When it comes to long-term wellness, what you eat matters more than you might think. Chronic degenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and Parkinson’s, don’t appear overnight. They often develop slowly, influenced by years of lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and yes, dietary habits.
At Immunity Therapy Center (ITC), we believe that food is not just fuel, it’s information. The nutrients you consume send powerful messages to your cells, affecting inflammation, immune function, and even gene expression. That’s why nutrition is at the heart of our holistic approach to preventing and managing chronic disease.
The Link Between Nutrition and Chronic Degenerative Diseases
We know from extensive research that diet plays a significant role in either triggering or helping to prevent chronic conditions. Poor eating habits, like excess sugar, processed foods, and unhealthy fats, are strongly associated with increased risk from this list of degenerative diseases, like:
- Alzheimer’s disease – Linked to oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and brain inflammation.
- Type 2 diabetes – Driven by poor blood sugar control and metabolic dysfunction.
- Parkinson’s disease – Influenced by oxidative damage, gut health, and nutrient deficiencies.
These chronic conditions, categorized under neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic disorders, are increasingly tied to unhealthy dietary patterns. Poor nutrition can contribute to inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal imbalances, all of which are common pathways in chronic disease development.
On the flip side, a healthy dietary pattern rich in antioxidants, fiber, and plant-based nutrients can reduce inflammation, regulate blood sugar, and protect brain health. Nutritional treatment methods have been shown to:
- Lower the risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders
- Improve cardiovascular health and support the body’s ability to maintain stable energy levels (also called metabolic balance)
- Slow the progression of certain diseases by reducing oxidative damage (which is the harm caused to cells when unstable molecules, called free radicals, build up in the body).
In short, diet isn’t just about weight; it’s about reducing disease risk and supporting healthy aging at the cellular level.
Evidence-Based Dietary Guidelines for Prevention
To support disease prevention, established dietary guidelines from organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO)1 and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend2:
- Limiting added sugars and saturated fats
- Increasing daily intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Reducing sodium intake to lower blood pressure and heart disease risk
- Emphasizing variety and nutrient-dense foods to meet individual needs
These recommendations promote a holistic approach to eating that aligns with ITC’s belief in food as a foundation of healing. Following these guidelines supports the prevention and management of chronic diseases and improves overall health outcomes.
Comparing Mediterranean and DASH Diets
Two dietary patterns consistently shown to support health and reduce chronic disease risk include the Mediterranean diet and the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet.
Mediterranean Diet
Inspired by the traditional eating habits of people in countries like Greece and Italy, the Mediterranean diet is a flexible and flavorful approach to healthy eating. It emphasizes plant-based foods, healthy fats, and lean proteins, all known to support heart and brain health.3
- High in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil
- Includes moderate consumption of fish and poultry
- Low in red meat and processed foods
Thanks to its nutrient-rich profile and anti-inflammatory benefits, this diet has been linked to a lower risk of chronic degenerative diseases like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
It also plays a growing role in brain health and cognitive aging, which is why many consider it part of a broader strategy for alternative medicine for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders.
DASH Diet
Originally developed to help lower high blood pressure, the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is grounded in research and proven to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and manage chronic conditions. It focuses on balance, variety, and moderation.4
- Focuses on reducing sodium to manage hypertension
- Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy
- Encourages whole grains and limits sweets and red meats
Both diets have been proven in multiple studies to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and related chronic conditions. They promote healthy dietary patterns that are sustainable and adaptable to individual needs.
Gerson Therapy: A Holistic Approach to Disease Prevention
At ITC, one of the nutritional protocols we sometimes draw from is Gerson Therapy, a time-tested approach that uses nutrient-dense food and detoxification to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
Gerson Therapy is based on the idea that chronic disease is fueled by toxicity and nutritional deficiency. By flooding the body with healing nutrients and removing waste, the body can begin to repair itself.4
Core principles of Gerson Therapy
- Freshly pressed organic juices (up to 13 per day) to deliver concentrated enzymes, vitamins, and antioxidants
- A plant-based diet that avoids processed foods, refined sugar, and salt
- Coffee enemas to support detoxification pathways
- Dietary supplements such as potassium compounds, vitamin B12, pancreatic enzymes, and iodine to support cellular repair
These elements provide essential nutrients to support detoxification and metabolic regulation, important for managing chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and even early-stage cancer.
