Food Fix

Food is an essential part of our lives - not only does it nourish us, but it also affects our health, economy, society and environment. Yet the modern food system often turns against us. The growing popularity of ultra-processed foods, unjust food policies and the destruction of natural resources threaten not only individuals, but entire communities and the planet. Mark Hyman's book "Food Fix" explores these problems and offers a vision for how to solve them - one bite at a time. This introduction to the issues opens a discussion about why it is important to understand and transform the system that affects us all.

The food we choose every day is more than just fuel for our bodies. It is a fundamental building block of health, affecting not only our physical abilities but also our psychological well-being. Unfortunately, the current global dietary trend is shifting towards ultra-processed foods that are high in sugars, unhealthy fats and empty calories. These products fill us up, but often lack the essential nutrients needed for the body to function properly. The consequences of this diet are alarming. The number of people with chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity has increased dramatically in recent decades. In the USA, for example, more than 40% of the adult population is classified as obese, which is directly linked to the consumption of cheap and accessible unhealthy foods. Research has shown that high sugar intake not only promotes weight gain, but also increases the risk of cancer and impairs cognitive function. The situation in children is equally alarming. School cafeterias often offer sweets, sweetened drinks and fast food that children eat instead of fresh fruit and vegetables. This nutritional deficiency has long-term consequences - it not only affects children's physical development, but also their ability to concentrate and learn. An example is a study in Britain which revealed that children who ate a more nutritious diet performed better in tests and had lower absenteeism from school. Another problem is the marketing power of the food industry. Food companies invest billions of dollars in advertisements that target children and adults, luring them to quick and convenient solutions. Advertisements for colourful, high-sugar cereals or sugary drinks are often misleading, creating the illusion of a healthy product. The solution is not only individual change in eating habits, but also a change in the whole food system. Nutrition education, stricter regulation of the food industry and support for local agriculture can help reduce the health burden on individuals and society as a whole. It is therefore essential to realise that every single food we choose affects not only our health but also our future. The challenge today is to redress the balance - to return to natural, whole foods that support the health of individuals and society as a whole. This step may be difficult, but the benefits are invaluable. In food lies the answer to many of our current problems.

Eating impacts not only our health, but also our economy - and to a far greater extent than we might imagine. The financial costs of diseases resulting from unhealthy diets are staggering and a burden on health systems worldwide. The current food system, oriented towards cheap, processed food, creates a vicious circle between health problems, low productivity and economic losses. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that more than 80% of cases of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity are caused by unhealthy lifestyles, including poor eating habits. Treating these diseases represents a huge financial outlay. In the USA, for example, the cost of treating diseases related to poor nutrition is estimated at more than 1 billion USD per year. This money could be invested in preventive measures, education or infrastructure, but instead it is being used to manage the consequences of a crisis. However, it is not just about health. Chronic diseases caused by poor nutrition reduce labour productivity. Employees suffering from diabetes, obesity or heart problems are more likely to be unable to work, which means losses for businesses and the economy as a whole. According to studies by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), obesity reduces global economic output by more than 3% a year. In low- and middle-income countries, where the availability of cheap, unhealthy food is high, these losses are even more significant. Subsidising the wrong types of agriculture is also a significant contributor. Large farms producing maize, soya or wheat - the staples of ultra-processed foods - receive massive subsidies, while fruit and vegetable growers are often ignored. This system encourages the production of cheap, unhealthy food while driving up the price of healthy alternatives. For example, a study in the United States showed that fruit and vegetables are unaffordable for more than 25% of low-income households, forcing them to reach for cheaper and less healthy options. Moreover, the economic consequences are not just about health and productivity. The negative impacts of intensive agriculture, such as soil erosion and pollution of water resources, require billions of dollars for environmental restoration. These costs are also an indirect consequence of a food system that prioritises short-term profit over long-term sustainability. To change this requires courage and systemic change. Investments in nutrition education, support for local farmers and tax breaks for producers of healthy food could help improve the economic balance sheet and reduce the financial burden on the health system. These steps are not just economically sensible - they are essential for the health of society and the future of our planet.

