The recommended daily allowances (RDA) for nutrients have been developed in the 1950 with the main reason to determine levels to prevent deficiencies such as scurvy and rickets. Every 7 years a large professional committee reevaluates the RDA due to recent research. Overall these levels have not changed much.
There has been research done on pharmacological levels of individual nutrients such as Vitamin C for example. However optimal levels have not been determined yet.
Most people take a multi vitamin/mineral supplement for extra insurance since it is very difficult to know exactly how much we get with our daily food. However two questions arise: can you take too much and do you really get what the label says.
The danger of taking too much is true for fat-soluble vitamins ADEK and minerals and trace minerals. Excess intake of water-soluble vitamins as the B-complex and Vitamin C is being flushed out easily.
The second question if you really get what the label says is legitimate as the production of supplements is not being regulated. Consumer labs reported in 2009 that 50% of multivitamins on the market do not have what they say on the labels.
How is the average consumer supposed to know then what levels of nutrients to take or which is the best product.
There is a valid method to determine how to choose a good quality multivitamin. Learn from the expert either Wednesday May 25th at 11:30 or Wednesday June 1 at 6pm.
At Pilates Health Connexion, 7078 Beracasa Way, Boca Raton, FL 33433
rsvp now to 826-7770
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Why it is important to get your nutrition information from a registered dietitian
By Anna Schafer, MS, RD, LD/N
What we feed our bodies is probably the most important basis for our health.
Why then do we trust our health to non-experts?
A registered dietitian (RD) is the professional expert in the field of nutrition. An RD goes through at least a 4 year dietetics program and needs to continue their education on a permanent basis. Most states have a required licensure for nutrition education. When it comes to your health you will always go to the most qualified professional, therefore when it comes to nutrition make sure the advice comes from a registered dietitian who is licensed to practice nutrition education in the state of Florida. Look for the RD, LD/N behind the name.
Unfortunately, there are many short term programs who will train a person in human nutrition as an “add-on” to their normal profession such as personal trainers, chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapist just to mention a few. Since their training is not very in-depth they very often will not be able to sort facts from fiction.
Most of the nutrition information we receive on a daily basis come from unreliable sources. Food and supplement industries will provide information to benefit their bottom line and news reports will take scientific research to boost a headline often twisting facts and making them fiction.
Just to mention one example I would like to point out the current protein craze. It started with Dr. Adkins and his approach to a fast weight loss program. His approach is based on the human body excellent capability to preserve energy and combat starvation. When food is not available our body will convert its own protein sources such as muscle into fuel - carbohydrates. Our body can ONLY use carbohydrates as fuel. In this process ketone bodies are formed which have the convenient ability to suppress hunger again a splendid act to combat starvation. However we do not starve we overeat. A high protein diet will mimic these same conditions and therefore it is an effective weight loss tool, however very very unhealthy! Ketosis is an abnormal rather toxic condition for our body. Additionally, our kidneys are being stressed to metabolize the excess protein and it poses the danger of dehydration.
The protein craze is also being pushed by protein supplement companies. Even a high performing athlete does not need a hugh amount of extra protein. In order to build muscles increasing your protein need by maybe 3-5% is enough. Using and working those muscles mainly initiates the production of more muscle tissue. Overconsumption of protein will only stress your kidneys and puts you in danger of dehydration. Again the main fuel for our bodies is carbohydrates which should come from whole grain products not processed food stripped of its nutrients.
When in doubt about some nutrition information you’ve heard or read, pick up the phone and call a registered dietitian who as a nutrition expert can help you sort facts from fiction.
What we feed our bodies is probably the most important basis for our health.
Why then do we trust our health to non-experts?
A registered dietitian (RD) is the professional expert in the field of nutrition. An RD goes through at least a 4 year dietetics program and needs to continue their education on a permanent basis. Most states have a required licensure for nutrition education. When it comes to your health you will always go to the most qualified professional, therefore when it comes to nutrition make sure the advice comes from a registered dietitian who is licensed to practice nutrition education in the state of Florida. Look for the RD, LD/N behind the name.
Unfortunately, there are many short term programs who will train a person in human nutrition as an “add-on” to their normal profession such as personal trainers, chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapist just to mention a few. Since their training is not very in-depth they very often will not be able to sort facts from fiction.
Most of the nutrition information we receive on a daily basis come from unreliable sources. Food and supplement industries will provide information to benefit their bottom line and news reports will take scientific research to boost a headline often twisting facts and making them fiction.
Just to mention one example I would like to point out the current protein craze. It started with Dr. Adkins and his approach to a fast weight loss program. His approach is based on the human body excellent capability to preserve energy and combat starvation. When food is not available our body will convert its own protein sources such as muscle into fuel - carbohydrates. Our body can ONLY use carbohydrates as fuel. In this process ketone bodies are formed which have the convenient ability to suppress hunger again a splendid act to combat starvation. However we do not starve we overeat. A high protein diet will mimic these same conditions and therefore it is an effective weight loss tool, however very very unhealthy! Ketosis is an abnormal rather toxic condition for our body. Additionally, our kidneys are being stressed to metabolize the excess protein and it poses the danger of dehydration.
The protein craze is also being pushed by protein supplement companies. Even a high performing athlete does not need a hugh amount of extra protein. In order to build muscles increasing your protein need by maybe 3-5% is enough. Using and working those muscles mainly initiates the production of more muscle tissue. Overconsumption of protein will only stress your kidneys and puts you in danger of dehydration. Again the main fuel for our bodies is carbohydrates which should come from whole grain products not processed food stripped of its nutrients.
When in doubt about some nutrition information you’ve heard or read, pick up the phone and call a registered dietitian who as a nutrition expert can help you sort facts from fiction.
Pilates for Seniors
by Lisa Berger, PowerPilates certified instructor at Pilates Health Connexion
Growing old is inevitable, but why not do it gracefully?
Pilates is the perfect way to challenge the body as we age. It increases flexibility, balance, strength, stamina, and decreases risk of bodily injuries.
It's never too late to begin an exercise program. As we age several
things are going on: muscle loss, decreased aerobic capacity, joints
stiffen and we experience decreased range of motion and balance is
challenged. This is precisely what makes an older person more prone
to injury. It is vital to challenge the body as we age without
endangering ourselves. Pilates is the perfect combination of gentle
and supportive movements that promote a healthy lifestyle.
Strengthening the spine is key to preventing injuries. Pilates builds
muscles in the arms, legs, back and core. This muscle tone improves
equilibrium, flexibility, and the ability to heal more quickly from injuries.
Pilates will improve the quality of your life. It is an investment in
yourself that is worth its weight in gold. Is there anything more
important than our health?
Growing old is inevitable, but why not do it gracefully?
Pilates is the perfect way to challenge the body as we age. It increases flexibility, balance, strength, stamina, and decreases risk of bodily injuries.
It's never too late to begin an exercise program. As we age several
things are going on: muscle loss, decreased aerobic capacity, joints
stiffen and we experience decreased range of motion and balance is
challenged. This is precisely what makes an older person more prone
to injury. It is vital to challenge the body as we age without
endangering ourselves. Pilates is the perfect combination of gentle
and supportive movements that promote a healthy lifestyle.
Strengthening the spine is key to preventing injuries. Pilates builds
muscles in the arms, legs, back and core. This muscle tone improves
equilibrium, flexibility, and the ability to heal more quickly from injuries.
Pilates will improve the quality of your life. It is an investment in
yourself that is worth its weight in gold. Is there anything more
important than our health?
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