The Preventive Power of Nutrition

4-26-2025

By Dr. Howard Friedman, MD | Veteran | U.S. Army Medical Corps | Internal Medicine | HHOM LLC

Nutrition isn't just fuel — it's medicine. The right choices today build the foundation for a stronger, healthier tomorrow.

We are not built by chance alone,

But shaped by seeds of self we’ve sown.

Each bite, each breath, a quiet claim—

To fan or tame the inner flame.

With love and food, the body hears—

A whisper strong through all the years.

---Dr. Howard Friedman MD

At its core, health is not something that simply happens to us. It is something we cultivate, day by day, choice by choice. One of the greatest powers we hold over our own future is the power of nutrition. What we put into our bodies directly influences the strength of our immune system, the level of inflammation within us, and our risk for chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Nutrition isn’t just about preventing illness; it’s about laying the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient life.

I want to make something clear from the start: this is not a blog about prescribing a perfect diet. There’s no such thing. We are each unique individuals with distinct needs, tastes, cultures, and desires. Health is deeply personal. I’m not here to hand out rigid instructions. Instead, I want to offer a philosophy—one built on common sense, respect for tradition, and a belief in the body’s natural capacity to heal when given the right environment.

We can't change the genetic cards we were dealt, but we do have tremendous influence over how those cards are played. Nutrition is a key player in what’s called epigenetics—the science of how lifestyle factors can "turn on" or "turn off" certain genes. By reducing internal inflammation through wise choices, we can support a life of greater energy, vitality, and peace.

At its simplest, my approach to nutrition—and to health itself—is about minimizing stress, both inside and out. Chronic inflammation is the hidden fire behind many modern diseases. Reducing it requires more than just choosing the right foods. It requires a mindset: to live with gratitude, to see the glass half full, to approach each day with love rather than fear.

When it comes to food, my advice is traditional and simple. The fewer the ingredients, the better. Vegetables and fruits don’t come with ingredient labels. Real foods, grown from the earth or raised with care, should form the foundation of our diets. Processed foods, with their endless additives and preservatives, introduce stress to the body at the cellular level. They create inflammation. They sow the seeds of disease.

And if you choose to consume animal products—which is entirely your right and your choice—pay attention to the source. The health of the animal becomes the health of the food. Animals raised without hormones, antibiotics, and chronic stress produce better, cleaner nourishment. It’s not always easy to find, but it is worth the effort.

There’s a lot of noise today about gut health, probiotics, and microbiome supplements. The truth is, we are only at the beginning of understanding the immense complexity of our intestinal microbes. While the marketing machines are already selling “solutions,” the real solution is ancient and proven: eat a clean, varied, natural diet. Feed your gut what nature intended. Supplements should never replace common sense or good food.

Above all, what matters is that you feel empowered to make your own choices. I will never tell you that you must eat this or must avoid that. I believe in your freedom. I believe in the power of love, gratitude, and self-respect to guide us toward better health. I am here simply as a voice of encouragement, a reminder that small, steady changes make a mighty difference over time.

Stress, whether it comes from our jobs, relationships, diets, or even our thoughts, is inevitable. Eliminating all stress isn’t the goal. Managing it wisely is. Every meal, every hour of rest, every walk outdoors is a chance to nourish not just the body, but the soul. Your body is listening. And when you treat it with kindness, it responds.

If this message raises any questions or if you would like more personalized guidance, I invite you to visit HHOMLLC.com and click on the “Ask Dr. Howard” button. It would be my privilege to walk alongside you in your journey toward health and vitality.

—Dr. Howard Friedman, MD

Board-Certified | Internal Medicine | Veteran | U.S. Army Medical Corps

Founder of Howard’s House of Medicine (HHOM LLC)

https://www.hhomllc.com

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: How does nutrition impact inflammation and chronic disease?

Answer: What we eat directly affects inflammation in the body, which is at the root of many chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions. A whole-food, minimally processed diet helps reduce this internal stress and supports long-term health.

Question: Is there one “perfect” diet everyone should follow?

Answer: No. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition. Health is personal, and the best diet is one rooted in common sense, cultural respect, and whole, natural foods that reduce inflammation and support your body’s unique needs.

Question: What is Dr. Howard Friedman’s approach to preventative health?

Answer: Dr. Friedman’s philosophy centers around minimizing stress, embracing gratitude, and fueling the body with simple, real foods. His approach respects tradition, honors personal freedom, and encourages small, sustainable choices that support healing and vitality over time.