Image by Jerzy Górecki from Pixabay
Patients often ask me about endorsing various restrictive diets as a lifestyle. These diets range from “fad” diets for weight loss, inflammation, or overall health like the carnivore diet, vegetarian or vegan diets, the low lectin diet, the ketogenic diet, paleo, Mediterranean, alkaline diet, Blood Type Diet, and raw food diet to diets designed to treat specific conditions or sensitivities like the gluten free diet, GAPS Diet, dairy free diet, AIP Diet, Low Oxalate Diet, Specific Carbohydrate Diet, low FODMAP diet, low sulfur diet, low salicylate diet, low tyramine diet, low histamine diet, and more.
The topic of when to eat is also brought up. Should we skip breakfast, practice intermittent fasting, or eat small frequent meals? The overwhelming amount of information can be daunting for many.
Taking A Step Back (Waaaay Back)
Not all of these diets can be optimal for everyone simultaneously. However, it’s important to consider the context in which these diets are presented. This context is influenced by personal worldviews, beliefs, and values.
In the context of nutrition, my worldview based on belief in the God of the Bible guides my understanding. According to this worldview:
- Plants made by God for food are good (Genesis 1:12).
- God allowed the consumption of meat (Genesis 9:3).
- Food is meant for pleasure (Genesis 1:29, Psalm 104:15, James 1:17).
While certain dietary restrictions may be necessary for specific health conditions or during healing, it’s important to remember that God’s creation is inherently good. Blanket assumptions that whole, unprocessed foods are harmful for all individuals may not align with this worldview.
What About Long-Term Restrictive Diets?
Considering the fallen state of creation and the increased toxic exposure in today’s environment, long-term restrictive diets may be necessary for some individuals. However, the goal should be to address the root cause and work towards healing the body rather than indefinitely avoiding certain foods.
Genetics and epigenetics play a role in how individuals respond to toxins and deficiencies. While short-term dietary restrictions may be beneficial, long-term avoidance of trigger foods could lead to further sensitivities.
Typically, that is the usual course of events.
An alternative approach is hormesis: gradual exposure to substances that were once perceived as harmful, leading to tolerance over time. This is the principle behind allergy shots, Low Dose Immunotherapy, and other naturopathic treatments. While short-term restrictions on certain healthy foods may be necessary to address underlying issues, the ultimate goal is to expand rather than limit dietary options. Food is meant to be enjoyed and nourishing (Psalm 104:15).
In terms of diet for maintenance, I advocate for consuming whole, unprocessed foods in their natural state, preferably organic to avoid pesticides. A balanced intake of protein, carbohydrates, and fats is essential. Occasional indulgence in desserts made with natural sweeteners is acceptable unless there are specific reasons to avoid them. Periodic fasting can also be beneficial, supported by scripture.
It’s important to strive for a healthy diet while recognizing that perfection is unattainable. Occasional consumption of processed foods, sugars, pesticides, or GMOs is inevitable, and stressing over avoiding every toxin is counterproductive. As the saying goes, “Better a pizza with friends than a salad alone.” It’s all about finding balance.
Source link
