Preventive, Nutritional and 'Alternative' Medicine

What is Preventive Medicine?

   The underlying philosophical concept is that the best way to deal with an illness is to prevent its occurrence in the first place. Therefore, in many respects, preventive medicine is more of an approach and a philosophy than an actual method or type of practice. Paradoxically, one of the more difficult aspects of measuring the benefits of prevention is that there is often nothing to measure. If nothing happens (e.g., if a person does not become ill) there is always the question of whether anything would have happened in the absence of trying to prevent it.

   Given the above quantitative difficulties, the basis of the scientific practice of preventive medicine is to incorporate the most valid modalities and practices into a coordinated approach to the achievement of optimal health and lifespan, combined with the absence or delayed progression of disabilities, particularly those associated with advancing age. One of the main goals is to 'square off' the disability curve often associated with advancing age. We are all mortal and we will all die. This is, fortunately or unfortunately, not preventable. Ideally, we should live to our optimal lifespan (whatever that may be, preferably as long as possible) and then, when we die, 'go out like a light bulb'. It is the disability that is frequently associated with advancing age that we are trying to eliminate or retard as long as possible. Fortunately, modern science continues to provide us with valid information on how this can be achieved. For the most part, this can be done with lifestyle and nutritional modalities. Which leads to the next associated subject.

 

What is Nutritional Medicine?

   Nutritional medicine incorporates two fundamental concepts. The first is based upon prevention of illness by establishing and maintaining optimal physiologic and metabolic status. This is best done through natural means. The fundamental basis of all nutrition is an adequate and healthy diet. Although an ideal diet differs in some respects for each individual, there are some fundamental features that apply to everyone. Probably the most important aspect of the diet is not what we eat, but what we don't eat. To make it simple, avoid sugar and products made of refined white flour. Certain nutritional supplements can contribute to health optimization as well.

 

What is 'alternative' medicine?

   In my mind, the word 'alternative' does not apply to the scientific application of valid principles of good health and nutrition. As defined by the American Medical Association (JAMA reference) alternative medicine are those health related modalities that are not conventionally taught in standard medical training programs.

   This definition is obviously very vast. It is important to note that this definition does not state that alternative medicine is not scientific. In fact, nothing could be farther from the actual fact.

   Health related modalities are routinely being studied and taught in universities around the world and many academic honors, including Nobel prizes, are given for this study and research. In fact, many of the discoveries being made on a regular basis will be incorporated into standard medical care in the future. For the time being, however, these modalities fall under the term 'alternative' because they are not, at the present time, being taught in conventional medical training programs.

   The reality of medical training programs is that they are extremely intense. As one who has gone through this educational and training process, I can personally state that all of a student's time is taken up with trying to absorb the enormous amount of material that is presented. The reality is that there is a limit to how much can be taught. It goes without saying, therefore, that everything that is pertinent to health care is not, cannot, be taught in any medical training program.

   This is part of the reason why the study of medicine is a lifetime proposition. Irrespective of a physician's specialty or special interest(s) it is necessary to continuously stay abreast of current and developing scientific information. In my own situation, my interest lies primarily in preventive medicine, and, in particular, the nutritional aspects of physiology and optimal health. Because of the enormous amount of material that needs to be taught in conventional medical programs, this aspect of health care is virtually entirely neglected. Whether or not this is a mistake in medical education programs or not is a matter of debate. It is certainly necessary for all physicians to learn the basics of diagnosis and treatment of disease processes as they present themselves.

   This, in itself, requires an enormous amount of time and energy. Personally, therefore, I think it is not necessarily the fault of the medical education process that many aspects of nutrition and disease prevention are not taught in conventional medical education programs. Fortunately, however, access to this educational material is available outside of standard medical educational programs.

   It must be sought out, however, and obtained 'on ones own'. In my own case, since this is where my special interests lie, I have spent many hours seeking out additional education and training in areas of nutrition and preventive medicine. For example, I have taken special education programs and examinations leading to certification as a Clinical Nutrition Specialist' (CNS) by the American College of Nutrition.

   I do not consider this to be 'alternative' medicine, but rather a logical adjunct to the conventional modalities as taught in standard programs. In addition to nutritional aspects, there are many other arenas of health care that are not conventionally taught in the normal course of medical education. Many of these are of interest to me and I have explored them and in several cases, taken special training programs to further my knowledge in these areas.

 My interests are primarily in those modalities that can be verified with data obtained in a standardized scientific approach. By training, I am a scientific-method oriented person. My educational background is very traditional and based in the scientific method. Therefore, the modalities that I personally choose to incorporate are those that can be approached in a scientifically sound manner.

 This does not mean, necessarily, that other modalities are not valid. I find many of them interesting, and am always anxious to review results and hear of anecdotal reports. Many of these modalities probably are effective, but I prefer those that have scientific validation.

 

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