Health Nutrition is all about is knowing what your body needs to maintain its optimum health and function normally. There are several different facets of health, which include, but are not limited to, the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of a person. It’s often difficult for people to determine how to meet their own personal nutrition goals. For most, the road to self-awareness starts with a personal story, one that highlights the effects of not meeting basic requirements for good health. One example of this includes a child who was diagnosed with diabetes at a young age and was unable to follow his doctors’ orders to keep the glucose level in the bloodstream at a healthy level.
The story went viral and health care providers across the country are starting to take notice. More people are becoming aware that there are specific guidelines and considerations when it comes to health care and nutrition. There is a growing body of research which indicates that health care providers and nutritionists must develop better ways of identifying nutritional needs and meeting them.
Health care providers now use a comprehensive range of methods to assess a person’s nutrition and recommend diets and activities which help to meet those needs. One method is by using the Glycemic Index or Glycemic Load, which ranks certain foods based on the effect they have on blood sugar levels. The higher the index, the faster the food breaks down in the system and provides the energy that is required. Foods such as those high in refined sugars and white flour need to be avoided, but there are many healthy foods that are high in Glycemic Index and can still provide the energy that is needed. This can allow people to eat healthier meals and enjoy meals that they previously thought to be out of their diet range.
Many people who go on long term health care plans are surprised to learn that they may have been completely unaware of the impact of carbohydrates on their health. It is common knowledge today that a diet consisting of mostly sugary foods like candy and cookies is bad for the health. But, many people do not know that it may have an even more negative impact on their health if they have a history of unhealthy eating habits like fast food restaurants where they are constantly surrounded by foods like burgers, hot dogs, and popcorn.
Other nutritional needs that people sometimes take for granted are vitamins and minerals that they should not be deficient in. For example, some people may not be aware that they are not getting enough beta carotene, a highly important vitamin for strengthening the immune system. Other nutrients that are often overlooked but essential for good health are important fats like those found in oily fish, flax seeds, nuts, and seeds.
Not all nutritional needs are created equal. While a balanced diet is good for overall health, not everyone has the same nutrient requirements. The best way to address this is to pay attention to your personal health care needs and match them with appropriate nutritional supplements. Your health care provider will be able to help you identify those nutrients you do not need and make sure that you get enough of them.
Some people also experience health issues that cause them to be malnourished, even if they have healthy nutritional needs. For example, malnourishment can occur when a person experiences a sudden loss of weight for no obvious reason. Another example is pregnancy, which can leave you if you have inadequate calories to provide fuel for the body. The effects of pregnancy on your health may include excessive weight gain, dizziness, depression, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and cravings for certain foods. These things happen to women during pregnancy, which is why they typically receive special care when it comes to proper nutrition.
The effects of poor nutrition on health are real and serious. Poor nutrition can lead to higher blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. It can also cause various diseases that are associated with aging, including cataracts and arthritis. Health nutritionists understand that while everyone is different, proper nutrition is key to good health.