Nutrition as Medicine: A Practical Guide for Nurse Practitioners

Abstract Healthy nutrition practices provide the foundation for health across the lifespan. Nutrition as medicine has been recognized since ancient times as an integral part of health management. There is a worldwide epidemic of adverse health outcomes related to inadequate nutrition and dietary habits, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Nutritional interventions can prevent and manage health complications, yet they are not routinely prescribed. Nutrition as medicine emphasizes the impact of nutrition on health outcomes and provides resources and support for healthcare integration. Nurse practitioners are poised to lead nutrition interventions nationally across diverse primary care clinics.