Food does more than just provide the body with calories and energy. Proper nutrition provides the vitamins and minerals that the body needs in order to function correctly.
What we eat therefore has a direct impact on our overall well-being. If you get proper nutrition, then your organs and bodily systems will perform well. On the other hand, if you have unhealthy eating habits, then your chances of developing complications and susceptibility to diseases will be high.
Let’s talk about some of the ways in which the nutrients we consume can affect our health, both mental and physical.
Balanced Diet Boosts Immunity
A healthy lifestyle starts with having a balanced diet. It usually consists of fresh vegetables and fruits, lean meats and proteins, and grains. Eating a variety of these healthy foods can help your body maintain proper immunity against invading viruses and bacterial infections.
Too Much Sugar Can Lead to Obesity
It is vital to keep your sugar levels in check to help prevent physical complications such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Excessive sugar consumption can cause resistance to leptin, which is a hormone that is in charge of regulating hunger.
Too Much Salty Food Can Increase Blood Pressure
Higher salt intake can directly affect your blood pressure. The higher your blood pressure is, the greater your risk of developing heart-related and circulatory complications.
When you consume too much salt, your body also holds onto excess water, which causes bloating. Be aware of the salt content of what you eat, especially processed meals and salty snacks.
High-Fiber Diet Lessens Cancer Risk
Consuming plenty of fiber in your diet works to reduce your blood cholesterol levels, thus lowering your risk of developing various types of cancer. Dietary fiber also helps to make you feel full, which prevents you from overeating. Fiber also aids in proper metabolism and better digestive processes, which contribute to a lower risk of cancer.
Proper Nutrition Is Linked to Better Mental Health
Our brain also gets its nutrition from the food we eat. Studies show that increased sugar levels can lead to mood disorders and symptoms of depression, so it’s best to keep your sugar intake under control for optimum mental health.
People who take probiotics (food or supplements with good bacteria) have lower anxiety levels than those who do not. Processed foods have been shown to have a negative impact on a person’s mental well-being.
Nutrition Evaluation and Counseling in Midlands, South Carolina
Having excellent mental health and physical health starts with proper nutrition. Balanced meals and healthy snacks that are low in sugar and salt and high in protein and grains are the baseline of a healthy lifestyle.
Our team of medical professionals here at SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation is here to guide you for a lifetime of health and wellness. Whether you need to improve your diet to lose weight, manage a chronic disease, enhance your energy levels, or improve your mood, we are here for you.
Call us today at (803) 749-1111 to schedule your nutrition evaluation. You may also request an appointment through our online form. We look forward to taking care of you and your whole family!
