The Ministry of Health has warned against using unscientific diets as a substitute for prescribed medical treatment, stressing that such practices can lead to serious health complications, particularly for individuals with chronic diseases.
The ministry said the warning follows documented cases in which patients experienced severe health consequences after discontinuing insulin or other diabetes medications based on recommendations associated with popular diet trends promoted without proper medical supervision.
Serious Risks Linked to Discontinuing Treatment
According to the ministry, some individuals replaced prescribed medications with dietary regimens or reduced treatment dosages for chronic illnesses without consulting healthcare professionals.
As a result, several patients required emergency medical intervention and intensive care admission due to severe hyperglycemia and diabetes-related complications.
The ministry emphasized that labeling foods as universally “good” or “bad,” or eliminating essential food groups without medical justification, may lead to nutritional deficiencies and other adverse health effects.
Balanced Nutrition Remains Essential
Health officials reiterated that a healthy diet should be balanced and varied, including vegetables, moderate amounts of fruit, whole grains, and diverse protein sources while limiting added sugars, sugary beverages, saturated fats, and excessive salt intake.
The ministry urged anyone who has stopped taking medication or altered prescribed dosages to seek medical advice immediately rather than waiting for complications to emerge.
It also encouraged patients to consult licensed physicians and nutrition specialists before adopting any therapeutic diet to ensure proper medical supervision and safe treatment outcomes.
Nutrition Expert Warns Against Social Media Diet Trends
Clinical nutritionist Dr. Vivian Mohamad Wehbe said that social media platforms have recently seen the spread of a trend referred to as the “good foods diet,” which encourages some patients to stop taking medication and instead rely on foods high in sugars and saturated fats while completely avoiding fruits and vegetables.
She described the approach as a clear violation of established scientific principles and a direct threat to patient health.
According to Wehbe, health authorities have consistently highlighted the importance of balanced nutrition and reducing excessive sugar and saturated fat consumption because of their links to harmful cholesterol levels, inflammation, and insulin resistance.
Relying on Trusted Health Information
The ministry urged the public to obtain medical information only from reliable and official sources and to avoid being influenced by misleading health claims or unsupported advice circulating online.
It emphasized that nutritional therapy can play an important role in managing health conditions but should never replace prescribed medication or professional medical care.
The ministry concluded by stressing that patient health should never be subjected to experimentation or unverified claims, highlighting the importance of awareness, evidence-based healthcare practices, and adherence to professional medical guidance to protect public health and well-being.
