The Impact of Nutrition & Movement on Health
What you put into your body matters more than you might realize. Consider this: only 14% of medical doctors receive training in nutrition. This startling statistic means that over 86% of them haven't been adequately educated on the crucial role of nutrition in overall health. It's no wonder then that many people don't prioritize what they consume.
The logic is simple yet profound: if the quality of our diet didn't matter, neither would the widespread use of medications or supplements. However, the reality tells a different story. What we consume directly impacts our health, from the nutrients we intake to the chemicals we ingest.
However, navigating nutritional information can be challenging. Studies, often skewed to achieve desired results, can be confusing. Shockingly, 60% of studies cannot be replicated to yield the same outcomes, highlighting the complexity of nutritional science.
Contrary to popular belief, genetics play a minor role in our physical form compared to the impact of our diet and lifestyle choices. It's alarming how marketing tactics often prioritize profit over consumer health. As informed consumers, we must question how products truly affect our bodies in the long term, start reading food labels and research the ingredients. Ask your MD or pharmacist for the drug inserts and read them and how it may affect your body. Start to become informed!
Consider the concerning rise in obesity rates. Nearly 70% of adults today in 2024 in the US are overweight or obese, a drastic increase over the past 40 years. This epidemic has serious health implications, including a higher risk of cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Obesity is not solely attributed to genetics but rather to our dietary and lifestyle habits.
One significant change over the last century is the transformation of food production. Chemical fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and intensive livestock farming have become the norm. While these practices boost food production, their compatibility with our bodies is questionable.
Our bodies thrive on wholesome, natural foods, not on genetically modified or chemically laden alternatives. Embracing a balanced diet and an active lifestyle is key to optimal health. Fitness and the food we consume, not genetics, dictates our metabolic health and overall well-being.
In our quest for health, quick fixes like pills or drugs are tempting but ultimately ineffective and offer temporary solutions and fail to address the root causes of health issues. Sustainable healing comes from nurturing our bodies with nutritious foods and regular physical activity. It's time to shift our focus from shortcuts to long-term wellness strategies.
As consumers, we must educate ourselves, ask critical questions, and prioritize evidence-based practices over trendy fads. Let's not fall prey to marketing gimmicks or shortcuts that compromise our health in the long run.
Remember, movement is medicine. Engaging in strength training and moderate exercise significantly reduce cardiovascular risk. According to Dr. Gulati, women who engage in muscle strengthening exercises experience a 30% reduction in cardiovascular mortality. Additionally, women who engage in moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, five times a week, reduce their risk of premature death by 24%, compared to 18% for men. Check out that story here.
The power to improve our health lies in our hands, not in quick fixes or external influences.
Let's embark on a journey of informed choices, mindful eating, and active living. Our bodies deserve nothing less than the best care and nourishment.