Nutritional Therapy
Nutritional therapy looks at the relationship of your diet and lifestyle with your health and well being.
A nutritionist looks at your food intake and looks to balance your needs, looking at the content such as vitamins, minerals, proteins and carbohydrates, as we vary considerably in activities, size, shape and health we often have very different needs.This is particularly the case with many medical conditions and ailments including serious illnesses, cardiovascular issues, or indeed illnesses affecting any of the body's systems, from skin to mental health, have gained insight and benefited from sound nutritional advice.
The way you look, feel and think depends on the food you eat which leads to the question; what should you be eating?
Protein
Proteins are the building blocks for your body, they form part of every cell and tissue in your body, including muscle, internal organs, skin, hair and nails.
On average 20% of total body weight is protein.
There are many sources such as meat and fish, dairy products and eggs, nuts and seeds, pulses, soya and quorn, grains and cereals.
Carbohydrates
These are known for there energy properties being broken down into blood glucose in the digestion where it is used by the body or stored in the body as fat to be used later so to speak.
It’s the make up of carbohydrates which is important, a lot of processed food contains simply sugars which are broken down quickly raising the blood sugar levels which then need to be maintained with insulin, rapid fluctuations in blood sugar and insulin levels is linked to diabetes and obesity. Complex carbohydrates such as vegetables, brown rice, whole grains and pulses are called complex and therefore broken down more slowly, helping to regulate blood sugar levels and control your appetite over a prolonged period of time.
Fat
d Fat is important, very important, the truth is your body needs fat to function properly. Fat can be categorised as good fat (Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats and bad fat (Saturated/hydrogenated fat)
‘Bad’ fats are linked to clogged arteries and heart disease, high cholesterol levels and obesity, found in red meat and dairy products – particularly whole milk products, cheese, butter and egg yolks.
Hydrogenated oils (trans fats) found in many processed and packaged foods, such as pastries, pies, pizzas, cakes, biscuits and fast food.
‘Good’ fats that you should be eating to help reduce cholesterol and maintain a healthy heart are foods rich in these include nuts, seeds, olives, oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines...) and olive and sunflower oil.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals have numerous vital roles necessary for physical health and well-being. The more varied your diet the more nutrients you will benefit from, and the better your whole body will be able to function. Eating plenty of different fruit and vegetables (especially dark green), essential oils (nuts, fish, seeds) and wholegrain foods, will mean you are unlikely to be deficient in any one vitamin or mineral.
Water
Water is essential for life. Approximately 70% of our body is water. Dehydration needs to be avoided to ensure that fat metabolism, mental alertness, energy levels and metabolic processes are optimised. Thirst is not a viable indicator of dehydration - quite often when you are thirsty you are already dehydrated. For this reason you should aim to drink about 1 ½ litres of water a day.
