Nutraceuticals and Combatting Chronic Disease

Nutraceuticals: What are They and How Can They Help you Fight Chronic Disease

Nutraceutical has become a very popular buzzword lately in light of our recent election and political climate. The term “nutraceutical” is becoming more prominent, fueled by discussions around healthcare reform, food industry transparency, and a shift toward natural approaches to health. Figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have brought attention to these topics, calling for an overhaul of the systems that regulate our food and health industries and advocating for more natural options to support wellness. There have been many conversations about cleaning up the pharmaceutical and food industries, educating and informing the public about their health care and food, and ultimately, about making America healthy again. But what is a nutraceutical, and why should you care? Well, I’m here to explain.

Defining Nutraceuticals: Bridging Nutrition and Medicine

What exactly is a nutraceutical, and how does it fit into both Eastern and Western health traditions?

A nutraceutical is a food-derived product with health benefits, often used to support or improve health and prevent disease. It combines “nutrition” and “pharmaceutical” and includes supplements, fortified foods, and functional foods. Unlike pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals are not strictly regulated for therapeutic use, so their effects may vary. Popular examples include omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and herbal extracts such as those used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which people use for various health goals, like boosting immunity or supporting heart health.

Western Medicine’s View on Nutraceuticals

In Western medicine, nutraceuticals are often seen as supplementary aids that can fill nutrient gaps or provide support for specific conditions. For instance, omega-3 fatty acids are frequently recommended for cardiovascular health, while probiotics are suggested for gut health.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Nutraceuticals

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, nutraceuticals play a longstanding role, emphasizing balance and prevention. Unlike isolated supplements in Western practice, TCM views nutraceuticals as part of a holistic system where food, herbs, and lifestyle support qi (vital energy) and harmony within the body. For centuries, herbs like ginseng and reishi mushrooms have been used to promote longevity, resilience, and vitality, viewing health as the natural state of a balanced body.

Nutraceuticals in Processed Foods: Understanding the Risks

While so many of these nutraceuticals can be great additions to your healthcare routine, some of them are fortified foods, and many companies aren’t always transparent about what they’re putting into your processed foods. In the last 50 years, childhood obesity has quadrupled, and it isn’t just because of the lack of exercise and movement. It’s because of the foods we consume, such as added sugars, refined carbohydrates, trans and saturated fats, and the lack of fiber. All of these things have led to an increase in obesity, not just in children but in America as a country.

American foods contain over 1000 ingredients that are illegal in other countries. These items include, but aren’t limited to, Potassium Bromate, Artificial Food Dyes, rBHG and rBST, and Brominated Vegetable Oil. These items alone have been linked to digestive issues, cancer risks, thyroid issues, and neurological concerns, to name a few. So, if some nutraceuticals are bad, why would we want to include them?

Key Nutraceuticals for Health and Wellness: Western and Eastern Approaches

Well, not all nutraceuticals are created equal. In fact, many of them are taken to combat the negative ones but also to promote health and well-being as our bodies often don’t receive great nutrition even with a balanced diet. Some of the most common nutraceuticals are listed below.

–          Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Typically found in fish oil, these fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and have been shown to benefit the brain, joints, and heart health.

–          Probiotics: These bacteria are beneficial to supporting gut health by balancing your gut microbiome.

–          Vitamin D: This vitamin is crucial for your bone health, immune health, and mood regulation.

–          Collagen: Peptides that are often used to benefit the skin, joints, and bone health. It is often used to help with skin repair and elasticity as well as supporting joint integrity.

Most Americans, whether knowingly or not, consume nutraceuticals daily. Now, which ones you consume can make a huge difference in your health, both acute and chronic. The United States has a chronic disease epidemic that is impacting adults and children alike. It has become significant and has been getting worse every year as the “Healthcare Industry” is becoming more and more lucrative. The U.S. spends over 4 trillion dollars a year on healthcare, 5x the military budget, and most of it is spent on chronic disease. But what if we learned to use preventive medicine? What if we used the very thing that has caused so many chronic diseases to turn the healthcare of the American people around? How can we use nutraceuticals and thousand-year-old treatment methods and medicine to promote true health? Well, I’ll explain.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbs for Chronic Disease Prevention

Traditional Chinese Medicine has been around for over 2,000 years. What most people don’t understand is that there are pillars to Eastern Medicine. Acupuncture is becoming a commonly utilized treatment method here in the US and I have seen it do amazing things, but more often, it is the last resort for treatment of an ailment. TCM often first goes to meditation, rest, lifestyle change, food as medicine and herbal therapy or… you guessed it, nutraceuticals. TCM has been using natural nutraceuticals in the form of herbs and natural compounds to promote health and address imbalances in the body for many years.

