Food as Medicine is based upon the recognition that food and diet play important roles in disease prevention and management. The fact that diet can impact an individual’s health is now well documented and accepted by healthcare providers worldwide: Unhealthy food choices can increase the risk of disease whereas nutritious foods can decrease risk.

How to use food as medicine:

There is no specific definition of “food as medicine”. It usually refers to prioritizing nutrition in an individual’s health plan, with the goal of either preventing, reducing symptoms of, or reversing a disease state, particularly some of the chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, inflammation, and digestive problems.

Focus is on the increased consumption of a variety of whole, minimally processed plant-based foods, and limited intakes of highly processed foods rich in added sugar, fat, and salt. The Healing Potential of Food occurs with a plan primarily composed of nutrient dense, fiber-rich foods, while avoiding ultra-processed foods and unhealthy fats.

The concept of Food as Medicine is now supported by many organizations. Examples include the American Heart Association has a Health Care by Food Initiative™. The US Department of Health and Human Services held a summit in 2024 discussing equitable access to healthy, economical food options, education, and the recognition that nourishment is vital for good health.

Should I see a dietitian or a nutritionist?

As a dietitian who has worked with patients for over thirty years to help them manage their chronic conditions, my practice is based on food as medicine.

What you choose to eat has profound effects on your overall health. Research shows that nutrition influences disease risk. While certain foods may trigger chronic health conditions, others have protective qualities.

I am a dietitian that has dedicated my career to studying the science of nutrition, advising patients according to the latest data, including a Food as Medicine approach. I individualize dietary interventions based on your specific needs. A diet plan for diabetes might be very different than one for digestive problems or autoimmune diseases. I can help you implement sustainable changes to reach your wellness and weight loss goals. Following a healthy diet can increase longevity, protect against disease, and improve your overall quality of life.

Additional Resources

Health.Gov, Food is Medicine: A Project to Unify and Advance Collective Action

American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Food as Medicine: The Healing Power of Food

Medical News Today, Can food be medicine? Pros and cons

Healthline, Food as Medicine

Nancy Mazarin - Certified Nutritionist & Registered Dietitian MS, RDN, CDN, CNS

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Amy Pedolsky

17:02 26 Dec 22

Over the past six months that I have been seeing Nacny, she has been very helpful in hepling me lose 31 pounds. She understands very aspect of what I needed and how to accommidate them properly. With Nancy's help I have been able to change my lifestyle, eat healthier and change and treat my medical conditions very differently and for the best. I would highly reccommanded Nancy to anyone that has tried diets before and has not succeded and who has a lot of different medical conditions that make it difficult to know what to eat and what not to eat.

Michael Maino

21:11 17 Dec 22

I was hesitant at first to start seeing a nutritionist. I was very comfortable with my poor eating habits despite being upset about my weight; however I knew I needed to make a change.Nancy was very understanding from the start. Before meeting with Nancy, I had been in a constant cycle of over-restricting myself to lose weight rapidly, followed by binge eating and gaining it all back plus some more.Over the past year and a half, Nancy has helped me discover normal eating. She helped me understand my hunger and my fullness in addition to helping me choose better food options.Nancy is very dedicated to working with you and helping you achieve your goals. She doesn’t just help you reach your goals — she helps you change your perspective of food and eating for the better. What you learn with Nancy is not temporary — you will carry it with you and practice it throughout your life.I have lost almost 70 pounds since first meeting with Nancy and continuing on my journey. I highly recommend working with her.Nancy, thank you for all of your help!

Carol Vogt

21:38 12 Dec 22

Although I was unlucky when I developed some health issues, I was very lucky to find Nancy Mazarin, a skilled, intelligent, caring nutritionist. I saw lots of doctors but she was the one who came up with the diagnosis that finally led to my improved health. She was always available when I had questions and was even willing to meet with me one weekend when I was struggling.

Bonnie Eisler

00:22 03 Dec 22

Nancy has been wonderful to work with. She is extremely knowledgeable about nutrition, and very intuitive in identifying and removing roadblocks her clients may be experiencing on their way to achieving their goals. Nancy is extremely organized and promptly keeps her appointments. I highly recommend her!

richard markx

02:55 11 Oct 22

Absolutely knowledgeable compassionate and very personable!Anyone wishing to improve their health through nutrition and education will find Nancy Mazarin incredibly helpful Thank you for all your help Nancy!