/ nu·tri·tion 101 /
noun: the study of nutrients and their role in maintaining health, growth, and energy. It involves principles of a balanced diet, understanding macronutrients and micronutrients, and the importance of whole foods. Proper nutrition supports overall well-being, enhances immune function, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Tailored nutritional guidance is essential for optimizing health, managing weight, and promoting a flourishing lifestyle.
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Understanding Macronutrients:
Importance of Micronutrients:
Balanced Diet:
Dietary Fiber:
Importance of Meal Timing:
Special Considerations:
Practical Tips for Healthy Eating:
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Common Nutrient Deficiencies:
Common Nutrient Deficiencies:
By having a varied and balanced diet, individuals can reduce the risk of these common nutrient deficiencies and support overall health and well-being.
Vitamins:
Vitamins:
Vitamin A:
Importance: Vital for vision, immune function, and skin health.
Symptoms of Deficiency: Night blindness, dry eyes, increased risk of infections, and skin issues.
The recommended daily intake is 700-900 mcg *RAE.
Foods High In Vitamin A:
Serving Size:
mcg Per Serving
Sweet potatoes
~1,096
1 medium
Carrots
1 cup (chopped)
~1,096
1 cup
~943
Spinach
1 cup (chopped)
~885
Kale
1 cup (cooked)
~706
Pumpkin
1 cup (chopped)
~187
Red bell pepper
`1 cup (sliced)
~89
Mango
Apricots
`1 cup (sliced)
~62
Broccoli
1 cup (chopped)
~62
Eggs
1 large
~75
**Retinol activity equivalents (RAE) to account for different absorption rates of preformed vitamin A and provitamin A carotenoids.
Serving size data is sourced from USDA FoodData Central
Vitamin B9 (folate):
Importance: Important for DNA synthesis and repair, cell division, and proper fetal development during pregnancy.
Symptoms of Deficiency: Megaloblastic anemia, fatigue, mouth sores, and neural tube defects in newborns.
The recommended daily intake is 400 mcg.
Foods High In Vitamin B9
Serving Size:
mcg Per Serving
Lentils
1 cup (cooked)
~358
~282
Chickpeas
1 cup (cooked)
~268
Asparagus
1 cup
Spinach
~263
1 cup
~256
1 cup (cooked)
Black beans
~168
Broccoli
1 cup
1 cup
Beetroot
~136
1 medium
~55
Oranges
Brussels sprouts
1 cup (cooked)
~94
Avocado
1 medium
~121
Serving size data is sourced from USDA FoodData Central
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin):
Importance: Necessary for nerve function, red blood cell production, and DNA synthesis.
Symptoms of Deficiency: Anemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, and neurological issues like numbness and tingling.
The recommended daily intake is 2.4 mcg.
Foods High In Vitamin B12:
Serving Size:
mcg Per Serving
~84.1
Clams
3 oz
~70.7
Liver (beef)
3 oz
~7.6
Sardines (canned in water)*
3 oz
Mackerel*
~7.4
3 oz
~4.8
Salmon (wild)*
3 oz
~2.5
Tuna*
1 oz
~5.4
Trout*
3 oz
~1.5
Beef
3 oz
~1.0
Cheese (swiss)
1 oz
~6.0
Fortified foods (like milk or orange juice)
1 cup
**Retinol activity equivalents (RAE) to account for different absorption rates of preformed vitamin A and provitamin A carotenoids.
Serving size data is sourced from USDA FoodData Central
Vitamin C:
Importance: Necessary for collagen synthesis, antioxidant protection, and immune function.
Symptoms of Deficiency: Scurvy (characterized by bleeding gums, joint pain, and fatigue), poor wound healing, and dry, splitting hair.
The recommended daily intake is 75-90 mg.
