Nutrition And Diet Therapy: The Great Impact Of What You Eat

You have probably heard the saying "You are what you eat." These days' scientists, doctors, nutritionists and holistic healers are all placing great emphasis on what we put into our bodies. This not only includes the foods we eat, but also the beverages we drink. Read below to discover what nutrition and diet therapy is, learn examples of diet therapy, and to see if it is right for you.

Define Diet Therapy

Nutrition and diet therapy have been used as a holistic approach to minimize the symptoms of several diseases. The idea behind nutrition and diet therapy is that what we eat can effect how our bodies deal with diseases. Different foods affect our bodies in different ways. Similarly, different foods can either ease or aggravate certain symptoms we feel.

Examples Of Nutrition And Diet Therapy

Combining nutrition and diet therapy has been used as part of the treatment for a wide variety of symptoms, illnesses, and diseases. These range from stress to HIV and AIDS.

Take for example an individual suffering with anxiety disorder. There are certain foods that aid in maintaining control of anxiety as well as certain foods that make anxiety more difficult. Examples of foods that one should eat include whole grains such as wheat, legumes, yogurt, fish, garlic, seaweeds, raw nuts etc. Foods that tend to aggravate anxiety include sugars, alcohol, chocolate and coffee.

Another illness that is highly affected by the diet that one eats is fibromyalgia. Fibro is a disorder that creates muscular pain, tiredness, and many other symptoms. Diets for those living with fybromyalgia should include rich sources of lean protein, including nuts, fish and poultry. It is recommended that patients eat between four and five smaller meals a day instead of the typical three square meals a day that Americans are so used to eating. As with anxiety sufferers, those with fibromyalgia should avoid alcohol, sugars and coffee. In addition, processed foods should be avoided.

Does It Work?

For many, diet therapy makes complete sense and it has helped many overcome the symptoms that have plagued them. Others, however, are not sure how valid this somewhat holistic method is. What is clear is that nutrition and diet therapy do not work for everyone, and sometimes they are used hand in hand with other treatment methods. In addition, there are concerns that diet therapy is difficult for people to follow. Still, good nutrition is essential for overall health and wellbeing.