Abstract: Background: Food has been used widely in parts of the world as a healing modality in naturopathic practice for more than a century. A core naturopathic principle is explained by the fact that our food choices influence our health and capacity to recover from diseases or conditions. Recent scientific research in nutrition, plant-based bioactive compounds, and the human physiology department has provided increasing evidence to support the therapeutic value of food in maintaining good health and reducing the risk of diseases.
Objective: The aim of this review is to synthesize the current evidence on the therapeutic use of foods in naturopathic practice, including the mechanisms of the action of the key dietary bioactive compounds, their role in chronic disease management, and their integration within contemporary integrative medicine frameworks.
Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using the peer-reviewed articles from the PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL databases (2000-2024). Studies that explore the dietary interventions in the field of naturopathic medicine, phytochemical mechanisms, gut microbiome modulation, and chronic disease outcomes were included in this study.
Results: There's evidence that the anti-inflammatory foods, fermented foods, adaptogenic herbs, and diets that are high in phytonutrients can be therapeutically effective for many chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune disorders, and neuropsychiatric conditions. Major mechanisms that are included are the modulation of the gut-brain-immune axis, epigenetic regulation, reduction of oxidative stress, and optimization of the microbiome.
Conclusion: The approach of the title food-as-medicine is scientifically-based, patient-centered, and cost-effective. Its inclusion in mainstream health care as part of integrative medicine holds great promise for the prevention and management of various chronic diseases. Nutrigenomic principles will be the next frontier of personalized nutrition.
Keywords: naturopathy; food as medicine; phytochemicals; gut microbiome; integrative medicine; chronic disease; anti-inflammatory diet; nutrigenomics.
Title: Therapeutic Role of Food as Medicine in Naturopathy: A Comprehensive Review
Author: Dr Keerthana .K, Dr. V. Deepa, Dr. M. Sivamani, Dr. Ishwariya, Dr. Vasunthara. M, M. Panchayathu Raja
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
Vol. 14, Issue 1, April 2026 - September 2026
Page No: 512-518
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 04-August-2026
