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By Heide Kennedy, Arizona Farm Bureau Communications Intern

When you go to the doctor for a chronic illness, what often ends up happening is your doctor will prescribe you with a medication that is meant to help reduce the symptoms of or help to heal whatever the condition may be. While medication does do a lot of good, sometimes a diet that’s rich in fruits and vegetables can help to improve a patient’s condition as well.

Registered dietician Mackenzie Sachs says that when a chronic illness such as high blood pressure or diabetes, her first recommendation isn’t usually medication, rather, its more fruit and vegetables in that patient’s diet. She says that the increased amounts of fiber, vitamins, and minerals that her patients receive through their diet after adding more fruits and vegetables has significantly improved their health.

Family nurse practitioner Brittany Coburn says, “Real food matters and increasing fruits and veggies can reverse some forms of diabetes, eliminate elevated cholesterol, and impact blood pressure in a positive way.” Sachs acknowledges that for some conditions, especially those that are irreversible, medication is still necessary. However, it never hurts to eat a healthy diet as well!

Did you know that Arizona agriculture grows a wide variety of produce throughout the year? Lots of it is easy to find at your local grocery store or farmers’ market! For resources on what produce is in season and where to find it, check out the Fill Your Plate website!