Ask the doctor

In our new monthly column series, we hear from the team at Scotland’s best clinic,

Dr Nestor’s Medical & Cosmetic Centre, and learn how to enhance our lives, one area at a time. This month, Lifestyle Medicine Physician, Dr Laura Freeman, talks to Hood about all of the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle. THE DOCTOR SAYS... Dr Nestor’s Medical & Cosmetic Centre, 53 Dundas Street, Edinburgh EH3 6RS Drnestor.co.uk 0131 467 1450 Follow Dr Laura on Instagram for more healthy lifestyle advice @drlaurafreeman W ith the recent Coronavirus pandemic affecting all of us, there’s no time like the present to fully commit to working on our health. Adopting a diverse, plant-strong diet is one of the most powerful ways that you can do this, and not only is it great for your body, it’s great for our planet too.

A whole food, plant–based diet (WFPD – a diet focused on fruit, vegetables, beans, and legumes) continues to be the diet that I advocate for my patients, friends, family, and wider communities. This remains true irrespective of their social, cultural or religious backgrounds. I work closely with my patients, coaching them through lifestyle changes to improve their physical and emotional health, as well as supporting a strong immune system. By doing so, I’ve seen firsthand success in clients reporting increased energy levels, better mood, and improved sleep habits. These same changes also work to protect them against future lifestyle-related diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer (namely breast, colorectal, and prostate). As a cancer thriver, I’m shocked by recent statistics which suggest that 1 in 2 people born after 1960 will be affected by a cancer diagnosis. But the positive message is that as many as 4 in 10 cases of cancer are potentially preventable with lifestyle changes.

Whilst I look closely at elements such as exercise, stress management, and relationships, plant-based nutrition is a huge part of my practice in Lifestyle Medicine. Studies repeatedly show that we can all benefit from this kind of diet. I personally made the switch several years ago after my own cancer diagnosis and since that time, I’ve experienced a significant improvement in every aspect of my health. This propelled me to immerse myself in the relevant medical research, and once, I’d seen the evidence, I was compelled to share it with patients, family and friends. Now, I recommend it to everyone.

The time has come for us to all purchase and consume more mindfully and sustainably, and plant–based diet lends itself well to this approach. We need to make serious changes – red meat intake in Europe is currently 300-500% higher than daily recommended levels. This leads to a huge detriment on our physical health and an environmental impact 100 times greater than that of a plant strong diet. There is no doubt that reducing our excessive consumption of meat, as well as dairy, will therefore, benefit the planet and all of us who live here.

Changing your diet certainly has its challenges, but moving towards a plant-based way of life is easier than it’s ever been. Supermarkets now have a wide variety of plant–based products and vegan alternatives. There is a place for these to help with a transition in your diet but I continue to recommended whole food plant based items such as beans, lentils and, wholegrain foods. These are some of the cheapest ingredients available and are easy to stock up on and store, meaning they’re easily accessible when fresh ingredients might not be.

I encourage everyone to think about how they can make lifestyle changes to take control of their health destiny. I urge everyone not to wait for a serious diagnosis before optimising health and preventing disease. Coronavirus has opened our eyes to this – we cannot take our health, our health service, or our freedom for granted. We’re more vulnerable than ever to the world around us, and we all need to take on more responsibility for the environment, as well as the global impact of our diet and lifestyle choices. Making small changes will contribute to a positive shift and switching to a WFPD is one of the most powerful ways to do so.

If you’re intrigued, but unsure where to start, I completely understand, and welcome you to get in touch. I’ve spent the last few years living, studying and researching plant-based diets; it’s my goal and my passion to share all that I know about this subject, and support my patients in adopting this way of life.

For more information on living a plant-based lifestyle or to find out more about the practice of Lifestyle Medicine and how it can improve your health, you can book a consultation with myself at Dr Nestor’s clinic. In an hour-long consultation, we will explore your lifestyle habits, health problems and medical history. We’ll also explore your current health goals and priorities, and, from there, clearly advise what changes can be made to help you live your life to its healthiest and fullest.