Aug 11, 2007 - 07:30 AM
By Amy Weeks
If you caught my last article, you already know a healthy diet consists of 40 per cent carbohydrates, 30 per cent protein and 30 per cent fat, according to Dr. Greg Martin, a chiropractor who’s made health and nutrition an indispensable component in his wellness-based practice.
At Dr. Martin’s Rocket Fuel Nutrition health workshop at Martin Chiropractic in Oshawa, he references a study conducted by the University of California, Berkeley campus, where thousands of people, deemed to be healthy, were studied over several years to determine contributing factors to great health. The study, Breslaw’s Rules, noted key components, some being obvious; don’t smoke, don’t drink and get regular rest and exercise.
Here are the others:
Eat a healthy breakfast -- As mentioned in my previous article, we eat food for two reasons: nutrition and energy. Those who skip breakfast will find themselves short of energy throughout the day and go for quick fixes, with little to no nutritional value. Dr. Martin recommends laying off the simple sugars and opting for a breakfast high in fibre and protein.
Eat healthy snacks -- “People eat three meals a day, because it’s convenient, not because we only need energy three times a day,” explains Dr. Martin. He recommends eating six small meals, to maintain energy throughout the day and also to keep the metabolism running high. Dr. Martin also advises against eating after dinner. This is when the metabolism slows down, making it difficult to burn calories.
Take supplements -- Because the foods we eat are heavily processed and grown with herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals, the foods we eat are often very depleted of nutritional value.
“Everyone should be taking a good multivitamin,” explains Dr. Martin. To find out what vitamins you may be lacking, make an appointment with your family doctor to have some blood tests. Once you’re aware of any deficiencies, choose vitamins and mineral supplements that are naturally sourced and steer clear from products with artificial colours, preservatives, sugar, wheat or dairy.
Dr. Martin also recommends taking these supplements:
Vitamin C -- The health benefits of this vitamin are endless. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system, encourages tissue regeneration, prevents cellular damage and promotes healthy bones, teeth and red blood cell formation.
Omega 3 fatty acids -- Because the body does not naturally produce Omega 3 and it is not found in many foods, most people are deficient in this essential fatty acid. The best source of Omega 3 is fish oil. Unfortunately, fish and other sea foods are high in mercury, a mineral byproduct of pollution. To avoid this, choose a fish oil supplement that is distilled, to remove any mercury.
Calcium -- Adults need 1500 mg of calcium every day, especially women to help prevent post-menopausal osteoporosis. Choose a supplement with magnesium and vitamin D, as the body needs this combination to properly absorb the calcium.
For more information about Martin Chiropractic and the health seminars, call 905-725-4020 or visit Martin Chiropractic at 292 King St. W., in Oshawa.
Amy Weeks is a freelancer living in Durham Region.
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