I was in Europe recently for a business trip. Out of curiosity, I visited a few large hospitals. My intention wasn't to conduct research; I simply wanted to observe. What is the real state of human health? How do healthcare services operate? I wanted to see the answers to these questions firsthand.
What I saw surprised me. The hospital corridors were empty. Silence prevailed. There were only a handful of people, perhaps fewer than ten. The usual intensity, long waits, and crowded patient queues we're accustomed to in emergency rooms and outpatient clinics were non-existent here.
This sight inevitably brought Turkey to mind. Just last week, despite having supplementary health insurance and applying to a private hospital that offers very advanced services, I could only get an appointment several days later. I won't even mention public hospitals. From family health centers and polyclinics to private hospitals, everywhere is overflowing. One thing we clearly see is that diseases are progressing.
So why?
The reason for the high intensity in healthcare institutions in Turkey is not solely due to deficiencies in the healthcare system. The main reason is the general health status of society and the underlying inability to eat healthily, alongside dietary habits.
Poor nutrition! It increases the burden on the healthcare system every day. Processed foods, excessive sugar and refined carbohydrate consumption, unbalanced nutrition, and a sedentary lifestyle are progressively worsening society's health map. As a result, chronic diseases are reaching a breaking point.
• Diabetes,
• Obesity,
• Cardiovascular diseases,
• Digestive problems,
• Weakening of the immune system, among many other diseases. Interestingly, people who cannot cope with these illnesses seek remedies in hospitals.
However, the greatest burden on the healthcare system begins not in hospitals but in kitchens. Behind those empty hospital corridors I saw in Europe lies individuals' more conscious nutrition, healthier living, and strong preventive healthcare services. Achieving good health before falling ill is the greatest health insurance.
If we, as a society, do not prioritize healthy eating, we will continue to discuss the crowdedness of hospitals. The solution is so clear: it involves eating right, consuming natural and as beneficial foods as possible, and strengthening the immune system by protecting gut health.
How crowded a hospital is reflects not only the healthcare system but also the general health status of society. If we want to see empty corridors, we must first change our kitchens within our means.
Health begins at the table.
So, which path will we choose?
✔ To eat healthy and dedicate time to life instead of doctor's queues?
Or
❌ To eat poorly and be confined to doctor's offices and hospital corridors?
