Nutrition is a science which studies the relationship between diet and states of health and disease. Dieticians are Health professionals who are specialized in this area of expertise. They are also the only highly trained health professionals able to provide safe, evidence-based and accurate dietary advice and interventions.

Between the extremes of optimal health and death from starvation or malnutrition, there is an array of disease states that can be caused or alleviated by changes in diet. Deficiencies, excesses and imbalances in diet can produce negative impacts on health, which may lead to diseases such as scurvy, obesity or osteoporosis, as well as psychological and behavioral problems. Moreover, excessive ingestion of elements that have no apparent role in health, (e.g. lead, mercury, PCBs, dioxins), may incur toxic and potentially lethal effects, depending on the dose. The science of nutrition attempts to understand how and why specific dietary aspects influence health.

Overview

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Nutrition is the body of science that seeks to explain metabolic and physiologic responses to diet. With advances in molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics, nutrition is additionally developing into the study of integrative metabolism, which seeks to connect diet and health through the lens of biochemical processes.

More on [ Nutrition ]

NYT > Fitness & Nutrition

Well: A Marathon Run in the Slow Lane
By TARA PARKER-POPE Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:55:15 -0000
Marathons around the country are getting slower as more charity runners and run-walkers take part.
How Posted Calories Affect Food Orders
By RONI CARYN RABIN Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:29:51 -0000
One study said an effort had no effect on residents in poor neighborhoods, while another saw modest changes citywide.
Pushing Past the Pain of Exertion
By SARAH BOWEN SHEA Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:01:15 -0000
No matter how fast they run or how much experience they have, most runners can experience fear of exertional pain and concern about what to do when it hits during a race.
Well: The Human Body Is Built for Distance
By TARA PARKER-POPE Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:12:44 -0000
Does running a marathon push the body further than it is meant to go?
Skin Deep: A Few Cookies a Day to Keep the Pounds Away?
By ABBY ELLIN Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:38:23 -0000
Cookie diets are popular, but critics say the weight-loss plans are neither effective nor healthy.
Food Label Program to Suspend Operations
By WILLIAM NEUMAN Sat, 24 Oct 2009 06:44:36 -0000
The government is working on new regulations for food labeling after criticism of the Smart Choices campaign.

Praxis Healthy Lifestyle

Blog is MOVING
Mon, 27 Jun 2005 06:24:27 -0000
http://debunkbigpharma.blognation.us/blog is my new address.  Come and check my site out!  It blows the Praxis site out of the water.  I'm paying $ 5.00 a month for 1 GB storage and 1 GB of bandwidth per month.  The site uses Blogware interface and is keyword searchable and uses OPML folders with RSS subscription for each folder.  I've uploaded over 120 articles from the Praxis site and life is good. The biggest suprise is how many hits I've already gotten.  The Praxis blog has been in operation since April 28th and had 3652 page views.  The Debunk has been up since Jun 21st and already has 1096 page views fom 823 Distinct hosts served. Peace Out! Dan http://debunkbigpharma.blognation.us/blog/index.xml
AMA Weighs In On Morning After Pill
Thu, 23 Jun 2005 16:04:00 -0000
CHICAGO (Reuters) - The largest U.S. physicians group on Monday objected to some pharmacists' conscience-driven refusal to sell the morning-after pill, and suggested doctors may fill the void by dispensing medications themselves. Any pharmacist who objects on the basis of conscience to filling any prescription must make an "immediate referral to an appropriate alternative dispensing pharmacy without interference," the resolution passed by delegates to the American Medical Association's annual convention said. Some pharmacists have filed lawsuits objecting to requirements that they fill all prescriptions. Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich issued such a directive earlier this year specifically about the morning-after pill, called Plan B. Quote Health News Article | Reuters.co.uk
Grapefruit Seed Extract Ulsers www.drweil.com
Thu, 23 Jun 2005 15:40:52 -0000
Science and Supplement News: Grapefruit Seed Extract May Heal UlcersNew research from Poland suggests that grapefruit seed extract may shrink and heal stomach ulcers. Although the studies have been performed only in rats, the findings were reported to physicians who treat ulcers and other stomach disorders during the 2005 Digestive Disease Week conference held in Chicago, Ill. The investigators found that treating the rat ulcers with grapefruit seed extract supplements led to a drop in gastric acid, which at higher levels contributes to ulcer formation by irritating stomach tissue. In addition, the ulcers shrank and blood flow to the sites of ulcers increased, a change that may promote healing. The animals were treated with doses of 10 milligrams per kilogram; their ulcers were completely healed after 16 days of treatment. Grapefruit seed extract has both antibacterial and antioxidant properties that may be responsible for the effects seen in the Polish study. Source: WebMDHealth.com, May 17, 2005 http://www.drweil.com/u/Page/Archive139/#1 Quote http://www.drweil.com/u/Page/Archive139/ http://debunkbigpharma.blognation.us/blog

