Nutrition & The Media
December 27, 2011
by Katie Keaschall, RD, LDN, Registered Dietitian, Kewanee Hospital
Why is it that we hear one thing about a nutrition related topic in the media, only to be told something contradictory in the future? For example: A common health trend in the 1980s and 1990s was to avoid fats. Now, research shows that certain fats should be eaten frequently. Conflicting information can be confusing, and learning the appropriate fat intake recommendations is only one piece of the nutrition puzzle
To help analyze what you may hear or read regarding nutrition information in the media, remember to use your critical thinking skills. There is truth to some headlines, but here are a few thoughts on nutrition and research to help filter through the “he said, she said”:
-
Nutrition, like science and medicine, is an evolving area of study. There are thousands of studies being conducted on food and nutrition. It is possible that tomorrow’s findings will change today’s thinking. However, one study may show “vitamin E protects against cancer;” that doesn’t necessarily mean you should start taking supplements. Talk to your primary care provider or a registered dietitian about proper nutrition for your individual needs.
-
The findings of a specific nutrition research study do not necessarily apply to an entire population. Sometimes the media gets a hold of pieces of research and headlines are made that may not consider the full picture. Be very careful when hearing or reading nutrition information. Always check the sources, ask questions, and don’t believe everything you hear.
-
It is challenging to research how individual nutrients impact our health. Humans have the tendency to focus on one nutrient (such as fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, or vitamin E) to “cure” health problems. There are often false phrases in the media such as, “Vitamin C cures colds,” and so forth. The truth is, no single nutrient or food item is a miracle-worker in itself. Years and years of data collection have provided us with accurate nutrition guidelines. Some variables in data collection aren’t even nutrition-related, which is another reason researching single nutrients is difficult.
In addition to nutrition, sleep, stress, exercise, exposure to pollutants, and mental health all influence overall health. The bottom line is this: Good, balanced nutrition includes the interrelation of hundreds of nutrients from a variety of foods. Buying a variety of supplements, vitamins, or minerals (unless advised by a healthcare provider) is probably a waste of money and has more potential to do more harm than good.
Just remember the following tips as you make your nutritional choices:
-
Foods are more complex and more valuable than individual nutrients. In addition, diets based on nutrient-dense whole foods (foods that are not packaged in a box) are proven to keep people healthy.
-
Just because a specific food is “good for you” doesn’t necessarily mean that more is better, or that you should add a supplement to your daily regimen. Always consult your family healthcare provider before adding supplements.
-
A balanced diet incorporates all of the major food groups in proper portion sizes.
Meeting with a registered dietitian is the best way to learn about nutrition that is right for you. To schedule a consultation with Kewanee Hospital’s Dietitian, call 309-852-7700. To research accurate nutrition guidelines visit the following websites: www.health.gov/DietaryGuidelines; www.eatright.org; www.nutrition.gov; www.nal.usda.gov; www.fruitandveggiesmatter.gov; and www.adaevidencelibrary.com.
