How does nutrition affect my health?
Since the food you eat fuels everything you do, your nutrition has a direct effect on your ability to fight infection and disease and recover from injury. Maintaining a healthy diet and getting all your recommended values of daily nutrients is always important, but when you get hurt or sick, it becomes vital.
How can a nutrition specialist help me?
Some people visit a nutrition expert to learn more about how they could lose weight or achieve their ideal physique. Others seek nutritional help as part of a broader effort to address other health issues such as:
- Diarrhea, constipation, and other gastrointestinal problems
- Heartburn, acid reflux, and disturbances in the upper digestive system
- Eating disorders
- Newfound food allergy
- Mood disorders
- Fertility issues
Nutrition specialists are often especially beneficial to the elderly, as maintaining a healthy weight becomes more and more difficult as the body ages. Nutritional advice from an expert can help senior citizens with both gaining and losing weight in a healthy manner.
Whether you want to make a broad lifestyle change or just want to know which foods to avoid in the short term, a nutritionist can help you zero in on the best way to fuel your body for your goals.
How can I tell if I need better nutrition?
Many people experience the negative effects of poor nutrition, sometimes without ever realizing the source. Some of the most common indicators of poor nutrition include:
- Hair is dry and brittle
- Dry, brittle, or curved fingernails
- Dental problems, like gingivitis
- Diarrhea and constipation
- You’re easy to bruise and slow to heal
- Poor immune response
Chronic fatigue is also a common sign that your body is not getting the nutrients it needs. Fatigue is often the first sign that you should change your food intake, as you could lack protein or iron in your diet.
If you’re interested in learning more about how you can improve your nutrition, contact B Lynne Gray MD in Austin, Texas. Dr. Ryan Guthrie, the practice’s dedicated specialist in nutrition and public health, can answer any questions you have about finding the right nutritional plan for you. Call the office today or make an appointment online.
