The science of nutrition is always evolving and new evidence from scientific research continues to shape dietetic practice. Over the past two years, it has become clearer that our individual level of inflammation and our ability to protect our immune system is imperative to fighting infection short-term, but also protecting ourselves long-term against health conditions.

The evidence from the scientific community and the World Health Organization points to nutrition as a form of preventative medicine to help us safeguard our health and mitigate illness, when it does occur. How is nutrition able to help protect us in this way? At the present time, the health of our digestive tract seems to be the answer. If we can keep the microbes in our gut happy and healthy, and diverse, then we can help lower both inflammation and our risk of getting sick.

Foods that can help protect our immune system include fruits and vegetables, plant-based proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and foods that are high in fibre. Where a dietitian can help is in sharing this information with you, however, we know that choosing foods and eating them in the way that helps our health is really the challenge for most of us. Dietitians can help you set goals in what is reasonable for you today, and show you how small steps can yield big results long term.

Did I mention body weight in any of this? Although we know that in some cases, higher body weight can increase inflammation, so can restrictive dieting and rapid weight loss schemes that also affect your gut health - the keto diet, for example, can result in the production of higher toxins from too much animal protein intake. When we exclude food groups, like carbohydrates, we may actually be worsening our gut health, among other things.

As you can see, the matter is complicated, but it takes sometimes only 1 to 2 visits with a dietitian to help you feel guided and confident to take care of your nutritional health. As always, eating the way your traditional and cultural food ways have shown you over generations means you are getting the best out of the foods you choose.

Science is always updating and evolving, however, one thing will remain true. Nutrition is always a part of the path where food is medicine.