Nutrition & Diet Therapy Flashcards

Which dietary pattern is most associated with reduced risk of colon cancer according to epidemiological evidence?

Answer: High-fiber, plant-rich diet with limited processed foods

A high-fiber, plant-rich diet supports healthy bowel transit time, reduces carcinogen exposure, and feeds beneficial gut microbiota, all of which are associated with lower colon cancer risk.

When designing a therapeutic diet for a patient with hypothyroidism, which food should the naturopathic physician advise the patient to limit in raw form?

Answer: Raw cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and kale

Raw cruciferous vegetables contain goitrogens that can inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis by blocking iodine uptake; cooking reduces this effect significantly.

A patient with chronic kidney disease stage 3 is referred to a naturopathic physician for nutritional support. Which dietary modification is most critical?

Answer: Restricting dietary phosphorus, potassium, and protein intake

In CKD stage 3, reduced kidney filtration requires limiting phosphorus, potassium, and protein to prevent electrolyte imbalances and slow disease progression.

Which dietary compound found in flaxseeds acts as a phytoestrogen and may be beneficial for managing menopausal symptoms?

Answer: Lignans

Lignans in flaxseeds are phytoestrogens that bind estrogen receptors with weak activity and have been studied for their role in moderating menopausal symptoms.

In the naturopathic approach to nutritional therapy, the concept of 'food as medicine' is best exemplified by which practice?

Answer: Using specific foods and dietary patterns as primary therapeutic tools to address root causes of disease

The naturopathic principle of 'food as medicine' means using targeted foods and dietary patterns as primary treatments to address underlying imbalances and support the body's healing capacity.

Which dietary approach is most appropriate for a patient with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as a naturopathic first-line intervention?

Answer: Caloric restriction, elimination of added sugars and refined carbohydrates, and increased fiber

Reducing caloric surplus, eliminating fructose-rich added sugars, and increasing dietary fiber are the most evidence-based dietary interventions to reduce hepatic fat accumulation in NAFLD.

A patient asks about the therapeutic use of fasting in naturopathic medicine. Which statement best reflects the evidence-based naturopathic perspective on therapeutic fasting?

Answer: Short-term supervised fasting can support detoxification, metabolic reset, and reduce inflammation when clinically appropriate

Naturopathic medicine supports evidence-informed use of supervised short-term fasting to promote autophagy, reduce systemic inflammation, and support metabolic health when clinically indicated.