The MIND diet, a revolutionary approach to brain health created by researchers at RUSH University System for Health, has been recognized as one of the top diets in the United States in 2025 by U.S. News & World Report.
The Science Behind the MIND Diet
The MIND diet combines key elements from the Mediterranean and DASH diets to emphasize the significance of brain-boosting foods. It focuses on incorporating a variety of nutrient-rich foods such as leafy greens, berries, nuts, extra-virgin olive oil, whole grains, and fish while limiting the consumption of foods associated with cognitive decline, including fried foods, sweets, red meat, and processed meats.
The Impact on Brain Health
Adopting a diet tailored to enhance brain health can have a profound impact on individuals dealing with brain-related issues. Jennifer Ventrelle, a registered dietitian and MIND diet researcher, emphasizes, “It's not just about what you eat, it's a lifestyle choice that supports your mind's well-being and enhances your overall quality of life.”
Recognition and Rankings
U.S. News' Best Diets, a reputable platform for diet evaluations, assessed 38 diets across 21 categories in 2025. The MIND diet secured the 4th position overall and claimed the top spot in Mental Health, while also ranking high in Gut Health, Heart-Healthy, Healthy Eating, Diabetes, Arthritis, Menopause, and Plant-Based Diet categories.
Ventrelle expressed her enthusiasm over the consistent recognition of the MIND diet by U.S. News & World Report, stating, “The MIND diet's continued success in various categories such as brain health, healthy eating, and mental well-being underscores the scientific basis behind its numerous benefits.”
For a detailed overview of the top 10 diets in the Best Diet's review, click here.
Discover the transformative power of the MIND diet and unlock a healthier future for your brain and overall well-being.
The article was originally published on Alternative Medicine Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does complementary medicine mean?
Complementary Medicine, also known as alternative medicine, refers to any medical treatment which is not part of mainstream medicine. This covers treatments like acupuncture, aromatherapy and chiropractic care, homeopathy or hypnosis as well massage therapy, naturopathy, reflexology and traditional Chinese medicine.
Complementary medications are not to be used as an alternative to conventional medicine. Sometimes they're called “alternative”, or “integrative”, because they combine Western scientific methods along with other therapies that have proven to be effective in healing people.
What is the difference between holistic medicine and alternative medicine?
Holistic medicine treats the whole person – mind, body, spirit, and soul. Holistic medicine examines every aspect of a person’s health. It also considers spiritual, physical, and environmental factors that may be overlooked by traditional medicine. Alternative medicine can treat specific conditions like allergies, asthma, arthritis, and others.
Is holistic health care the same as alternative medicine?
Holistic Health Care is different from Alternative Medicine in that it treats the whole person and not the symptoms.
Holistic Health Care focuses on all aspects in an individual's lives, including mental and physical, emotional, religious, spiritual, socio-environmental, occupational, culture, and family.
Alternative Medicine doesn't address these issues. Alternative Medicine focuses on the body, mind and emotions.
What is the difference between Naturopathic Medicine and Holistic Medicine,
The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine relies on drugs and surgery as its primary treatments. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. This is not a substitute for standard treatment. Rather, it is an option that allows patients to make their own decisions about their healthcare.
Naturopathy, on other hand, is used as a complement to conventional medical treatments. It addresses the whole body and mind as well as the soul. There are many forms of naturopathy: Ayurveda and Traditional Native American Medicine as well as Functional Medicine.
It is important to remember that some CAM modalities overlap slightly with conventional medicine. For example, herbal remedies can be prescribed by doctors and naturopaths alike. Naturopaths, however, tend to recommend lifestyle changes rather than prescription medication.
Naturopathy is often called “complementary” because it complements conventional medicine, not supplants it. Naturopaths may prescribe medication when needed.
There are some differences between naturopathic and other CAM modalities.
- Naturopaths usually do not diagnose or prescribe medication.
- Naturopaths can refer patients to specialists and work with their family physician.
- Naturopathic physicians are licensed by their respective provinces, while CAM practitioners are selfregulated.
- Naturopathy emphasizes prevention and wellness while providing education about diet and exercise.
