The story of Amber D. Hudson struck a chord in my heart. I suffer from an autoimmune disorder that affects my skin's ability to produce melanin. I was not born with Vitiligo but grew up in a food desert. Without access to proper nutrition in my formative years, I developed an incurable condition. Luckily, my condition does not affect my daily quality of life but has ignited a passion for change. However, I am not the only person in my family whose lack of nutrition affects their health.
In June of 2023, my cousin, Brooke, was diagnosed with stage IV liver cancer. This news was especially shocking to my family because Brooke had just won her battle against colon cancer. Due to the colon cancer, Brooke was not an eligible transplant recipient. She was told there was not much she could do, and she was given options for palliative care. I couldn't accept this fate. I'm currently working as a Chef, so I deeply understand food but not so much nutrition. I threw everything I had into trying to find a solution. I'd ship her Mullein leaf tea and soursop leaves because I'd read about their cancer-fighting properties. Nothing was helping, and it was gut-wrenching to watch her become sicker as time passed.
As a last hail mary, Brooke flew to Mexico. She started meeting with homeopathic doctors, dietitians, and nutritionists, working tirelessly to create a plan for her. After six months of her aggressive homeopathic regimen, 4 of her cancerous lesions became inactive. That was all she needed to become a candidate for surgery, where they'd go in to remove the remaining cancerous lesions. Suddenly, Brooke was given a shot at her life back. I couldn't believe such a miracle was possible. I asked her what diet she is on, and she said that her dietitian recommends she begin every morning with soursop tea. Hearing this news, I felt like I could faint. Not only was she getting her life back, but I had been onto something by sending the soursop tea leaves. At that moment, I knew that this was knowledge I had to possess.
I am studying dietetics and nutrition because our healthcare system believes in the band-aid approach. To eradicate chronic disease or illness, you must address the root cause of the issue. The problem that more Americans are facing, and a disproportionate amount of these people are people of color, is the lack of knowledge of or accessibility to healthier options. I want to specialize as an Oncology Dietitian because cancer is affecting the youth at exorbitant rates. My mission is to dedicate my career to providing meal plans to uninsured or underinsured people.
I'd also like to obtain a Ph.D. in Dietetics or Public Health, research what chemicals are causing chronic illness, and create a widely accessible diet to combat long-term illness for those facing food scarcity or food deserts. In addition, I want to work in government health affairs to change American FDA regulations regarding chemicals, carcinogens, and endocrine disruptors. The system must be changed from within, and I like to be a part of that change.
If I were fortunate enough to be awarded, my approach to educating and assisting patients and their families on ways to improve their quantity and quality of life through nutritional choices would be holistic, evidence-based, and patient-centered. The growing body of peer-reviewed research unequivocally supports the connection between diet and the prevention, progression, and sometimes regression of various major medical conditions, including cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and autoimmune disorders. This knowledge provides a powerful tool for healthcare professionals to guide patients towards healthier lifestyles, ultimately improving their health outcomes.
First, my educational strategy would begin with raising awareness about the significant impact of dietary choices on health. This would involve organizing workshops, seminars, and individual counseling sessions where patients and their families can learn about the strong link between nutrition and health. I would use easy-to-understand language and visuals to explain complex scientific findings, ensuring that the information is accessible to everyone, regardless of their educational background or prior knowledge on the subject.
I would emphasize the importance of a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, highlighting specific foods known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. For instance, explaining how omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can reduce the risk of heart disease, or how a diet high in fiber can lower the risk of developing certain types of cancer. By providing practical examples and showing the direct benefits of certain dietary choices, I aim to motivate patients and their families to make informed decisions about their eating habits.
Furthermore, recognizing that each patient’s situation is unique, I would adopt a personalized approach to dietary counseling. This means taking into account individual dietary preferences, cultural backgrounds, economic status, and specific health conditions. Personalized meal planning and goal setting would be a critical component of this strategy, helping patients gradually incorporate healthier choices into their daily lives in a way that is sustainable and enjoyable for them.
Another key aspect of my approach would be to address potential barriers to healthy eating, such as limited access to fresh produce, lack of time for meal preparation, or limited cooking skills. I would provide practical solutions such as introducing patients to local resources where they can find affordable healthy foods, sharing quick and easy recipes, and conducting cooking demonstrations to build confidence in preparing nutritious meals at home.
Collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as dietitians, physicians, and physical therapists, would also be vital to ensure a comprehensive care plan for each patient. This interdisciplinary approach would allow for the integration of nutritional counseling with medical treatment and physical activity recommendations, offering a well-rounded strategy to improve patients’ overall health.
Finally, to foster a supportive community environment, I would encourage the establishment of support groups where patients and their families can share experiences, challenges, and successes related to making dietary changes. Peer support can be incredibly motivating and can help individuals feel less isolated in their journey towards better health.
In conclusion, through education and personalized assistance, I aim to empower patients and their families to make informed nutritional choices that can significantly improve their health outcomes. By leveraging the strong link between diet and disease prevention, progression, and regression, my goal would be to enhance both the quantity and quality of life for those under my care, fostering a culture of health and wellness that extends beyond the clinical setting.
