The Body Fights Back is an eye-opening documentary film directed by Marianela Maldonado that showcases the importance of paying attention to the signals our bodies give us when it comes to food, nutrition and health. The film takes a deep dive into the human body and its ability to self-heal through information gathered from medical experts, nutritional scientists, and patient stories.
The story is narrated by Rory Brown, who takes us on a journey through the inner workings of the human body as we see how the foods we consume impact our overall health. We also hear from patients who share their experiences and journeys with various health issues such as asthma, obesity, and diabetes to name a few.
One of the key themes explored in the film is the idea that our bodies are capable of healing themselves if given the right tools. This idea is exemplified in a segment discussing the power of the microbiome, the collection of bacteria that lives within the human body, and its importance in staying healthy. The film dives into how the lack of a balanced microbiome has been linked to various conditions such as anxiety, depression, and chronic fatigue syndrome, among others. The segment includes interviews with experts on the topic, as well as patient stories that illustrate the impact of a healthy microbiome.
Another important aspect explored in the film is the link between the food industry and the rise in chronic illnesses such as obesity and diabetes. Medical experts and nutritional scientists illustrate how the food industry took a turn for the worse with the introduction of heavily processed foods loaded with sugar, artificial flavors and colors, and various preservatives, to name a few. In contrast, the movie showcases the benefits of whole, nutrient-dense foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other plant-based foods, using scientific research and patient testimony as evidence.
Imogen Fox, a plant-based nutritionist, is featured throughout the film, acting as a guide and providing context and expertise on the topic of plant-based nutrition. The film also showcases a group of doctors who are proponents of a more plant-based diet and strive to treat their patients with lifestyle medicine, rather than just traditional medicine. These examples highlight how a plant-based diet can help people reverse chronic diseases and ultimately lead healthier lives.
Overall, The Body Fights Back is an informative and eye-opening film that explores the power of our bodies to heal if given the right tools, as well as the consequences of the food industry and how it affects our health. The film encourages viewers to take ownership of their health and empower themselves by making informed choices about the foods they consume.
The Body Fights Back is a 2021 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes.
It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.0.