Foods High In Vitamin C
Serving Size:
mg Per Serving
Guava
1 cup
~377
~71
Kiwifruit
1 medium
~89
Strawberries
1 cup (halved)
Oranges
~70
1 medium
~190
Red bell pepper
1 cup (chopped)
~81
Broccoli
1 cup (cooked)
Brussels sprouts
1 cup (cooked)
~96
~88
Papaya
1 cup (cubed)
Pineapple
1 cup (chunks)
~79
~60
1 cup (sliced)
Mango
Serving size data is sourced from USDA FoodData Central
Vitamin D:
Importance: Crucial for bone health as it helps in calcium absorption and supports immune function.
Symptoms of Deficiency: Bone pain, muscle weakness, increased risk of fractures, and in severe cases, rickets in children.
The recommended daily intake is 1,000-4,000 IU.
IU Per Serving
Foods High In Vitamin D:
Serving Size:
~42
Liver (beef)
1 tbsp
~41
Egg Yolks
1 large
~400
Mushrooms (UV-exposed)
1 cup (sliced)
~570
*Salmon
3 oz (cooked)
~360
*Mackerel
3 oz (cooked)
~250
*Sardines (canned in water))
3 oz
~154
*Tuna (canned in water)
3 oz
~450
Cod Liver Oil
1 tsp
~130
Fortified Foods (like milk or orange juice)
1 cup
*See below for Author’s note on safe and nutritious choices concerning the consumption of these products.
Serving size data is sourced from USDA FoodData Central
Vitamin K:
Importance: Essential for blood clotting and bone health.
Symptoms of Deficiency: Easy bruising, excessive bleeding, and in severe cases, hemorrhaging.
The recommended daily intake is 90-120 mcg.
Foods High In Vitamin K
Serving Size:
mcg Per Serving
Kale
1 cup
~1,062
~889
Spinach
1 cup
~836
Collard greens
1 cup
Broccoli
~220
1 cup
~218
Brussels sprouts
1 cup (cooked)
~163
Cabbage
1 cup
Asparagus
1 cup
~144
~60
Lettuce
1 cup (raw)
Green beans
1 cup
`60
~246
Parsley
1/4 cup (fresh)
*See below for Author’s note on safe and nutritious choices concerning the consumption of these products.
Serving size data is sourced from USDA FoodData Central
MINERALS:
MINERALS:
Calcium:
Importance: Essential for bone and teeth health, muscle function, nerve signaling, and blood clotting.
Symptoms of Deficiency: Numbness, muscle cramps, brittle nails, and in severe cases, osteoporosis.
The recommended daily intake is 1,000-1,200 mg.
Foods High In Calcium:
Serving Size:
mg Per Serving
~300
Yogurt
1 cup
~325
Sardines (canned in water)*
3 oz
~205
Cheddar cheese
1 oz
Milk
~300
8 oz
~266
Collard greens
1 cup
~253
Tofu (w/ calcium sulfate)
1/2 cup
~76
Almonds
1 oz (~23 nuts)
~245
Spinach
1 cup
~181
Salmon (wild)*
3 oz
~62
Broccoli
1 cup
*See below for Author’s note on safe and nutritious choices concerning the consumption of these products.
Serving size data is sourced from USDA FoodData Central
Iodine:
Importance: Essential for thyroid function and the production of thyroid hormones.
Symptoms of Deficiency: Goiter, hypothyroidism, fatigue, weight gain, and cognitive impairment.
The recommended daily intake is 150 mcg.
Foods High In Iodine:
Serving Size:
mcg Per Serving
~1160
Seaweed (kelp)
1 gram
~99
Cod*
3 oz (cooked)
~75
Yogurt
1 cup
Iodized salt
~77
1 gram
~35
Shrimp
3 oz (cooked)
~17
Tuna*
3 oz (cooked)
~24
Eggs
1 large
~34
Turkey breast
3 oz (cooked)
~13
Prunes
5 pieces
~16
Lima beans
1 cup (cooked)
*See below for Author’s note on safe and nutritious choices concerning the consumption of these products.
Serving size data is sourced from USDA FoodData Central
Iron:
Importance: Essential for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood.
Symptoms of Deficiency: Fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
The recommended daily intake is 8-18 mg.
