The Exam Room by the Physicians Committee Food For Life: The Diet Fighting Chronic Diseases Worldwide
Jan 17, 2026
Dr. Samba Nyirenda, a lifestyle medicine physician and the only certified Food for Life Instructor in Botswana, discusses the alarming rise of chronic diseases in Africa due to urbanization and processed foods. She reveals insights on traditional diets rich in whole grains and legumes that historically protected health. Dr. Nyirenda shares transformative patient stories and highlights how plant-based nutrition can reduce reliance on medications. Her Food for Life classes are adapting local foods and gaining community traction, empowering individuals to reclaim their health.
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Traditional Lifestyle Was Protective
- Traditional African lifestyles combined whole-plant diets, natural movement, social connection, and restorative sleep to protect against chronic disease.
- Samba Nyirenda views returning to these roots as an evidence-based strategy to prevent and manage noncommunicable diseases.
Urbanization Drives Dietary Risk
- Urbanization shifted diets from high-fiber traditional foods to processed, fried, and oil-rich products.
- This dietary change, plus overconsumption of meat and processed meats, drives rising diabetes, hypertension, and cancer risks.
What The Traditional Plate Looked Like
- Traditional plates featured pounded whole grains, legumes, and dried leaves, with meat used sparingly and processed meats absent.
- These patterns delivered high fiber and lower exposure to harmful processed meats linked to rising cancers.