The most common chronic diseases in the US are Heart Disease, Stroke, Cancer, Obesity, Diabetes, Arthritis, and Alzheimer’s. Now, of course, there are other things besides what we consume that impact some of these diseases, such as smoking cigarettes, lack of physical activity, and alcohol consumption, but these have always been risk factors. Truly, it’s the consumption of ultra-processed, high-sugar additive foods that contain chemicals our bodies can’t and don’t process. So besides cutting out these foods and changing our diets and lifestyles, what can be added to help? Which Traditional Chinese herbs and nutraceuticals are best for chronic disease prevention? Well, there are thousands but below are ten of the most commonly found that can be used to prevent most of these inflammatory chronic diseases listed above.

–          Ginseng (Ren Shen): Ginseng is one of the most widely recognized TCM herbs. It’s used to boost energy, enhance immunity, and improve cognitive function. Known for its adaptogenic properties, it helps balance stress and supports overall vitality.

–          Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi): Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, goji berries are used to nourish the liver and kidneys, support vision, and promote longevity. They are also believed to have immune-boosting and anti-aging properties.

–          Reishi Mushroom (Ling Zhi): Known as the “mushroom of immortality,” reishi is highly regarded in TCM for its immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and stress-relieving effects. It is commonly used to support respiratory and cardiovascular health.

–          Astragalus (Huang Qi): Often used to boost immunity and increase energy, astragalus is a tonic herb in TCM that helps to strengthen qi, particularly of the lungs and spleen. It is also used for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

–          Cordyceps (Dong Chong Xia Cao): This unique fungus is traditionally used for lung health and to improve stamina and physical endurance. Cordyceps is also believed to enhance kidney function and has adaptogenic effects that support stress management.

–          Turmeric (Jiang Huang): While turmeric is often associated with Indian Ayurveda, it is also used in TCM to reduce inflammation and improve circulation, especially in cases involving pain or joint issues.

–          Chinese Licorice Root (Gan Cao): Licorice root is used as an anti-inflammatory, liver-supportive, and immune-modulating herb. It is commonly found in herbal formulas to harmonize and balance other herbs.

–          Ginkgo Biloba (Bai Guo): Used for improving circulation and cognitive function, Ginkgo is associated with memory enhancement and brain health, especially for older adults.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Views on Health Reform and Nutraceuticals

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been vocal about the need to prioritize natural, unprocessed foods and reform dietary guidelines heavily influenced by corporate interests. Kennedy criticizes the influence of corporate interests in public health, advocating for dietary reform that places whole, natural foods at the forefront to combat chronic disease.

In a recent interview, Kennedy remarked, “Corporate interests have hijacked USDA dietary guidelines to make natural, unprocessed foods merely an afterthought. That’s one reason why 70% of the American diet now consists of ultraprocessed food.” Kennedy’s stance aligns with the principles of TCM, which emphasize natural foods and herbs to restore health and prevent chronic disease.

Embracing a Holistic Future in Healthcare

Kennedy and TCM both highlight the importance of a preventive approach to health that reduces the need for intensive medical interventions. By combining Western nutraceuticals with the holistic practices of TCM, individuals can create a balanced health regimen that supports wellness rather than merely treating disease symptoms.

So, how do I know what to take and where to start? The healthcare and supplement business can feel overwhelming and often expensive. There are thousands of different brands and forms of common vitamins, so it can be difficult to know what you need. Your specific needs are as unique and different as you are. It’s important to know about your body, to know your blood work numbers and to be body aware. Find your local holistic practitioner or consult with a holistic practitioner such as myself. You want someone who specializes in personalized plans that combine dietary and lifestyle change, nutraceutical recommendations, and alternative treatment plans, which can help you focus not just on the treatment of disease but also on prevention. Our world would be a much better and healthier place if the focus was on keeping people well instead of treating those who are sick. There are too many public health agencies in our country to lack so much public health. Plus, if the United States could save a trillion dollars or two, that would be a nice bonus, too.

In Sickness and In Health,

Dr. Steffani Corey

White Crane Clinic

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