Diet & Fitness Blog

Ask Pam: Staying Hydrated
Geoffrey Anderson Jr Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:49:00 -0000
Is drinking water important even in the winter?When we think of the holiday season, we often think of all the food that comes with celebrating the season. This makes it easy to overlook an important component of good health: WATER! Just because it's holiday time doesn’t mean you should neglect staying hydrated.Your body needs water to operate efficiently. If you allow yourself to become dehydrated, your mood can suffer -- making you feel tired, stressed or cranky!We all know the holiday season can be a stressful time in itself, so let’s not add to it! Keep drinking; you may even feel you're hungry when in actuality, what your body is craving are more fluids…and I don’t mean the alcoholic kind!What to Drink: To keep hydrated, we know water is the first pick. But of course, alcohol and soft drinks are almost guaranteed to be available during these winter months and at social functions or parties. Both alcohol and caffeinated beverages tend to have a diuretic effect on our bodies, meaning it flushes water from the body at a quicker rate.If you are consuming any sort of liquid calories, try not to indulge, limiting excess calories from alcoholic drinks or sodas. Try alternating a glass of water between drinks. This way, you can still enjoy yourself, but not go overboard.Seasonal Travelers: It may not be easy to drink as much when you are traveling (especially when flying…those bathrooms are way too small), but keep doing it. Carry a water bottle with you at all times; the more it is available, the more likely you are to drink.Water and Weather: Cooler weather might make you feel less thirsty. Even though it may not be 90 degrees outside, you still need the fluid for your system to run properly. We lose a great deal of water from our bodies in the winter due to respiratory fluid loss when we breathe.So while it's true that that cool glass of water isn't as tempting as it would be on a hot summer day, water is still important. This may be a good time to drink water at room temperature or even hot water -- it will help warm you up and hydrate at the same time!Keeping Fit: Keeping fit during the holidays includes drinking more water. Our bodies work harder under the weight of that extra clothing, and sweat evaporates quickly in cold, dry air. Even though you may not feel it as much, it’s still important to replenish those lost fluids.Remember that when in doubt, grab a glass or bottle of nature’s goodness: water! Happy holidays!Have a diet question for Pam? Email askpam@ediets.com and check back to see if your question is picked! And if you missed a previous column, click here to see the archive.Looking for a way to make weight loss easier? With personalized meal plans and fitness routines, eDiets can help! Join now and save 25%!
Ask Raphael: Workout Equipment
Geoffrey Anderson Jr Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:15:00 -0000
Have a question about your routine or anything fitness-related? Send it Raphael's way at askraphael@ediets.com.Raphael, I am curious about what you think of the advertised ab belts that tighten your tummy like you've done an hour of ab exercises?I am a fit 54 year old. I exercise an average of five days a week. I work out on my elliptical machine for 30 minutes at least. Four days a week, I work out with hand weights and do tapes on alternate days.In the summer, I bike 4 -5 days a week for a least an hour -- sometimes more. I eat mostly the Mediterranean diet. I look pretty good, but would still like to be about 10 lbs. less and get that tight tummy I had before kids & menopause.I do all the exercises you post already. Do these belts work at all in addition to an exercise routine or is it just another snake oil? Thanks -- LoriLori,Your workout sounds great and so does your nutrition plan. Well done! As far as ab belts, I’ll try to contain my emotions and provide the facts.The ab belt manufacturers claim that users can get a tighter waist with virtually no effort at all. One simply places the ab belt around their waist and in just minutes the belt does all the work necessary to tighten and tone the waist. The manufacturer's claim is that electrical stimulation causes the muscles to contract, which then provides the same results achieved from consistent and challenging abdominal exercises.Have these ab belt manufacturers uncovered the magical weight-loss and toning product? Your snake oil analogy pretty much sums it up.A 2001 study at the University of Wisconsin commissioned by ACE (The American Council On Exercise) on ab belts provided conclusive results. According to the results of the study, there were “no significant changes in weight, body-fat percentage, strength or overall appearance. In order for the belts to work, they would have to be cranked up to a level beyond what most people can tolerate.”In reality for the belt to work, it would require a lot more power, a lot more time and most likely an intensity level that would cause pain. In fact, the electrical stimulation would hurt a lot more than exercise and most people would probably not be able to tolerate it -- or want to. Bottom line: The ab belts will do nothing to change your appearance.Getting those last 10 pounds off will involve a lowering of calories or increase in activity -- the old fashioned way. Strength training, cardio and proper nutrition that places you in a calorie deficit is still the strategy that works. As far as ab belts and every other late-night infomercial product that promises a quick fix, ignore them.Best of luck with your health and fitness goals, and thanks for submitting your question!Have a fitness question you want answered? Email Raphael at askraphael@ediets.com and you could have your question picked! And if you missed a previous column, see the archive here.Make NOW your time to do something about your weight. eDiets can help make weight loss a little easier. Let our nutritionists and fitness pros guide you! Click here to find out more and save big!