Paradoxically, the food system, which is supposed to be about feeding people, is exacerbating social inequalities. Unhealthy food is often more accessible and cheaper than nutritious alternatives, opening up gaps between different social classes. Those living in low-income communities face a double burden - the health problems caused by poor nutrition and the economic difficulties of dealing with their consequences. In urban "food deserts," where fresh food stores are almost non-existent, people often have no choice but to shop at cheap chains offering mostly ultra-processed foods. Such areas, typical of many American cities but also parts of Europe, create an environment in which unhealthy eating is the norm. For example, a family living in a poor part of Detroit may be more than 10 kilometres from the nearest fresh food market, while fast food restaurants are on every corner. But these differences are even more profound when we consider marketing and advertising. The food industry purposely targets advertisements to vulnerable groups such as children and low-income households. Significantly cheap but nutritionally empty foods such as sugary cereals, sweets and sweetened drinks are packaged in tempting packaging and promoted in a way that makes them seem irresistible. This marketing creates the illusion of affordability, but in reality exacerbates health and social inequalities. The consequences of this system are not just individual, but affect entire communities. Chronic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, are more common in low-income areas, putting a strain on local health systems and leading to a lower quality of life. These problems exacerbate pre-existing social inequalities, as healthcare is often inaccessible or expensive. In Latin America, for example, up to 60% of the low-income population is classified as obese, as a direct result of affordable junk food. An interesting example of how to overcome these inequalities is an initiative by the city of Bogota in Colombia. A community farming programme there has succeeded in creating local markets that offer fresh fruit and vegetables at prices affordable to all. Such projects show that changes in the food system can have a positive impact not only on health, but also on social cohesion and equity. If we want to reduce the social inequalities caused by the food system, we need to focus on access to healthy food for all, regardless of their economic situation. This includes supporting local farmers, regulating the marketing of unhealthy food and investing in infrastructure that ensures the equitable distribution of nutritious food. Such an approach is not only fair - it is key to building a healthier and fairer society.

The modern food system, which relies on the mass production and processing of food, has far-reaching environmental consequences. Intensive farming methods, mass meat production and large-scale monoculture not only put a strain on nature, but also contribute to soil degradation, water pollution and climate change. These burdens are often hidden behind cheap food prices in supermarkets, but their true cost is borne by the planet. One of the most serious problems is deforestation, which is happening on a massive scale to free up land for growing crops such as soya or maize or for livestock farming. For example, the Amazon rainforest, the lungs of the Earth, has lost tens of millions of hectares of forest in recent decades to the expansion of pastures and fields. This trend is not only destroying biodiversity, but is also reducing the planet's ability to absorb carbon dioxide, thus directly contributing to climate change. Land degradation caused by intensive agriculture is also a major problem. The use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides increases yields, but at the same time depletes the soil, making it less fertile for future generations. The case of China is interesting, where more than 20% of agricultural land has been lost to erosion and chemical pollution over the last 50 years. Such losses are leading to higher costs for land restoration and are also threatening food security. Another serious aspect is water pollution. Meat production and the cultivation of crops for livestock feed require huge amounts of water. It takes up to 15 000 litres of water to produce one kilogram of beef. This enormous abstraction is contributing to the drying up of rivers and the depletion of groundwater reserves, particularly in regions already suffering from water shortages, such as California or parts of India. In addition, food production is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Agriculture, including livestock farming, accounts for around 25% of global emissions. Livestock, especially cows, produce methane, a greenhouse gas with a much higher warming potential than carbon dioxide. Addressing these problems requires reducing meat consumption and promoting alternative sources of protein, such as plant products or lab-grown meat. Initiatives to promote regenerative agriculture show that change is possible. Regenerative practices such as crop rotation, reducing chemical inputs and restoring natural ecosystems can not only improve soil fertility but also reduce the carbon footprint of agriculture. An example of a success story is Costa Rica, which has doubled its forest area in recent decades while increasing agricultural production through sustainable practices. It is therefore essential that consumers, governments and businesses join together in an effort to transform the food system. Protecting the environment must be a priority at every step - from food choices to agricultural policies. This approach is not only an ecological necessity, but also a key step towards preserving the planet for future generations.

