Let food be thy medicine: on nutrition as component of healing in oncology

The recent article, 'Let food be thy medicine: on nutrition as component of healing in oncology,' brings to the forefront a crucial, yet often underestimated, aspect of public health: the profound connection between wholesome, nutrient-rich food and disease management, particularly in the context of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like cancer. This concept, rooted in ancient wisdom, is gaining renewed scientific validation and policy attention, especially relevant for a country like India grappling with a dual burden of disease.

Globally, and especially in India, NCDs have emerged as a significant public health challenge. While communicable diseases once dominated the health landscape, a demographic and epidemiological transition has led to NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancers, accounting for over 60% of all deaths in India. This shift is largely attributed to changing lifestyles, urbanization, dietary transitions towards processed foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, and reduced physical activity. The economic burden of NCDs is immense, impacting individual households, national healthcare systems, and overall productivity, making preventive strategies paramount.

What the article underscores is the dual role of nutrition: first, as a protective shield against the onset of NCDs, and second, as a fundamental pillar for recovery and improved prognosis for those already battling diseases like cancer. In oncology, conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation often have severe side effects, impacting appetite, digestion, and nutrient absorption. Adequate and tailored nutrition can mitigate these effects, improve treatment tolerance, enhance immune function, and significantly improve the quality of life and survival rates for cancer patients. This moves beyond merely 'eating healthy' to a therapeutic application of diet, integrating it as a core component of medical treatment.

Several key stakeholders are involved in translating this understanding into action. At the individual and family level, awareness and adoption of healthier eating habits are crucial. Healthcare professionals, including doctors, dietitians, and nurses, play a vital role in educating patients and integrating nutritional counseling into treatment protocols. The government, through its various ministries and agencies, is a primary stakeholder in policy formulation, public health campaigns, and regulatory oversight. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, for instance, leads initiatives like the National Programme for Prevention & Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke (NPCDCS), which aims to prevent and control NCDs through health promotion, early diagnosis, and management. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is actively promoting the 'Eat Right India' movement, encouraging healthier food choices and safe food practices, and regulating food labeling to empower consumers.

For India, the significance of this focus on nutrition is multi-faceted. Economically, a healthier population reduces healthcare expenditure and boosts productivity. Socially, it addresses health inequalities, as poor nutrition disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. Historically, India has a rich tradition of 'Ayurveda' and other indigenous systems of medicine that emphasize 'food as medicine' (Ahara as Aushadha). Reintegrating this ancient wisdom with modern scientific understanding offers a culturally resonant and sustainable approach to public health. The rise of NCDs also puts immense pressure on India's public health infrastructure, making preventive care through nutrition a cost-effective strategy.

From a constitutional perspective, the State's responsibility towards public health is enshrined in the Directive Principles of State Policy. Article 47 explicitly states that the 'State shall regard the raising of the level of nutrition and the standard of living of its people and the improvement of public health as among its primary duties.' This constitutional mandate provides the bedrock for various government policies and programs aimed at improving nutritional outcomes and public health. The National Health Policy (NHP) 2017 also emphasizes preventive and promotive healthcare and universal access to quality health services, where nutrition plays a central role. Furthermore, government initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, while primarily focusing on healthcare access, also implicitly support better health outcomes through a holistic approach that includes preventive aspects.

Looking ahead, the future implications are profound. We can anticipate greater integration of nutritional counseling and dietary interventions into mainstream medical practice. There will likely be an increased focus on public awareness campaigns promoting healthy eating, possibly leveraging digital platforms and community health workers. Research into personalized nutrition and the role of specific macro and micronutrients in disease prevention and management will intensify. Policy-wise, we might see stricter regulations on processed foods, clearer labeling requirements, and incentives for promoting healthier food production and consumption. This holistic approach to health, where food is recognized not just as sustenance but as a powerful therapeutic tool, aligns perfectly with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), positioning India to build a healthier, more resilient population.