Diet & Nutrition

Food plays a big part in the lives of most Americans, and reflects cultural traditions. A diet that is not balanced among all the food groups, however, can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, and other health concerns. Risk factors for obesity include poor nutrition, lack of exercise, genetics, and environmental factors, like education and income level. Obesity increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Doctors of chiropractic receive extensive training in the area of human diet and nutrition and can assist you formulating a health plan tailored to your individual needs.

Breakfast is a very important meal as your body has not received any nutrients in 6-8 hours. You should eat enough to see you through to lunch. Try not to fry your food and high levels of refined sugars should be avoided.
Lunch should typically be your largest meal as your body needs the energy to complete the day.
Vitamins B6 and C and the mineral zinc play a role in regulating the immune system. Some vitamins may help boost the immune system and fight off disease. Vitamins E, A, and C and beta carotene are antioxidants--they protect against the effects of cell-damaging molecules called oxygen free radicals. This damage to cells can lead to cancer. Because few people are eating even the minimum recommended servings of fruits and vegetables each day, many doctors recommend a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement.

Most things, if not eaten or drunk in excess, will not do us much harm. And eating a wide variety of foods ensures we get all the vitamins, minerals, protein and other ingredients we need to be healthy. Every day, eat at least:
* three to four servings of vegetables and two to three servings of fruit
* six servings of whole grain breads, pasta, rice and breakfast cereals
* two servings of low fat milk and dairy products
* one serving of lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts, lentils or beans - reducing the meat in a meal by adding beans is a good tip.