Foods can be used to heal and prevent illness and disease. Ancient medicine believed in this practice, incorporating foods, herbs and spices from nature into treatments and preventive measures for various ailments. Maintaining health by living in harmony with nature was the philosophy. “And that is the philosophy of Ayurveda,” says Dr. Somesh Kaushik, an Ayurvedic and naturopathic physician with a clinic in Cross River, New York.

Kaushik has been offering a free online series this year on the topic of Food as Medicine: The Art of Using Foods to Heal. Monthly lectures focus on various body systems; the ailments associated with them; and the foods, herbs and supplements that can be used to treat them and maintain their well-being. Gut microbiome and immune health, cardiovascular and heart health, kidney and liver health began the series, which continued with exploring how to use foods to balance stress, improve sleep, handle headaches and combat arthritis and autoimmune conditions. The July 9, 2024, lecture at 7 p.m., in honor of Ultraviolet Safety Month, focuses on Eye Health: Cataracts, Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration. Kaushik says, “…among other foods, it will highlight carotenoids as “liquid gold” for the eyes, the protective compounds of saffron and the 3 B’s: black current, bilberry, blueberries, and how avocado protects against harmful sun rays.” Upcoming lectures will explore foods that mitigate anxiety and depression, and those that protect lungs, bones and muscles. Replays are available on his website.

As Kaushik explains, Ayurveda describes illness as an imbalance in the body’s doshas (constitution). Ayurveda, which treats the whole body, not just symptoms, considers diet the cornerstone of dosha balance. Certain foods and herbs can be used to restore and maintain that balance.