The 48-Pill Crisis: How Ultra-Processed Food and The Liability Trap Create a Self-Perpetuating Illness Machine

Data from assisted living facilities reveal that residents are often prescribed an extremely high number of medications, with averages around 48 per patient and some cases reaching 91. This highlights a systemic issue where diet and root-cause health factors are frequently neglected. Many facilities follow institutional dietary guidelines that contribute to poor health, while healthcare providers may have incentives to prescribe medications rather than recommend lifestyle or dietary changes. Facilities that prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods have demonstrated significant reductions in the number of medications required, underscoring the critical role of diet in improving patient outcomes and minimizing polypharmacy.