Foods High In Iron
Serving Size:
mg Per Serving
Beef liver
3 oz
~5.4
~6.4
Spinach
1 cup
~6.6
Lentils
1 cup (cooked)
Chickpeas
~4.7
1 cup (cooked)
~2.8
Quinoa
1 cup (cooked)
~3.4
Tofu
1/2 cup
Pumpkin Seeds
1 oz (~85 seeds)
~2.5
~2.1
Beef (lean)
3 oz (cooked)
Turkey
3 oz (cooked)
~1.1
~3.4
1 oz
Dark Chocolate (70-85% cocoa)
Serving size data is sourced from USDA FoodData Central
Magnesium:
Importance: Involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and bone health.
Symptoms of Deficiency: Muscle cramps, mental disorders, osteoporosis, fatigue, and high blood pressure.
The recommended daily intake is 200-400 mg.
Foods High In Magnseium:
Serving Size:
Mg Per Serving
~168
Pumpkin Seeds
1 oz
~157
Spinach
1 cup cooked
~150
Swiss Chard
1 cup cooked
Dark Chocolate (70-85% cocoa)
~64
1 oz
~120
Black Beans
1 cup cooked
~118
Quinoa
1 cup cooked
~80
Almonds
1 oz (~23 almonds)
~74
Cashews
1 oz (~18 nuts)
~58
Avocados
1 medium avocado
~68
Figs
1 cup dried fruit
*See below for Author’s note on safe and nutritious choices concerning the consumption of these products.
Serving size data is sourced from USDA FoodData Central
Author’s Note:
Ensure Canned Foods are BPA-Free: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical traditionally used in the manufacturing of certain plastics and resins, including some used in food and drink packaging such as water bottles and canned foods. It's important to choose canned foods labeled as BPA-free to avoid exposure to this chemical, which has been linked to potential health effects on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and children. The FDA has stated that BPA is safe at the very low levels that occur in some foods, but many consumers prefer to err on the side of caution.
Flaxseeds Should Be Ground Fresh: Flaxseeds are best purchased whole and ground fresh before consumption. This is because whole flaxseeds can pass through the intestinal tract undigested, so your body doesn’t get all the beneficial nutrients. Grinding flaxseeds breaks down their hard outer shell, making the omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, and fiber they contain available for the body to use. Store whole flaxseeds in a cool, dark place, and grind them as needed to maintain their nutrient potency.
Check Your Fish Sourcing: It is crucial to be aware of where your fish comes from due to the risk of heavy metal contamination, notably mercury. Fish such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish are known to have higher levels of mercury, which can be harmful, especially to pregnant people and young children. Opt for fish known to have lower mercury levels, such as salmon, anchovies, herring, and sardines, and consider consulting a reputable source or certification for safe sourcing.
Buying produce: Whenever possible, buy seasonal and local produce. It’s fresher, often cheaper, and has a lower environmental impact. Regardless of buying organic or conventional, always wash your produce thoroughly under running water to remove dirt, bacteria, and pesticide residues. If budget constraints are a concern, prioritize buying organic for the Dirty Dozen and opt for conventional for the Clean 15. This strategy helps reduce pesticide exposure while managing costs.
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
HYDRATION
HYDRATION
Why Hydration Is Important
Fluid Balance: Water makes up 60% of the human body and is essential for maintaining the balance of bodily fluids. These fluids are involved in digestion, circulation, nutrient absorption, waste removal, and cellular homeostasis.
Body Temperature Regulation: Hydration helps regulate body temperature through sweating and respiration.
Digestive Support: Water aids in the digestion process by forming saliva, breaking down food, preventing constipation, and dissolving nutrients for better absorption.
Cognitive Function: Adequate hydration is linked to improved concentration, alertness, and short-term memory.
Skin Health: Proper hydration keeps the skin moisturized, maintaining its elasticity and appearance.
Kidney Function: Water is necessary for kidneys to filter waste from the blood and excrete it through urine, helping prevent kidney stones and UTIs.
Physical Performance: Proper hydration is crucial for physical performance, as dehydration can decrease strength, endurance, and overall exercise efficiency.