Food policy, which is supposed to protect health and ensure the availability of quality food, has in many cases become a tool of corruption and the interests of large corporations. Instead of focusing on promoting public health and protecting the environment, regulations often prioritise the profits of industrial giants at the expense of the public. This problem has global dimensions and affects all parts of the food chain - from the growing of raw materials to the sale in supermarkets. One of the most obvious examples is the lobbying of food companies. Large corporations that produce ultra-processed food invest billions of dollars in pushing for legislation that allows them to minimise costs and maximise profits. In the US, for example, farmers who grow monocultures such as corn and soya enjoy massive government subsidies. These crops are then used to produce cheap sweeteners and livestock feed, thereby supporting an unhealthy food system. However, corruption is not limited to the financing of crop production. Food labelling and advertising regulations are often weak and allow for misleading practices. For example, many products labelled as 'healthy' contain a high proportion of sugar, but food companies exploit legislative loopholes to present them as nutritious. Consumers are thus manipulated into thinking they are choosing a healthy alternative. Governments, especially in low- and middle-income countries, face strong pressure from multinational companies that use their financial and legal resources to influence decision-making. In Mexico, which has one of the highest rates of obesity in the world, the food industry has for years blocked the introduction of taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages. When the tax finally succeeded, consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages fell by 10%, which shows the significant impact that political interventions can have when they are not influenced by corruption. Another aspect is the lack of support for small and medium-sized farms that grow nutritious foods such as fruit, vegetables and legumes. While large agro-corporations benefit from state subsidies, local farmers often struggle to survive. This system not only puts healthier options at a disadvantage, but also contributes to the demise of traditional farming practices and cultural diversity. Addressing this problem requires transparency and reforms. There is a need to introduce stricter regulation of lobbying, to promote policies that protect public health, and to ensure fair support for sustainable agriculture. In addition, civil society initiatives that advocate government accountability and expose corrupt practices should be strengthened. Transforming the food system is not easy, but it is crucial to protecting the health and future of our planet. Only fair and transparent policies can ensure that food serves as a source of nutrition and not as a tool to enrich the powerful.

Changing a food system that causes health, economic, social and environmental problems is challenging but necessary. Solutions require coordinated efforts by governments, businesses, individuals and international organisations. The goal is to create a system that promotes human health, protects the planet and promotes equity in all aspects. One of the main steps is to promote regenerative agriculture. This approach focuses on restoring the soil, preserving biodiversity and reducing the carbon footprint. An example is New Zealand, where farmers have started to use crop rotation techniques, composting and afforestation, which has led to higher soil fertility and less use of chemical fertilisers. Supporting such initiatives through subsidies and education can help farmers adapt to sustainable practices. Changing food policies is another key point. This includes introducing stricter regulation of junk food advertising, limiting subsidies for monocultures and encouraging the production of healthier alternatives such as fruit, vegetables and pulses. Denmark, for example, has already introduced a tax on saturated fats, which has encouraged the population to reduce their consumption and improve their overall nutrition. Education and awareness also play an important role. People need to understand the implications of their eating habits and know how to make good food choices. Nutrition education programmes, such as those introduced in Japan, where children are taught from primary school on the importance of seasonal and local food, can have a major impact on changing generations. When children learn how to prepare healthy meals, they carry these habits into adulthood. Addressing food inequalities requires improving access to healthy food for all. This means supporting the creation of local markets, community gardens and expanding the distribution of healthy food to less developed areas. An example is a programme in Uganda that has created networks of small-scale farmers to deliver fresh produce directly to communities at affordable prices. Action should be taken at global level to reduce food waste. Billions of tonnes of food that could feed the hungry are thrown away every year. Countries such as France have already introduced laws that prohibit supermarkets from throwing away unsold food - it must be donated to charities or recycled. Last but not least, consumers have a lot of power. Each of us can support a sustainable system by choosing local, seasonal and organic food. Reducing meat consumption and increasing the proportion of plant-based foods can reduce pressure on land and water resources. These steps may seem small, but when adopted by the majority of the population, their impact is huge. The future of the food system lies in the hands of all of us. Together, we can support a system that is fair, healthy and sustainable. It is an investment not only in our bodies and communities, but also in the future of our planet.

The food system, which was meant to be a source of health and prosperity, has become one of the greatest challenges of our time. Issues such as chronic disease, economic inequality, social injustice, and environmental destruction demand immediate attention and action. In his book, Mark Hyman shows that solutions exist - from promoting regenerative agriculture, to reforming food policies, to educating consumers and reducing food waste. Each of us has the opportunity to make a difference through our everyday choices. It's time to stop seeing food as just a product and start seeing it as a tool for building a healthier, fairer and more sustainable world. Do you have feedback for us? We'd love it if you let us know your opinion on our content! Just send an email to feedback@rewio.app with the title of this book in the subject line and share your impressions!