Eat for your health

Ogechi Anyaoku, MD, is a primary care physician board certified in internal medicine. She has a special interest in wellness, nutrition and weight management. Dr. Anyaoku believes in individualized medicine that treats the whole person: body, mind and spirit. It is very important to her to develop a partnership with her patients that is rooted in mutual respect to achieve great outcomes. She sees patients in the Inova 360 Concierge Medicine — Fair Oaks office.

Food is an important part of our everyday life. It provides fuel for our bodies and serves as a means of connection when we gather with our friends and family for a meal. Food can be medicine as well. Different types and quality of food can influence the development of disease. Good quality foods can maintain health, while poor quality foods can promote disease development and progression.

Food also acts as a signal that impacts how our cells behave in different situations. For example, vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower contain compounds that help repair DNA, remove toxins and reduce inflammation. Strive to eat fresh, organic and colorful foods to limit unwanted chemicals. Processed foods can interfere with the function of nutrients, leading to poor health. See below for ways to eat for your health.

Eat a balanced diet and stay well hydrated

Be sure to eat enough protein to help build and repair your body. Try to drink at least 64 ounces of water daily. Eat healthy fats to support your brain and heart health and consume carbohydrates mostly from vegetables. The fiber in vegetables helps to balance blood sugar and improve digestion. Limit sugar and processed foods as they can contribute to the development of chronic disease.

Eat for your gut health

The collection of microorganisms that live in your gut produces important vitamins and amino acids that help your body function optimally. These organisms thrive on fiber. You can help them do their job by feeding them high fiber vegetables, fruits and pre/probiotic foods. Be sure to limit processed foods.

Preserve nutrients when cooking

Fruits and vegetables are most nutritious in their raw form, but sometimes cooking makes them easier to digest. Helpful ways to preserve as many nutrients as possible when cooking include using the least amount of heat, liquid and cooking time. When reheating foods use glass containers instead of plastic. Food is meant to be enjoyable and nutritious. Have fun creating healthy and colorful meals with your whole family. To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Anyaoku and explore enrollment under her care, please contact our Fair Oaks team or email stephanie.vierheller@inova.org