Eating is the primary driver of nutrition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “good nutrition is essential to good health, disease prevention, and the healing process.” Nutrition is the sum of an organism’s physical and chemical processes to maintain life. Eating is one of the most critical aspects of food, providing the body with the nutrients it needs to function correctly.
Foods provide energy, vitamins, minerals, and other necessary substances for good health. Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods is the best way to ensure that you get all the nutrients your body needs.
Eating a healthy diet is the primary influencer of good nutrition, but it is far from the only element people must prioritize. Here are a few to consider when you want to say you meet your nutritional standards.
Exercise
Nutrition will always share credits with fitness regarding a healthy lifestyle. Although separately handled, there is no denying that they share a valuable connection when it comes to the body. Nutrition allows people to store and use the energy they need to exercise, while exercise helps people burn off the excess calories and fat they may have consumed. If imbalanced, the two can lead to health problems.
Aerobic exercise, in particular, has been linked with a host of benefits for heart health, including lower blood pressure and improved cholesterol levels. It also helps people maintain a healthy weight, which is essential for good nutrition. If you are not exercising, you might have to reduce what doctors consider the average healthy diet. Unfortunately, it might also mean you do not get enough nutrients, resulting in deficiencies.
Supplements
Consuming a healthy diet is the best way to get the nutrients your body needs, but supplements can help people who cannot or do not eat a balanced diet get the nutrients they need. Supplements are not intended to replace a healthy diet; they are meant to supplement it.
The most common type of dietary supplement is a multivitamin, which provides a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals. Others include omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, vitamin D, and fiber. These nutrients are often lacking in people’s diets, so taking them in supplement form can help ensure that people get enough of them. The list of supplements might vary, but you can identify the ones you need with a help of a nutritionist or doctor.
Sleep
Adults need, on average, seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Children and teenagers need even more. While people can function on less sleep, it affects their health over time.
Chronic sleep deprivation is linked with an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It can also lead to depression and anxiety. Getting enough sleep is essential for good nutrition because it allows the body to rest and repair itself. When well-rested, you have more energy to exercise and make healthy food choices. If you do not get enough sleep, you are more likely to crave unhealthy foods and have less energy to exercise.
Creating a sleeping routine can help you get the rest you need. Going to bed and waking up simultaneously each day helps regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed can also help you sleep better.
Dental Health
While not as commonly considered, dental health is an essential part of nutrition. Poor oral health can lead to gum disease, linked with increased heart disease and stroke risk.
Good oral hygiene includes brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly. A healthy diet of crunchy fruits and vegetables can also help keep your teeth clean and healthy.
Unfortunately, you might have missing teeth, which can limit what you can eat and make it difficult to get the nutrients your body needs. Fortunately, you can get affordable dental implants to restore your ability to eat various foods and get your body’s nutrition.
Mental Health
Mental health is an often-overlooked element of good nutrition. Mental health disorders like depression and anxiety can lead to poor food choices, overeating, and weight gain.
Conversely, eating a healthy diet has been linked with improved mental health. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help improve mood and reduce the risk of mental health disorders.
While it might be a long shot to call mental health problems out due to dieting, it is essential to be aware that they are severe enough to consider. If you have been feeling down recently or are overeating, it might be worth talking to a doctor or therapist about your mental health.
Final Thoughts
Nutrition is not just about eating healthy foods but about maintaining a balanced diet and lifestyle. Getting enough exercise, sleep, and dental care are all essential for good nutrition.
Of course, eating a healthy diet is the foundation of good nutrition. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help you maintain a healthy weight, get the nutrients you need, and improve your overall health.
