Let thy food be thy medicine….when possible

Abstract

There is no evidence that Hippocrates, although being credited for it, ever literally stated 'let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food'. However, yet in line with Hippocrates' philosophy, we are currently witnessing a reappraisal of the complementarity of nutrition and pharmacology. Recent studies not only underline the therapeutic potential of lifestyle interventions, but are also generating valuable insights in the complex and dynamic transition from health to disease. Next to this, nutritional biology can significantly contribute to the discovery of new molecular targets. It is clear that most of the current top-selling drugs used in chronic cardio-metabolic diseases modulate relatively late-stage complications, which generally indicate already longer existing homeostatic imbalances. Pharmacologists are increasingly aware that typical multifactorial disorders require subtle, multiple target pharmacological approaches, instead of the still often dominating 'one disease - one target - one drug' paradigm. This review discusses the recent developments in the pharma-nutrition interface and shows some relevant mechanisms, including receptors and other targets, and examples from clinical practice. The latter includes inflammatory diseases and progressive loss of muscle function. The examples also illustrate the potential of targeted combinations of medicines with nutrition and (or) other life-style interventions, to increase treatment efficacy and (or) reduce adverse effects. More attention to a potentially negative outcome of drug-food combinations is also required, as shown by the example of food-drug interactions. Together, the developments at the food-pharma interface underline the demand for intensified collaboration between the disciplines, in the clinic and in science.

The Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors May Increase Symptoms of Muscle Function Loss in Patients with Chronic Illnesses

“…These data indicate that changes in microbiota might occur due to PPI use [82]. Next to that, increased TLR4 stimulation by LPS has been reported to increase hypothalamic inflammation, inducing disease-induced anorexia and loss of muscle mass and function [83,84]. Bacteria in the gut also produce metabolites and contain structural components that act as signaling molecules to enteroendocrine cells in the mucosa.…”

Nutraceuticals’ Novel Formulations: The Good, the Bad, the Unknown and Patents Involved

“…The EFSA responsibilities include assessment of the beneficial health claims and the associated adverse effects with food and supplements intake [13]. According to EFSA, a health claim is defined as “ any message or representation that states, suggest or implies that a relationship exists between a food category, a food or one of its constituents and health ” [1]. Consequently, a supplement is classified according to its health claims in one of the following categories; “general function claims”, “new function claims” and “claims regarding disease risk reduction and child development or health” [1].…”

“…The famous Hippocrates' quote (400 BC), “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”, represents that there has been a great interest in herbal products since decades [1]. There were many historical civilizations, such as ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman and others that used herbal products and plants in treating and preventing diseases [2].…”

COVID-19: Does lifestyle intervention improve the course of the disease? A case series and literature review

“…Studies have proven that there is potential in drugs combined with nutrition and other lifestyle interventions to increase treatment effectiveness [10].…”