According to the Harvard School of Public Health, "Aside from not smoking, the most important determinants of good health are what we eat and how active we are." As such, paying attention to nutrition and what you eat makes sense for parents, policy makers and health sector workers alike. There's no time like the present to do this. The draft version of America's 2010 Dietary Guidelines identifies obesity as the nation's number-one public health threat, according to the New York Times. The guidelines also note the relationship of fast food to unhealthy weight gain, and emphasize eating plenty of plant-based foods.
The Medical Profession
A 2010 New York Times article profiled Dr. Preston Maring for "his conviction that in the health professions, the kitchen must become as crucial as the clinic." Certain that food is at the center of health and illness, Dr. Maring lobbies for making training in basic aspects of growing, buying, cooking and eating food a central part of a standard medical education. He also recommends teaching students in medical school about easy ways to maintain their own healthy diets and lifestyles, despite long hours and ready access to fast food.
Corporations
When you walk down the cereal aisle of your local grocery store, chances are you're familiar with the brand names on most of the products. Sometimes, the public considers major brands as "trusted brands," but beware. According to food policy expert Marion Nestle, food companies are ultimately interested in selling more food to increase returns to their investors. She adds that in the normal course of business, these firms contribute to changes in society that discourage choices of more healthful foods in reasonable amounts. Though proper nutrition is so important, marketing campaigns of food companies pressure individuals to make choices that might not be in their best interest.
The Immune System
Immunology researchers at London's St. Thomas's Hospital found nutrition and nutritional status can affect the strength of human autoimmune systems and how resistant we are to infection. Especially significant, the researchers found that deficiency of protein energy and vitamin A are strongly associated with impaired immunity and infectious disease. The amount of dietary lipids and zinc you take in affects autoimmunity as well. According to the St. Thomas's researchers, lipid nutrition has the potential to modify human autoimmune diseases by manipulating the lipids we take in. With these findings, it is clear that following instructions of nutritionists regarding our daily dietary intake can help us lead healthier lives.
Interpreting Research
Harvard School for Public Health notes that the media's reduction of health and nutrition research findings to short sound bites can lead to public confusion. To understand exactly what the study means, Harvard advises paying attention to a few critical details of the news report so you know what action, if any, to take. For example, sometimes a story only reports results of a single study. You should learn the context and the findings of other studies on the topic, too. Also, be wary if the study was small, since large studies often provide more reliable results. If the study was on animals, its findings may not translate to human health. Finally, pay attention to how it assessed diet, and evidence that the study methods are valid.
Family Meals
A 2010 Los Angeles Times article on food and nutrition trends discussed the resurgence of family dinners. It cited research showing that eating meals as a family can yield emotional as well as nutritional benefits. Research cited in the article found children who eat meals with their families also do better in school. One takeaway: How you eat your food and who you eat it with can play a role in health. So, if given the chance to linger with loved ones over preparing and eating a nutritious meal, it's likely a good -- and healthy -- opportunity you should seize.
References
- Harvard School of Public Health: The Nutrition Source
- "The New York Times": Doctor's Orders -- Eat Well to Be Well
- "Los Angeles Times": 2010 Food And Nutrition Trends
- Refdoc: Nutrition and Immunity with Emphasis on Infection and Autoimmune Disease. Harbige, L. St Thomas's Hospital, London.
- Harvard School Of Public Health: Deciphering Media Stories on Diet
