Pharmacists as Nutrition Champions

At the McKesson IdeaShare 2025 event, Lara Zakaria, a prominent voice in pharmaconutrition, advocated for a transformative role for pharmacists in addressing patients' nutritional needs. As the visionary behind Foodie Farmacist, LLC, Zakaria envisions a future where pharmacists are esteemed as key nutrition advisors in their communities. “I want to make this a thing,” she emphasized, urging colleagues to embrace discussions about nutrition with every patient interaction.

The Hidden Dangers of Nutrition Misconceptions

In her thought-provoking presentation, Zakaria tackled the societal stigma surrounding food and body image, highlighting the inadequacies of the body mass index (BMI) as a health indicator. She pointed out that both under-nutrition and over-nutrition pose serious health risks, referencing stark mortality data for people at both ends of the BMI spectrum.

Unpacking Ultra-Processed Foods

Another crucial topic was the impact of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) on health. Zakaria cited research indicating there are no health benefits linked to UPFs; instead, they are associated with significant health issues like obesity and cardiovascular diseases. She argued that the time for calorie-counting is over, and a more nuanced understanding of food quality is essential.

Practical Interventions for Pharmacists

Zakaria encouraged pharmacists to use their patient interactions to 'plant seeds' about nutrition by tailoring advice to individual health goals. For instance, she noted that adopting the Mediterranean diet is linked to a 30% reduction in cardiovascular disease risks. This approach not only incorporates dietary changes but also respects cultural food practices.

Tackling Nutritional Deficiencies and Drug Interactions

Highlighting the importance of understanding nutrient absorption, Zakaria noted that chronic conditions and even some medications can deplete essential nutrients. Introducing discussions on drug-induced nutrient depletions (DIND) in patient consultations can help manage symptoms and improve overall health.

Food as Medicine: Simple Solutions for Health

Concluding her presentation, Zakaria shared strategies for integrating nutrition into daily routines. She recommended easy dietary tweaks such as incorporating anti-inflammatory foods like ginger and turmeric into meals. These simple actions promote gut health and enhance immune function without overwhelming patients.

Engaging Patients: Easy Steps to Nutritional Wellness

To effectively implement pharmaconutrition, Zakaria advised pharmacists to begin with accessible strategies, such as promoting the Mediterranean diet, which is both familiar and research-backed. Encouraging regular physical activity, better sleep quality, and reducing unhealthy habits are also crucial steps that can profoundly impact patient health outcomes.