What is Lifestyle Medicine?
What is Lifestyle Medicine?
I often get this question from both patients and doctors alike. People frequently say, “Shouldn’t lifestyle be a part of all treatment?” And the simple answer is yes! But the reality is that most doctors in the United States don’t receive adequate training on the Six pillars of Lifestyle Medicine:
Whole Food, Plant-Based Nutrition
Exercise
Restorative Sleep
Stress Management
Avoidance of Risky Substances
Positive Social Connections
These six pillars are the foundation of Lifestyle Medicine, which uses lifestyle interventions as the primary way to prevent, treat, and even reverse chronic disease.
By focusing on these pillars, we can prevent the majority of chronic diseases and, in some cases, even reverse conditions like diabetes. The science is clear, and the results are powerful—Lifestyle Medicine works.
So, What’s the catch?
If this approach sounds almost too good to be true, here’s the reality: making Lifestyle Medicine a priority requires resources. It means investing in education for both healthcare providers and patients about these six pillars. It means shifting the focus of care from medications and quick fixes to sustainable, long-term health solutions.
Together, we can normalize healthy habits:
A plant-centric diet instead of taking a handful of pills can become the norm.
Taking care of yourself—through proper sleep, stress management, and exercise—should be celebrated, not overlooked.
Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential for good health!
