Today, 24 November, I celebrate two things that may seem different but, on reflection, are deeply connected: Dietitian Nutritionist Day and the legacy of one of history’s most iconic artists, Freddie Mercury. On this day, we remember the departure of Freddie, a genius who not only revolutionised music, but also left us with important lessons about life, self-care and the impact of our health.
As I listen to “Somebody to Love ’ in the background, I think about how these two themes intertwine – what do a dietician-nutritionist and Freddie Mercury have in common? Both leave indelible marks: one on physical well-being and the other on the soul.
The importance of self-care
Freddie Mercury was more than a musician; he was a force of nature who taught us to live with passion. Yet his story also reminds us how fragile health can be. As someone who faced HIV/AIDS at a time when information was scarce and support limited, his life underscores the importance of prevention, access to trained professionals and taking holistic care of our health.
Nutrition is not just about food; it is a powerful tool for strengthening our bodies, caring for our defences and, as he did with music, finding harmony in our daily lives.
A perfect example is this year’s theme: functional digestive disorders (FDD). These disorders, which affect millions of people, have no clear organic cause, but profoundly impact the quality of life of those who suffer from them. A dietitian-nutritionist can make a huge difference, identifying eating patterns that trigger symptoms and designing a personalised plan to alleviate them.
Imagine living with chronic abdominal pain, bloating or constant digestive problems. Now, imagine that someone can help you find improvement through your diet. That’s the magic of clinical nutrition: transforming suffering into wellness.
Just as Freddie made every song seem written just for you, a dietitian-nutritionist tailors his or her knowledge to improve your health in unique and meaningful ways.
I recall a recent conversation with a friend who had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. He was telling me how his dietitian-nutritionist helped him transform not only his diet, but his mindset. Thanks to this professional guidance, he discovered foods that not only regulated his blood sugar, but also gave him back the energy to enjoy his day-to-day life.
Nutrition and music: nurturing body and soul
Just as a good song can fill our spirits, good nutrition is the rhythm that keeps our bodies in tune. Celebrating International Dietitian-Nutritionist Day on the same date that we remember Freddie Mercury is a perfect reminder of how both aspects are fundamental in our lives.
Songs like ‘We Are the Champions’, make us think of all the victories we achieve when we take care of our health. While no one can replace Freddie, his legacy motivates us to make the most of every day, while nutrition gives us the tools to do so with a strong body and a clear mind.
My reflection: living with purpose
Today I celebrate the passion of Freddie Mercury and the dedication of dietitian-nutritionists. Freddie taught us how to shine even in the darkest moments, and nutritionists show us how to build a healthy life that allows us to fully enjoy every moment. Both, in their own way, invite us to take control of our lives: some from the stage, others from the consulting room.
So, as I hum ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’, I think about how we can honour these legacies. Freddie left us his music; the dietitians-nutritionists, the key to taking care of the only body we have. And both remind us that, to live fully, we need balance: mind, body and soul in perfect harmony.
How about, while you remember Freddie, you make a small change in your diet today? For him, for me, and because health and music are two gifts worth celebrating.