Prevents Dehydration: Dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and impaired cognitive function.
Daily Water Intake
Recommend Daily Water Intake: The exact amount of water needed is based on factors like age, sex, activity level, and climate. Evidence suggests a daily intake of about 2.7 liters (91 oz) to 3.7 liters (125 oz), of total water per day (from all beverages and foods).
Drink regularly: Avoid waiting until you’re thirty to drink water. Instead, aim to drink water consistently throughout the day rather than consuming large amounts at once. Consider keeping a water bottle with you throughout the day.
Eat Water-Rich Foods: Incorporate foods with high water content. See below for hydrating foods.
Monitor Urine Color: Light yellow or clear urine typically indicates proper hydration.
Limit Dehydration: Reduce intake of caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, as they can lead to dehydration. Additionally, increase water intake during hot weather and when engaging in physical activity.
Hydrating Fluids and Foods
Fluids:
Foods:
DIY Healtful Electrolyte Drink
Ingredients:
1 liter of water
1/4 teaspoon of salt (preferably Himalayan or sea salt)
2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup of lemon juice
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda (to balance acidity)
Optional: 1 cup of horsetail tea for added health benefits
Instructions:
Benefits:
Salt: Provides sodium and chloride, essential for fluid balance and preventing dehydration.
Honey/Maple Syrup: Natural sugars for quick energy and enhancing the flavor of the drink.
Lemon Juice: Rich in vitamin C and potassium, supports immune function, and provides a refreshing taste.
Baking Soda: Helps maintain pH balance in the body.
Horsetail: Good for bones, hair, skin, and nails, has anti-inflammatory, diuretic, wound healing, antioxidant, urinary, and digestive health benefits.
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
LET’S TALK HERBS
Philosophy of Herbs
/ he·rb·s /
noun: herbal medicine that adopts a holistic approach to health, focusing on the use of plant-based remedies to support and enhance the body’s natural healing processes. Renowned for their potency, versatility, and typically minimal side effects, herbs serve as powerful allies in both preventive and therapeutic healthcare.
Herbs have been integral to human health for millennia, offering a natural, accessible means to treat various ailments and promote overall wellness. Unlike synthetic drugs, herbs often work in harmony with the body, addressing the root causes of health issues rather than just alleviating symptoms.
Why Herbs are Great and Powerful:
Why Herbs are Often Overlooked:
Despite their significant benefits, herbs are sometimes overlooked in favor of conventional medicine due to:
The Impact of Herbs on Health:
When incorporated into daily health practices, herbs can have profound effects on:
Herbs for general wellness
Herbs for general wellness
-Joint Pain and Inflammation-
Turmeric (Curcuma longa):
Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, improves brain function, lowers risk of heart disease. Evidence: Studies show curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and improve cognitive function and cardiovascular health.
-Nausea-
Ginger (Zingiber officinale):
Benefits: Digestive aid, anti-inflammatory, relieves nausea, supports immune function. Evidence: Research indicates ginger can effectively reduce nausea, improve digestion, and decrease inflammation.
-Common Cold and Flu-
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea):
Benefits: Boosts immune function. Evidence: Studies show it helps increase white blood cells, which are needed to fight infections.
-Cognitive Function-
Gingko Biloba:
Benefits: Enhances energy, reduces fatigue, improves cognitive function. Evidence: Studies indicate gingko improves blood flow to the brain, which can help with memory and concentration.
-Digestive Issues-
Peppermint (Mentha piperita):
Benefits: Digestive aid, relieves headaches, anti-inflammatory. Evidence: Research indicates peppermint oil can alleviate symptoms of IBS, reduce headaches, and decrease inflammation.
-Depression-
St. John’s Wart:
Benefits: Reduces mild to moderate depression. Evidence: Studies show it increases neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which are associated with mood regulation.
-Anxiety and Stress-
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera):
Benefits: Reduces stress and anxiety, improves sleep, boosts brain function, enhances physical performance. Evidence:Research shows ashwagandha can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels and improve sleep quality.
