading organizations investing in the "Food is Medicine" concept. The Rockefeller Foundation, established in 1913, aims to promote global well-being by supporting initiatives across various fields. Their focus includes integrating nutrition into healthcare to enable doctors to prescribe healthy food, reduce the need for invasive health services, and lower healthcare costs.

PCORI's Role The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), an independent non-profit organization, collaborates with The Rockefeller Foundation and the US National Institutes of Health, emphasizing patient-centered research and outcomes.

NIH's Call for Research The National Institute of Health (NIH) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking input on research opportunities and best practices for "Food is Medicine" research programs.

Presidential Support In the USA, there is substantial support for "Food is Medicine" from the President's Office, with recent commitments of $8.5 billion to overcome diet-related diseases by 2030 through various initiatives. Additionally, the US Department of Agriculture supports food and vegetable prescription programs.

Research Initiative The "Food is Medicine" Research Initiative is noteworthy, with The Rockefeller Foundation, the American Heart Association, and Kroger mobilizing $250 million for projects related to cardiovascular diseases.

Supporting Initiatives Other initiatives supporting "Food is Medicine" include the Food is Medicine Massachusetts Coalition, the Massachusetts Food is Medicine State Plan, insurance plans offering fruits and vegetables in some states, and medically tailored meals.

Challenges Despite the attention, "Food is Medicine" faces challenges, particularly regarding conducting clinical trials, with experts divided on the matter.

Geisinger's Study A 2018 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine titled "Prescribing Food as a Specialty Drug" under Geisinger's program demonstrated improved outcomes for diabetes patients, including a 40% decrease in risk of death or complications and an 80% drop in costs.

Current Situation While "Food is Medicine" is a promising idea, it faces obvious and unforeseen challenges that must be addressed.