Written by Edgar Ulloa
As Thanksgiving approaches, we should use this time to not only practice gratitude for what we have, but to also take a more detailed note of the food we’re consuming on a daily basis. We understand to some degree that the food we eat affects our health, but what does that really mean? How much of an impact does our nutrition actually have on our overall health? Most importantly, how can we use the food we eat to not only improve our health but to prevent future disease and illness?
Our diet alone will not replace modern medicine in all circumstances. While there are many health conditions that can be treated and even prevented by dietary and overall lifestyle changes, there are also health conditions that cannot. That being said, our diet is still undeniably linked to our health. Eating whole and nutritious foods provides key nutrients to promote our health and protect our body from illness. The effects of the nutrients from whole foods are unique and cannot completely be replaced by supplements. These nutrients not only affect our health on a large scale, but they are critical to maintain our bodies functioning properly on a cellular level.
Even though the amount of vitamins and minerals that our bodies need is small, they are extremely vital for our health. While most people have a basic understanding of the three major macronutrients, (proteins, carbohydrates, and fats), micronutrients, as well as other macronutrients like water and fiber, are equally as important. For example, fiber is a macronutrient that isn’t often mentioned with the same importance as the Big 3. However, having the fiber that our body needs will feed the beneficial bacteria in our gut and promote proper digestion. A vitamin D deficiency, one of the most common deficiencies, can have a profound impact on our health. Being deficient in vitamin D not only deteriorates our bone health, which could lead to osteoporosis, it also lowers the efficiency of our immune system. Making us more susceptible to not only viral infections, but even increases the risk of repeat infections. Despite this, having a balanced and nutritious diet isn’t as complicated as it sounds.
As we previously mentioned, whole foods are rich in the nutrients we need to stay happy and healthy. Unfortunately, the inverse of that is also true. Highly processed foods filled with sugar and refined grains can contribute to a slew of diseases and illnesses, including heart disease, chronic inflammation, and even cancer. That being said, it is never too late to make small, incremental lifestyle changes to dramatically improve our overall health and nutrition. Sticking to a diet that is abundant in whole foods and plant foods while also being low in processed foods can strengthen and fortify our health, research shows. For example, the Mediterranean diet, filled with vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, neurodegenerative conditions, and certain cancers. Research suggests that some diets can even reverse the effects of certain conditions. The most important factor in choosing your diet is picking one that best fits your own unique self which you can adhere to and maintain consistency with. Everyone is different and there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to nutrition.