- Naturopaths emphasize the importance of lifestyle factors such as nutrition, sleep, stress management and exercise.
- Naturopharmacists can use botanicals and mineral to treat specific conditions.
- Naturopodists are trained to provide individualized care based on each patient's unique needs.
- Regulators such as the College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario license Naturopaths.
- Provincial regulatory bodies license naturopatrists.
- Naturopaticians may be registered with Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
- The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia has licensed Naturotherapists.
- The United States National Board of Medical Examiners is authorized to license Naturobiotic therapists.
- Homeopaths are licensed by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
- The term “holistic” refers the belief that all aspects, including physical, spiritual, social, and mental, should be taken into consideration when making decisions about one’s health. Holistic doctors will take into account all aspects of life, rather than focusing on one.
How safe can holistic medicine be?
Holistic medicine is safe because it does not contain harmful drugs. It is a natural treatment for people who have been using it for centuries.
They have been proven to be effective in treating many diseases, including asthma, arthritis, chronic pain, diabetes, high blood sugar, heart disease and obesity, as well as anxiety, stress.
Millions of people all over the globe are using holistic medicine to treat various types of illnesses. They include homeopathy. acupuncture. chiropractic care. herbal treatments. massage therapy. Yoga, meditation. biofeedback. Nutrition, counseling. Physical fitness. exercise. These therapies address the whole person instead of just the symptoms.
Statistics
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
cam.cancer.gov
nccih.nih.gov
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING, TENSION-TYPEHEADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed. The Effect of Foot reflexology on Hospital Anxiety, Depression and Suffering in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Test – PubMed
liebertpub.com
How To
What Are The Advances And Shortcomings Of Holistic Medicine?
Holistic medicine refers to a medical approach that stresses the importance of the mind, body and spirit in healing. The late 19th-century pioneer of holistic medicine was Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), the author of The Doctor's Book of Mind Cure. He used simple techniques like meditation and visualization. People suffering from anxiety, depression and pain can benefit from this treatment. This therapy is also helpful for patients who want to improve their lives and cope with their issues.
Although holistic therapies are still practiced today, they have lost popularity because of the lack of evidence supporting their effectiveness. Some studies have shown that holistic therapies can reduce the symptoms of chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, arthritis, headaches, heart disease, hypertension and migraines, as well as other diseases such as cancer, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, bone fractures, and obesity.
Advances and shortcomings of holistic medicine are:
- Insufficient scientific evidence. A few carefully designed, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), have evaluated the effectiveness of holistic therapies. Positive results are the norm in most observational studies.
- It is cheaper than traditional medicine. Some alternative medicines are cheaper than traditional ones, especially when the patient follows a natural diet.
- Patients do NOT feel pressured or compelled to follow prescribed protocols.
- Many doctors recommend complementary therapies without prescribing them.
- Many holistic treatments can be combined with traditional medicine. Acupuncture is often combined with medications or surgery.
- People believe alternative treatments are better than traditional medicine.
- Alternative drugs are considered more natural and less harmful than traditional drugs.
- Many patients also use complementary treatments to support their lifestyle changes. They not only want to live a healthy life but also want to be happy.
- Holistic treatment patients are often healthier.
- The popularity of holistic therapies is growing among seniors.
- Additional research is needed on complementary treatments.
- Studies have shown that the majority of people would rather try alternative treatments than see a doctor.
- It is important for doctors to realize that not all patients will benefit equally from alternate treatments.
- Holistic treatment should be part and parcel of our culture as well as our education system.
- Holistic treatments may not always be safe for everyone.
- So that patients can make informed decisions, we must be able to communicate with them about the various therapies.
- Holistic treatments don't just appeal to hippies.
- Certain diseases cannot be treated by holistic methods.
- Holistic therapies can sometimes prove to be dangerous.
- For specific conditions, holistic treatments can be helpful.
- Holistic treatments are effective.
- Holistic treatments are based off ancient wisdom.
- Holistic therapies are simple to learn.
- Holistic treatments can be hard to understand.
