Tuesday, September 14, 2010

A Balancing Act: Nutrition



Recent nutrition research has made news and sparked diet trends such as gluten, lactose and soy-free. Whole grain, dairy and soy products were once credited with preventing ailments like heart disease and cancer, but are now making headlines as unhealthy options and foods to avoid.

One day you may read that low-fat dairy products can help you lose wieght, while the next day a new report says that many people have trouble digesting them. Soy was once praised for everything from preventing cancers to lowering cholesterol, but recent news has highlighted its potential interferance with thyroid and hormone function. Gluten-free foods are popping up all over grocery stores and restraunts, and many claim that avoiding the protein found in wheat improves energy levels and digestion.

Concentrate on balance when deciding how to incorporate nutirition research into your own life. Educate yourself by doing your own resreach on the food in question, and realize that every body is different and will react differently to certain foods. Ask your doctor to test for food allergies if you suspect you have one, and experiment with different types of food for a balanced diet.

Gluten-free products, for example, are often made with corn or oats and can be a great option for balancing the types of carbohydrates you eat. You may try experimenting with low-fat, soy, rice and almond milk to see which option you like best. The key is remembering that, unless you have a medical reason to avoid a food group, a balanced diet should incorporate a variety of foods. Practicing moderation in your eating habits can help prevent the potential health risks assosciated with foods containing gluten, lactose and soy.

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