While millions of people around the world struggle with overnutrition and obesity, older people living on their own are at risk for undernutrition. That, in turn, is associated with frailty and even cognitive decline. Scientists wondered whether they could take a “Food is Medicine” approach. Would a change in diet help older individuals stay healthy longer? To find out, they tested a protein-enhanced Mediterranean diet they dubbed PROMED. It was protein-enriched because older people generally need more protein. In addition, the diet was tested with and without an additional exercise program. The control group simply carried on as usual. Read on to find out: could food be your medicine?
Was the PROMED-EX Approach Useful?
The study was conducted in northern Ireland and ran for 6 months (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, online Aug. 14, 2026). Researchers recruited 105 participants at risk of undernutrition from the community. The average age was 67, and 69% of the volunteers were female. Those in the intervention group were encouraged to consume a tablespoon of olive oil and two servings each of whole grains, fruit and dairy products daily, along with 3 servings of vegetables. The weekly food targets included three servings of nuts, at least two servings of chicken and oily fish and less than 2 servings of red meat.
Half of those on the PROMED intervention diet were also prescribed strength, aerobic and balance exercises tailored to their personal abilities. They were to do the exercises at home without supervision.
Very few of the volunteers actually completed their exercise assignments. However, both of the groups on the PROMED dietary regimen ended the study in better nutritional status than when they began. In addition, they improved their cognitive scores significantly more than those in the control group.
The researchers summarized:
“The improvement in nutritional status also resulted in better global cognition and executive function.”
What Happens When You Let Food Be Your Medicine?
We sometimes hear from readers who have adopted the “food is medicine” approach on their own. Here is one story shared with us a number of years ago.
Q. I was overweight with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. To treat them, I was taking three different medications (plus a statin to lower cholesterol) and living in a kind of “fog” with decreasing hope. Then I stumbled upon information that screamed, “Lose weight to save your life!”
I lost beaucoup pounds and the four medications. Instead, I replaced them with natural supplements (vinegar, cinnamon, chromium picolinate, fenugreek, turmeric, etc.) and exercise. My doctor said, “Whatever you’re doing, don’t stop.” Besides the weight and the medications, I also lost the terrible side effects that had resulted from all those meds.
If the old adages “You are what you eat” and the ancient Greek physician’s “Let food be your medicine” have any weight, we truly need to pay attention to what we put in our mouths–including medication.
A. Although doctors may not have time to coach people on the specifics of using diet and exercise to achieve better health, a person who dedicates himself to do this can do wonders. We congratulate you. You may be interested in our book, Recipes & Remedies from The People’s Pharmacy, for more ideas on how to structure a diet for optimum health.
Learn More
In addition to our books, you might wish to listen to some of our podcasts. Show 1459: Food Is Medicine: Should Your Doctor Be Prescribing Produce? describes an innovative program in North Carolina to help people afford fresh fruits and vegetables. An earlier show reveals the use of food to discourage the development of cancer. It is Show 1161: What Is the Evidence for for Food as Medicine?