- Holistic treatments are hard to learn.
- Holistic treatments can be expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be very costly.
- Holistic treatment is less costly than conventional medicine.
- Holistic treatments can be more expensive than conventional medicines.
****
Holistic Medicine–A Brief Historical Overview
Holistic medicine treats the whole person. It is not about treating their symptoms. It covers all aspects of the body, including emotional, mental and spiritual as well as occupational, environmental, cultural and lifestyle influences. It emphasizes prevention rather than cure and aims to prevent disease through diet, exercise, relaxation, stress management, etc.
Bastyr University in Seattle established the first holistic medical school in 1972. After Dr. Andrew Weil's 1996 book, “Spontaneous Healing”, holistic medicine started to flourish. Dr. David Williams founded the American Holistic Medical Association, Dr. Michael Murray co-founded it in 1997. There are many holistic medicine schools around the world today, including Bastyr University and Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons.
The World Health Organization named holistic medicine as one of five key trends in healthcare in 2013. This trend involves integrating conventional medicine with complementary therapies such acupuncture (homeopathy), herbalism, massage treatment, reiki and yoga. This integration seeks to provide safe, efficient, patient-centered care, while minimizing side effects.
Holistic medicine works because of the interconnectedness of our body, mind, and spirit. If any of these three elements are out of balance, illness can occur. Take, for example:
When your mind is anxious or stressed, you can become tense and out-of-balance. Cortisol is a hormone that causes inflammation in your body. The result is fatigue, weakness, and sickness.
If your emotions run high, you may experience negative feelings and thoughts like fear, anger, grief, or sadness. These feelings can lead to stress in the brain. If left untreated, this stress causes your body to produce adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline can increase your heart rate and blood pressure as well as your breathing rate. Cortisol affects your immune system, digestive tract, and nervous system. Both hormones can cause muscle tension, fatigue, headaches (dizziness), insomnia, anxiety and depression, among other health problems.
When your spirit is depressed, you lose hope and faith in life. Also, you may lack self-esteem. This can lead to poor eating habits, unhealthy relationships, and low energy. When your spirit is healthy, you feel happy, joyous, peaceful, and optimistic.
There are differences between alternative and traditional medicine.
Allopathic medicine relies on scientific methods. To diagnose patients, doctors use x-rays and MRIs as well as CAT scans and other technologies. They may also prescribe medications or surgery if necessary. Allopathic doctors believe they understand the human body, and can prescribe medications to treat ailments. Alternative medicine uses herbs, vitamins, minerals, diet, exercise, emotional support, spiritual healing, and more. Alternative medicine can be defined in many ways. Some people call it natural medicine, integrative medicine, and complementary medicine. Others refer to them as traditional medicine, holistic medicine, and CAM.
–
——————————————————————————————————————————————
This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you're experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
——————————————————————————————————————————————
By: Olivia Salzwedel
Title: MIND Diet: A Revolutionary Approach to Brain Health
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/news-item/mind-diet-is-ranked-1-for-brain-health/
Published Date: Fri, 28 Feb 2025 15:46:22 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What does complementary medicine mean?
Complementary Medicine, also known as alternative medicine, refers to any medical treatment which is not part of mainstream medicine. This covers treatments like acupuncture, aromatherapy and chiropractic care, homeopathy or hypnosis as well massage therapy, naturopathy, reflexology and traditional Chinese medicine.
Complementary medications are not to be used as an alternative to conventional medicine. Sometimes they're called “alternative”, or “integrative”, because they combine Western scientific methods along with other therapies that have proven to be effective in healing people.
What is the difference between holistic medicine and alternative medicine?
Holistic medicine treats the whole person – mind, body, spirit, and soul. Holistic medicine examines every aspect of a person’s health. It also considers spiritual, physical, and environmental factors that may be overlooked by traditional medicine. Alternative medicine can treat specific conditions like allergies, asthma, arthritis, and others.
Is holistic health care the same as alternative medicine?
Holistic Health Care is different from Alternative Medicine in that it treats the whole person and not the symptoms.
