My father was a complicated patient. Over the course of the last 15 years, he's made adjustments to his diet to accommodate cholesterol, sodium (first less, then more), kidney function and in the last few days, abrasion to his stomach ulcer. During the last few months in the hospital, I've done a whole lot more serious contemplation of the effect of what I put in my mouth has on my organs and blood vessels.
I majored in Health Science (community health education), but it wasn't until having the real gravity of food choices thrust upon me by observing Dad, that I truly became interested in chemistry. I need to read more. Heck, I need to reread the text books I already have.
It's hard to grasp the fact that what I'm eating now has an instant effect on my body, when thusfar I've been blessed with a lack of chronic disease or condition that demands specific omissions from my diet. I can obviously see the long term effects when I suddenly realize the new pair of slacks I need to buy is a size larger than before. But, those instant effects are harder to keep in mind.
You make such good points. I've been talking to a dietician and she talks so much about how we need to take respect & care of our bodies esp. what we put into them. And, the effects on our health. So much of cancer can be prevented through healthy eating & healthy weight. I'm no expert by any stretch, but have totally shifted my mindset the past month after talking to some professionals.
ReplyDelete