Dr. Zavier Ash Urges Return to “Food as Medicine” as Chronic Illness and Distrust in Health Systems Rise

Following a recent international feature on the growing relevance of holistic healthcare models, Dr. Zavier Ash, founder of AshCare Functional Medicine in Tucker, Georgia, is calling on communities to take action—starting in their own kitchens and gardens.

Georgia, US, 23rd July 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, “People wait months for a 10-minute appointment and walk out with five prescriptions,” said Dr. Zavier Ash. “We need to shift the power back to the individual. That starts with what we eat, how we live, and who listens to us.”

In an in-depth article that connected his 30-year journey with health trends in cities like London, Dr. Ash shared personal reflections on why his “food-first” method is resonating across continents. His blend of science-backed medicine and ancestral wellness—rooted in gardening, herbal care, and mindful living—is striking a chord with both urban health seekers and overwhelmed patients.

Chronic Conditions Are Surging—But Solutions Can Start at Home

According to the CDC, 6 in 10 adults in the United States have at least one chronic disease, many of which are diet-related. In the UK, nearly 64% of adults are overweight or obese, with diet-driven issues like Type 2 diabetes and heart disease placing increasing pressure on the NHS.

Dr. Ash believes we are not just battling disease—we’re battling disconnection.

“We’ve lost the habit of growing our food, of preparing it with intention. Most people are eating stress instead of nutrients,” he said. “It’s not just about weight or blood sugar. It’s about joy, agency, and routine.”

His clinic teaches patients how to reclaim health from the ground up: swapping processed food for whole ingredients, replacing dependency on pills with herbs when appropriate, and cultivating the physical and emotional space to heal.

Trust, Not Trends: Building Health That Lasts

In the press interview, Dr. Ash reflected on his nearly three decades in medicine. He warned against health fads and urged people to seek long-term trust-based relationships with care providers and with themselves.

“Reputation isn’t SEO,” he said. “It’s what people say about you when you’re not in the room. That’s what makes a difference in health care.”

He called for more education around preventative and functional medicine, noting that a growing number of people are not returning to conventional models.

“Lab tests are important, but they don’t tell you if someone cries themselves to sleep. We have to care about the full human story,” he added.

Start Small, Start Local

Dr. Ash isn’t selling a product—he’s encouraging a practice. A way of living that begins with soil, stillness, and self-awareness. His call to action is clear:

“Grow one vegetable. Cook one homemade meal this week. Have one honest conversation about how you’re really doing. That’s where it starts.”

He is encouraging schools, churches, community gardens, and even urban spaces to incorporate simple health-building practices like growing herbs, hosting nutrition circles, and engaging youth in food literacy.

To read more, visit the website here.

About Dr. Zavier Ash

Dr. Zavier Ash is the founder of AshCare Functional Medicine and 7 Days Of Weight & Wellness in Tucker, Georgia. With degrees from Morehouse College and Meharry Medical College, and residency training at East Carolina University, he blends family medicine with holistic and herbal treatments. He is a member of the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

He is widely known for his patient-first philosophy, food-based healing methods, and deep connection to nature and tradition.