Ask Raphael: Effective Weight Loss
Geoffrey Anderson Jr Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:08:00 -0000
Have a question about your routine or anything fitness-related? Send it Raphael's way at askraphael@ediets.com.Raphael, I know that I can't spot reduce but surely there is a way to work on one area and the rest of the body will follow. I used to stand with a dumbbell in each hand and twist from side to side, swinging my arms back and forth like a lawn sprinkler motion. Someone at the gym told me that would add muscle to my waist, and I would not accomplish the look that I am after. Is there anything wrong with what I was doing? Because it really felt good when I did that. -- CRCR,The exercise you were performing works the oblique muscles (love handles) to some degree but if you’re looking to lose body fat, it won’t accomplish a lot. And, if you’re trying to make your waist smaller it won’t work. In fact, yes, it can increase the size of the waist if the weight is challenging.I realize your question has a bit different slant because you’re asking if working one area such as the obliques will affect the rest of the body and create fat loss. Without being sarcastic, the answer is yes -- if you did it for hours and hours each day. That’s what it would take to burn the amount of calories you’d need to create the loss you desire. In reality, it’s an inefficient way to approach the goal.The truth is there is a system for losing fat that works for everyone. It’s important that you understand that it is in fact a system -- not simply one exercise.I’m outlining the system point by point. If it doesn’t seem impressive and it appears overly simple,that’s because it is. It may not necessarily be easy at the start, but it will work with consistency on your part. Also, it will become easier as you gain more discipline and see the fruits of your labor.1. Nutrition: This is, in my opinion, the most important component to losing fat. Nothing is more important than food.You’ll need to control blood sugar levels in order to lose body fat. This is best accomplished by consuming 4-6 small meals and snacks per day combined of protein, carbohydrates and some good monounsaturated fats. eDiets Glycemic Impact meal plan accomplishes this beautifully.2. Ratios: It’s unlikely that you’ll lose body fat by consuming 70-80 percent of your calories from carbohydrates (rice, pasta etc.). Ratios can vary quite a bit, but consuming more than 55 percent of your calories from carbohydrates will not be optimal for fat loss.Many people do quite well on extremely low-carbohydrate plans and others on more moderate plans. As long as you follow the "not more than 55 percent of calories from carbohydrate" rule, you’ll be at a good starting point.3. Timing: I realize 4-6 meals/snacks sounds like a lot, but this strategy helps to control blood sugar, which is the most effective way to lose body fat from a nutritional standpoint.Think ahead and prepare meals beforehand. Buy a small cooler and place some healthy snacks in it when you know you’ll be gone for long periods on a weekend day, for example.4. Calories: It doesn’t matter how healthy your nutrition program is if you’re eating too much.It’s important that you find maintenance calories first. Maintenance represents the amount of food you consume without any change in your weight. This will take some experimentation and some effort. You’ll also need to document your foods: total calories as well as grams of protein, carbohydrates and fats.Sounds like a lot of work? It can be at the start but with the vast array of online tools available and the fact that food packages list nutrition information, it won’t be that difficult.5. Slight Calorie Deficit: If you wish to attempt it on your own, simply reduce your calories by 200 after you’ve found maintenance calories. The goal is to have you eating as much as possible and still losing fat and retaining muscle. I don’t want you eating as little as possible (thereby slowing the metabolism and losing valuable muscle tissue).6. Exercise: Just 2-3 strength training sessions lasting no more than 30-35 minutes will do the trick. Make sure to work the entire body (legs, calves, chest, back, shoulders, biceps, triceps and abdominals).Weight training does not need to be long and arduous. Keep things brisk and always use proper form. Hiring a trainer for five sessions or so may also be a good way to start on the right path.Perform 3-4 days per week of moderate cardio exercise for approximately 30-40 minutes and find an activity you enjoy.I realize this is a lot more than you asked for in a response, but it’s very important that you have an appreciation for the process because I would hate to think that you would continue the oblique twist in the hopes of losing fat or reducing any area of your body.Best of luck in your health and fitness goals, and thanks for submitting your question.Have a fitness question you want answered? Email Raphael at askraphael@ediets.com and you could have your question picked! And if you missed a previous column, see the archive here.Make NOW your time to do something about your weight. eDiets can help make weight loss a little easier. Let our nutritionists and fitness pros guide you! Click here to find out more and save big!

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