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NUTRITION
NEWSLETTER
March 2008 News
Myth vs. Reality
Every week there seems to be a new headline related to nutrition.
It’s enough to confuse anyone. The science of nutrition is
constantly evolving with new scientific studies to refine the best
theories regarding how to eat and stay healthy. Taking the tried
and true, and usually conservative approach to nutrition is sometimes
the best path. Here are a few pointers to getting the best, most
accurate information—Look at where the information is coming
from. Ask yourself if a headline is meant to draw you in to
purchase something, like a book or magazine? Is it a quick-fix or
miracle pill/supplement? Anytime a product is being promoted with
“guaranteed”, “fast results”, or results too good to be true; tempting
as they may be, that should raise your skepticism. Most
importantly, look at who is promoting this information, does that
person have expertise in this area based on education or
credentialing? Hopefully this newsletter and a visit to a
qualified nutritionist can help you decide how to regard these
headlines and advertisements. Here are couple of myths to dispel.
Get the
Whole Story
- Myth: Carbohydrates
make you gain weight.
- Reality: Excess
calories make you gain weight! It always adds up to how many
calories are eaten. The reason some people lose weight by cutting
out carbohydrates is mainly by cutting overall calories. Most
likely the “bad”--high sugar, low fiber and high calorie carbohydrates
were taken out. A healthy balanced diet must contain healthy
carbohydrates from whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
- Myth: The popular
supplement Airborne
created
by a schoolteacher, “boosts your immune system to help your body combat
germs.”
- Reality: There is
no published study that support the claims made by this supplement.
Would you let your child’s second grade teacher write you a
prescription? At 5000 IU of preformed vitamin A per tablet,
you’re up to the tolerable upper limits of vitamin A after taking two
tablets (recommended dose is one tablet every 3-4 hours). You’ll
be way over the limit if you’re also taking a multivitamin.
Prolonged high doses of vitamin A
can cause birth defects (if taken before or during pregnancy), kidney
and liver damage. You’d be better off taking vitamin C to boost
your immune system. There’s plenty of research on vitamin C and
immunity. (Source: Center for Science in the Public Interest,
Nutrition Action Newsletter, Jan/Feb. 2007)
UPDATE 03/04/08: Class Action Lawsuit
Against
Airborne Over False Advertising - You can get a refund for the
product. For more information visit cspinet.org
Ensure that you are getting your health information from a qualified
health care professional. Check credentials to ensure that you get the
“reality” and not the “myth.” Sheri is a certified nutritionist
with a masters degree in nutrition, 8+ years of clinical counseling
experience and is also an ACE-certified personal trainer.
Schedule an appointment with
Sheri Mar to address all nutritional issues related
to health and wellness.
Most insurance plans are accepted.
Free introductory 15-minute appointments are also
available.
To schedule an appointment with Sheri Mar, call 206-789-6440, or email info@eatwellbefit.com
Sheri is the co-author of the Healthy
Bride Guide, a book on fitness
and nutrition.
Do you have a nutrition topic for the month?
Email your suggestions to info@eatwellbefit.com
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