-Nutrient Rich-
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica):
Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, supports urinary, skin, and prostate health, relieves allergies, improves blood sugar; rich in vitamins and minerals. Evidence: Studies show that nettle can reduce inflammation, support urinary tract health, and alleviate allergy symptoms. It is also rich in nutrients such as vitamins A, C, K, and minerals like iron and calcium.
-Sleep Disorders-
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita):
Benefits: Promotes relaxation, improves sleep quality, anti-inflammatory. Evidence: Research supports chamomile's role in promoting relaxation, improving sleep quality, and reducing inflammation.
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Organic vS. nonorganic
Organic vS. nonorganic
Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen
Clean 15
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) annually releases a list of the Clean 15, highlighting produce least likely to contain pesticide residues. These fruits and vegetables are considered safer to consume when grown conventionally. Here are the 2024 Clean 15:
Buying Note: These items have lower pesticide levels, making them safer choices when buying conventional produce. Focus on these to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.
Dirty Dozen
The Dirty Dozen list from EWG identifies produce with the highest levels of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), antibiotics, or growth hormones. Organic farms use natural products and processes to enhance soil fertility, control pests, and promote biodiversity.
It's advisable to buy these items organic to minimize pesticide exposure. Here are the 2024 Dirty Dozen:
Buying Note: For these items, prioritize purchasing organic versions to reduce pesticide intake. These fruits and vegetables are more likely to contain pesticide residues, even after washing and peeling.
Produce Buying Guide:
For more detailed information, visit the Environmental Working Group's website.
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
the Impact of Temperature on Food's Nutritional Value
the Impact of Temperature on Food's Nutritional Value
The temperature at which foods are stored and prepared significantly influences their nutritional value and nutrient density. Fresh foods, while often nutrient-rich, can be costly, particularly organic varieties, and may spoil quickly, leading to waste. Knowing which foods are best bought fresh and which can be effectively frozen without losing their nutrient density is crucial for maintaining a balanced diet, reducing costs, and minimizing waste. This approach ensures continuous access to nutrient-rich foods, supporting overall health and wellness.
Fresh Foods:
Fresh fruits and vegetables are considered the gold standard for nutrient density. Consuming these foods raw or with minimal processing maximizes the preservation of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Pros:
Cons:
In Short:
Foods Okay to Freeze:
Produce is typically harvested at peak ripeness and immediately frozen to lock in nutrients, preserving its nutritional value over extended periods.
Pros:
Cons:
In Short:
*Avoid Freezing:
Foods Okay to Heat:
Cooking can modify the nutrient profile of foods, with the method and duration of cooking affecting the nutritional outcomes.
Pros:
Cons:
In Short:
Practical Tips for Maximizing Nutrient Retention:
Minimal Cooking Time: To preserve nutrients, cook vegetables for the shortest time possible. Steaming and microwaving are generally better than boiling or frying.
Use Less Water: When cooking, use minimal water to prevent leaching of water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C and B vitamins.
Blanching Before Freezing: Blanching vegetables before freezing helps retain color, texture, and nutrients. However, it’s essential to blanch for the appropriate amount of time to avoid nutrient loss.
Fresh
Frozen
Heat
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Food Storage Containers
Food Storage Containers
When it comes to storing food, the choice of container can significantly impact both health and environmental factors.
Plastic Containers
Pros:
Cons:
If Using Plastic Containers:
Glass Containers
Pros:
Cons:
Tips for Using Glass Containers:
Overall, glass containers are a better choice due to their safety, durability, and recyclability. While plastic containers can be convenient, they come with significant health risks, especially when used for heating food. By opting for glass containers and following safe storage practices, you can better protect their health and contribute to a healthier environment.
Resources:
naturopathic
nourishment
Phone
503-277-3509
Email
NaturopathicNourishment@gmail.com
Get in touch!
Find out how we can help you naturally and thrive holistically.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional for personalized health guidance.
© 2024 Naturopathic nourishment. All rights reserved.