Holistic Health Care focuses on all aspects in an individual's lives, including mental and physical, emotional, religious, spiritual, socio-environmental, occupational, culture, and family.
Alternative Medicine doesn't address these issues. Alternative Medicine focuses on the body, mind and emotions.
What is the difference between Naturopathic Medicine and Holistic Medicine,
The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine relies on drugs and surgery as its primary treatments. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. This is not a substitute for standard treatment. Rather, it is an option that allows patients to make their own decisions about their healthcare.
Naturopathy, on other hand, is used as a complement to conventional medical treatments. It addresses the whole body and mind as well as the soul. There are many forms of naturopathy: Ayurveda and Traditional Native American Medicine as well as Functional Medicine.
It is important to remember that some CAM modalities overlap slightly with conventional medicine. For example, herbal remedies can be prescribed by doctors and naturopaths alike. Naturopaths, however, tend to recommend lifestyle changes rather than prescription medication.
Naturopathy is often called “complementary” because it complements conventional medicine, not supplants it. Naturopaths may prescribe medication when needed.
There are some differences between naturopathic and other CAM modalities.
- Naturopaths usually do not diagnose or prescribe medication.
- Naturopaths can refer patients to specialists and work with their family physician.
- Naturopathic physicians are licensed by their respective provinces, while CAM practitioners are selfregulated.
- Naturopathy emphasizes prevention and wellness while providing education about diet and exercise.
- Naturopaths emphasize the importance of lifestyle factors such as nutrition, sleep, stress management and exercise.
- Naturopharmacists can use botanicals and mineral to treat specific conditions.
- Naturopodists are trained to provide individualized care based on each patient's unique needs.
- Regulators such as the College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario license Naturopaths.
- Provincial regulatory bodies license naturopatrists.
- Naturopaticians may be registered with Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
- The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia has licensed Naturotherapists.
- The United States National Board of Medical Examiners is authorized to license Naturobiotic therapists.
- Homeopaths are licensed by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
- The term “holistic” refers the belief that all aspects, including physical, spiritual, social, and mental, should be taken into consideration when making decisions about one’s health. Holistic doctors will take into account all aspects of life, rather than focusing on one.
How safe can holistic medicine be?
Holistic medicine is safe because it does not contain harmful drugs. It is a natural treatment for people who have been using it for centuries.
They have been proven to be effective in treating many diseases, including asthma, arthritis, chronic pain, diabetes, high blood sugar, heart disease and obesity, as well as anxiety, stress.
Millions of people all over the globe are using holistic medicine to treat various types of illnesses. They include homeopathy. acupuncture. chiropractic care. herbal treatments. massage therapy. Yoga, meditation. biofeedback. Nutrition, counseling. Physical fitness. exercise. These therapies address the whole person instead of just the symptoms.
Statistics
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
cam.cancer.gov
nccih.nih.gov
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING, TENSION-TYPEHEADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed. The Effect of Foot reflexology on Hospital Anxiety, Depression and Suffering in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Test – PubMed
liebertpub.com
How To
What Are The Advances And Shortcomings Of Holistic Medicine?
Holistic medicine refers to a medical approach that stresses the importance of the mind, body and spirit in healing. The late 19th-century pioneer of holistic medicine was Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), the author of The Doctor's Book of Mind Cure. He used simple techniques like meditation and visualization. People suffering from anxiety, depression and pain can benefit from this treatment. This therapy is also helpful for patients who want to improve their lives and cope with their issues.
Although holistic therapies are still practiced today, they have lost popularity because of the lack of evidence supporting their effectiveness. Some studies have shown that holistic therapies can reduce the symptoms of chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, arthritis, headaches, heart disease, hypertension and migraines, as well as other diseases such as cancer, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, bone fractures, and obesity.
Advances and shortcomings of holistic medicine are:
- Insufficient scientific evidence. A few carefully designed, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), have evaluated the effectiveness of holistic therapies. Positive results are the norm in most observational studies.
- It is cheaper than traditional medicine. Some alternative medicines are cheaper than traditional ones, especially when the patient follows a natural diet.
