Navigating Health

Archive for May 13th, 2010

It may be a cliche to say you are what you eat but it is true. Your body requires a healthy combination of different foods and fluids in order to function properly and maintain good health. Balance is a key word in dietary matters. A healthy balanced diet comprises the three basic food types- protein, carbohydrate and fat-in the right proportions for optimum physical health. Balance is a key word in dietary matters. A healthy balanced diet comprises the three basic food types-proteins, carbohydrate and fat-in the right proportions for optimum physical health. The foods your body needs will depend on how active your life is: if you have a demanding manual job your energy needs are higher than someone who works at a desk. Eating pattern and diets vary around the world and studies have shown that this often bears a direct relation to the prevalence of certain diseases.

A range of digestive tract problems such as hemorrhoids, bi ventricular disease and constipation are related to the lack of fiber in western diets. Levels of obesity in the developed world are also increasing. Researchers believe this rise to be linked both to high levels of fat consumption and to diets that are increasingly rich in sugars. A healthy diet needs to balance the consumption of the three basic nutrients-carbohydrate, protein and fat-and the micro nutrients of minerals and vitamins. The healthiest diet relies heavily on sources of carbohydrate and protein and less on fat. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cocoa and a range of cola drinks, as well as in chocolate bars. Caffeine may also heighten feelings of anxiety and can be disruptive to sleep patterns.