For centuries, infectious diseases were the primary threat to human life. Then sanitation improved, nutrition advanced, and antibiotics emerged. But as one crisis faded, another quietly took its place.
Today, we’re facing something far more insidious: chronic disease.
Heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, and cancer now dominate the health landscape — despite unprecedented healthcare spending and pharmaceutical innovation. So how did this shift happen? And more importantly… what can you do about it?
Let’s take a closer look — and talk about how to reclaim your health.
From Infection to Inflammation: The Great Health Shift
In the early 1900s, major causes of death included smallpox, cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery — largely fueled by poor sanitation, malnutrition, and overcrowding. As infrastructure and hygiene improved, infectious disease rates declined dramatically.
But as acute infections waned, chronic, lifestyle-driven diseases surged.
Around the same time, medicine underwent a dramatic transformation following the 1910 publication of the Flexner Report, authored by Abraham Flexner and backed by industrialist John D. Rockefeller. This report reshaped medical education and heavily favored pharmaceutical-based treatment models over traditional botanical and naturopathic approaches.
Over the next century, the “pill for every ill” mindset took hold.
Where We Are Now
-
The U.S. spends more on healthcare than any other nation.
-
Roughly 90% of the $4.5 trillion annual healthcare budget goes toward managing chronic disease.
-
Polypharmacy (taking multiple medications daily) is increasingly common.
-
Many medications address symptoms — not root causes — and often introduce additional side effects.
Despite more testing, more drugs, and more procedures than ever before, Americans are not getting healthier.
That’s the wake-up call.
How to Protect Yourself From the Chronic Disease Cycle
If you want to reduce your risk and avoid becoming trapped in lifelong symptom management, you must take ownership of your health.
Here’s where to begin:
1️⃣ Start With Your Diet
No supplement, no medication, and no exercise routine can overcome a highly processed, nutrient-poor diet.
A simple guideline:
The farther your food is from what’s found in Nature, the more cautious you should be.
Be especially wary of:
-
Ultra-processed “plant-based” meats and cheeses
-
Seed and vegetable oils
-
Artificial sweeteners
-
Reduced-fat dairy
-
Margarine
-
Highly engineered “health” products
Whole foods build whole health. It really is that foundational.
2️⃣ Move Your Body (Even If It’s Imperfect)
Movement doesn’t require a gym membership or two hours a day.
-
Take the stairs.
-
Park farther away.
-
Walk after meals.
-
Do a shortened version of your usual workout if you’re short on time.
Consistency matters more than perfection.
3️⃣ Exhaust Natural Measures First
While medications absolutely have their place, many chronic issues respond well to foundational nutritional support.
Examples include:
-
Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) to support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels
-
Turmeric and natural anti-inflammatories to help ease inflammation and discomfort
-
Multi-strain probiotics to support digestion, immune health, and gut integrity
-
Vitamin D with K2 to support bone strength, cardiovascular health, and immune balance
When used properly and consistently, foundational nutrients can often reduce the need for more aggressive interventions later.
4️⃣ Research With Discernment
Media and pharmaceutical interests are deeply intertwined. Follow funding sources. Look for independently funded studies. Question bold claims — whether conventional or alternative.
An informed patient is a powerful patient.
5️⃣ Ask Questions — and Expect Partnership
Your doctor should be a collaborator, not a dictator.
If you feel dismissed, rushed, or belittled, find a provider who respects your desire to understand your care. There are excellent practitioners who value patient engagement and root-cause approaches.
The Bottom Line
We cannot outsource responsibility for our health.
Chronic disease does not happen overnight — and neither does vibrant wellness. But small, consistent choices compound over time.
The good news?
You have far more control than you’ve been led to believe.
To your health,
Sherry Brescia
