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.
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