While not a one-size-fits-all approach, many patients benefit from elements of this nutritional therapy when it’s personalized and medically guided.
Key Nutrients for Preventing Chronic Degenerative Diseases
A well-balanced, plant-forward diet offers essential nutrients that help prevent the onset and progression of chronic conditions. At ITC, we focus on the following dietary strategies:
1. Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Chronic inflammation is a key driver of many degenerative diseases. Incorporating foods that fight inflammation is foundational.
- Fatty fish (rich in omega-3s)
- Leafy greens
- Berries
- Olive oil
- Nuts and seeds
These foods calm internal inflammation, which can ease strain on the heart, support blood sugar balance, and help protect the brain from diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
2. Antioxidant Powerhouses
These nutrients protect the brain and other organs from oxidative stress:
- Vitamins C and E
- Selenium
- Polyphenols from colorful fruits and vegetables
- Curcumin (found in turmeric)
Antioxidants also help minimize the effects of environmental toxins and may support cancer prevention efforts by limiting cellular damage.
3. Blood Sugar Support
Keeping blood sugar stable is essential for preventing and managing type 2 diabetes:
- Whole grains
- Legumes
- Fiber-rich vegetables
- Cinnamon and chromium (natural blood sugar regulators)
These foods aid in glucose control, reduce insulin resistance, and help manage chronic metabolic conditions.
4. Brain-Supportive Nutrients
The brain thrives on healthy fats and key vitamins:
- Omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA)
- B vitamins (B6, B12, and folate)
- Magnesium
- Zinc
These nutrients have been linked to improved cognitive function, mood regulation, and neuroprotection, which is especially important for patients with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.
From understanding how to help diabetes to supporting cognitive health, whole foods can play a meaningful role in disease prevention and quality of life.
How ITC Incorporates Nutrition into Holistic Disease Prevention
At Immunity Therapy Center, nutrition is never an afterthought; it’s a core part of our patient care philosophy, especially when it comes to preventing and managing chronic degenerative diseases. We take a deeply personalized approach, designing nutritional protocols that support healing and long-term prevention.
Here’s how we use food as medicine at ITC:
- Nutritional assessments to identify deficiencies, sensitivities, and metabolic needs
- Personalized diet plans based on your diagnosis, treatment goals, and preferences
- Juicing protocols and whole-food meal plans to maximize cellular nutrition
- Guidance on dietary supplements that provide targeted support for the brain, immune system, and metabolism
We combine these nutritional strategies with other alternative therapies, such as NADH Therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and more, all of which work together to support the body’s healing systems naturally.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Health with ITC
The connection between nutrition and chronic disease is no longer up for debate; it’s a well-established truth backed by science, clinical outcomes, and lived experience.
If you’re looking to prevent chronic conditions or support your healing journey, nutrition is one of the most powerful tools you have. At ITC, we’re here to help you harness that power in a way that’s sustainable, compassionate, and rooted in nature.
Written By: Dr. Pablo Orozco
Dr. Pablo Orozco is a Board Certified Medical Doctor from Universidad Autónoma de Baja California.
Dr. Orozco has been a treating physician at the Immunity Therapy Center for more than 3 years providing daily on site patient care. He works with patients on a daily basis and guides them through the treatment process. Dr. Orozco’s passion for Alternative Cancer Treatments along with his commitment to patient care is key to insure that our patients have the best experience and results possible.
Sources:
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- World Health Organization. (2020). Healthy Diet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/healthy-diet
- Dietary Guidelines for Americans. (2020). An In-Depth Look at the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines. https://odphp.health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-12/2015-2020_Dietary_Guidelines_Presentation.pdf
- American Heart Association. (2024). What is the Mediterranean Diet?. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/mediterranean-diet
- National Institutes of Health. (2025). DASH Eating Plan. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/dash-eating-planNational Cancer Institute. (2015). Gerson Therapy (PDQ®)–Patient Version. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/gerson-pdq
At Immunity Therapy Center, our goal is to provide objective, updated, and research-based information on all health-related topics. This article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles. All information has been fact-checked and reviewed by Dr. Carlos Bautista, a Board Certified Medical Doctor at Immunity Therapy Center. All information published on the site must undergo an extensive review process to ensure accuracy. This article contains trusted sources with all references hyperlinked for the reader's visibility.