Subcategories: Diets – Herbs – Nutrition Supplements
“The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in
the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.” -Thomas Edison
Overview of Nutrition
Nutrition is essentially the science of giving your body the nutrients it needs for growth, repair, and optimal functioning. But, it is really so much more than that! The foods and drinks we consume make us happy – they fill up our souls as well as our bellies. However, the fact that we have such a plentiful variety of nutritional choices, some that contain very little nutrition at all, is a large part of why our nation is challenged by obesity and a variety of diseases related to poor eating habits. This one page is of course not meant to take the place of sound nutrition advice. So, please consult with a dietitian (find a dietitian here) or naturopath (find a naturopath here) for help with your own personal dietary needs. But, just to get you started, following are some basics.
Nutrition Tips:
- Michael Pollan said it best, “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” That’s REAL food, not processed, packaged, food-like substances.
- Incorporate herbs into your meals.
- Drink ample water – at least 6-8 cups daily.
- Choose organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible.
- Take your time when eating, and chew your food thoroughly.
Digestion is Critical
One of the most important issues in nutrition, which is largely overlooked, is the digestion process. If your digestion is impaired because you are eating quickly, are taking medications such as acid-blockers, or are under stress, you may not be absorbing the nutrients you need:
“Within my field of alternative medicine, naturopathy, it is believed that most disease states begin with or are complicated by some level of digestive dysfunction. If the body is not efficient in digesting and absorbing the nutrients it needs, and subsequently does not have all the essential building blocks at its disposal than some level of dysfunction will occur. This dysfunction may effect circulation, tissue repair, respiration, liver function, potentially any system or organ within the body.” – James Sensenig, ND from www.foreverwell.com/articles/natural.html
Nutrition Resources
Linus Pauling Institute: Micronutritents – lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter – Information on vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals.
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine – www.pcrm.org – PCRM is a nonprofit group focused on the importance of a vegetarian diet.
HealthCastle.com – www.healthcastle.com –a Canada-based online nutrition community run by Registered Dietitians. It offers interesting videos and sound nutrition advice.
The American Society for Nutrition (ASN) – www.nutrition.org – nonprofit organization advancing nutrition through research.
The Journal of Nutrition – jn.nutrition.org – the latest research on nutrition.
World’s Healthiest Foods – www.whfoods.com – a comprehensive site including recipes, and interesting nutrition information.
Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior – www.jneb.org – “documents and disseminates original research, emerging issues and practices relevant to nutrition education and behavior worldwide.”
Today’s Dietitian – www.todaysdietitian.com – a magazine for nutrition professionals available for free online.
Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter – www.tuftshealthletter.com – realiable health information from Tuft’s University.
Fooducate – blog.fooducate.com – a nutrition blog from a Dad who wants to make “rational, information-based decisions” on feeding his family
International Food Information Council Foundation – www.foodinsight.org – nutrition and food safety information.
Video: The True Cost of Food, from the Sierra Club –www.sierraclub.org/truecostoffood/ – This will change the way you look at food.
[Last Updated: 7/1/12]
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