- Patients do NOT feel pressured or compelled to follow prescribed protocols.
- Many doctors recommend complementary therapies without prescribing them.
- Many holistic treatments can be combined with traditional medicine. Acupuncture is often combined with medications or surgery.
- People believe alternative treatments are better than traditional medicine.
- Alternative drugs are considered more natural and less harmful than traditional drugs.
- Many patients also use complementary treatments to support their lifestyle changes. They not only want to live a healthy life but also want to be happy.
- Holistic treatment patients are often healthier.
- The popularity of holistic therapies is growing among seniors.
- Additional research is needed on complementary treatments.
- Studies have shown that the majority of people would rather try alternative treatments than see a doctor.
- It is important for doctors to realize that not all patients will benefit equally from alternate treatments.
- Holistic treatment should be part and parcel of our culture as well as our education system.
- Holistic treatments may not always be safe for everyone.
- So that patients can make informed decisions, we must be able to communicate with them about the various therapies.
- Holistic treatments don't just appeal to hippies.
- Certain diseases cannot be treated by holistic methods.
- Holistic therapies can sometimes prove to be dangerous.
- For specific conditions, holistic treatments can be helpful.
- Holistic treatments are effective.
- Holistic treatments are based off ancient wisdom.
- Holistic therapies are simple to learn.
- Holistic treatments can be hard to understand.
- Holistic treatments are hard to learn.
- Holistic treatments can be expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be very costly.
- Holistic treatment is less costly than conventional medicine.
- Holistic treatments can be more expensive than conventional medicines.
****
Holistic Medicine–A Brief Historical Overview
Holistic medicine treats the whole person. It is not about treating their symptoms. It covers all aspects of the body, including emotional, mental and spiritual as well as occupational, environmental, cultural and lifestyle influences. It emphasizes prevention rather than cure and aims to prevent disease through diet, exercise, relaxation, stress management, etc.
Bastyr University in Seattle established the first holistic medical school in 1972. After Dr. Andrew Weil's 1996 book, “Spontaneous Healing”, holistic medicine started to flourish. Dr. David Williams founded the American Holistic Medical Association, Dr. Michael Murray co-founded it in 1997. There are many holistic medicine schools around the world today, including Bastyr University and Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons.
The World Health Organization named holistic medicine as one of five key trends in healthcare in 2013. This trend involves integrating conventional medicine with complementary therapies such acupuncture (homeopathy), herbalism, massage treatment, reiki and yoga. This integration seeks to provide safe, efficient, patient-centered care, while minimizing side effects.
Holistic medicine works because of the interconnectedness of our body, mind, and spirit. If any of these three elements are out of balance, illness can occur. Take, for example:
When your mind is anxious or stressed, you can become tense and out-of-balance. Cortisol is a hormone that causes inflammation in your body. The result is fatigue, weakness, and sickness.
If your emotions run high, you may experience negative feelings and thoughts like fear, anger, grief, or sadness. These feelings can lead to stress in the brain. If left untreated, this stress causes your body to produce adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline can increase your heart rate and blood pressure as well as your breathing rate. Cortisol affects your immune system, digestive tract, and nervous system. Both hormones can cause muscle tension, fatigue, headaches (dizziness), insomnia, anxiety and depression, among other health problems.
When your spirit is depressed, you lose hope and faith in life. Also, you may lack self-esteem. This can lead to poor eating habits, unhealthy relationships, and low energy. When your spirit is healthy, you feel happy, joyous, peaceful, and optimistic.
There are differences between alternative and traditional medicine.
Allopathic medicine relies on scientific methods. To diagnose patients, doctors use x-rays and MRIs as well as CAT scans and other technologies. They may also prescribe medications or surgery if necessary. Allopathic doctors believe they understand the human body, and can prescribe medications to treat ailments. Alternative medicine uses herbs, vitamins, minerals, diet, exercise, emotional support, spiritual healing, and more. Alternative medicine can be defined in many ways. Some people call it natural medicine, integrative medicine, and complementary medicine. Others refer to them as traditional medicine, holistic medicine, and CAM.
