What started as National Nutrition Week in 1982 by Central Government has now become National Nutrition Month! So now every year, September is observed as the “National Nutrition Month”. The main aim of this drive is to bring about awareness to the general public regarding health and nutrition connection to wellbeing. The government urges every institute, every hospital and every Dietitian and Nutritionist to educate people during this month. Each year it revolves around a theme, however, the main focus of the campaign is always around Women and Children.
A good and balanced diet with a combination of multiple nutrients is essential for our health and wellbeing. Nutrition-rich foods improve the quality of life whereas poor diet choices might cause morbidity and illnesses. The nutritional requirement of each individual (men, women, elder people & children) is different. These requirements vary at every stage of their lives and also depend on the individual’s size, weight, height and age as well. But a healthy diet comprising of a wide variety of nutritious foods is essential for everyone to obtain a healthy lifestyle. Also balancing healthy eating with physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of chronic diseases (like heart disease and cancer), type 2 diabetes and promote your overall health.
Nutrition for Men
Though every individual has their own nutritional requirements, in adults, it’s a fact that men in general, require more calories than women. The main reason for this is the difference in hormones in men and women. Also, men have more red blood cells than women, which is another reason that they need more calories in nutrients as compared to women. Other than good calorie foods men need calcium, proteins, iron, fiber, various vitamins and healthy fats in their diet to stay healthy and well.
Nutrition for Women
On the other hand, women have many important transitional points throughout their lives. The changes such as hormonal, social and emotional that women experience at different life stages can make them vulnerable to many health problems. Therefore for a healthy life, nutrition plays a major role in women’s life, especially for pregnant women. Optimum nutrition in early life is the base for long-term health and wellness for both mother & child. A healthy maternal dietary plan, along with adequate maternal body composition, metabolism and placental nutrient supply, reduces the risk of maternal, fetal and long-term effects in the offspring. A healthy nutritious diet with all the vital nutrients like calcium, different types of vitamins, iron-rich foods, folate & folic acid, fiber and healthy fats, in appropriate quantity is advisable for women.
Nutrition for Older People
A balanced nutritional diet with high-quality food consumption is essential for everyone irrespective of their age, but as we get older our bodies develop different needs. It’s difficult to identify the nutritional requirements for older people, since both lean body mass and basal metabolic rate decline with age. Also due to the ageing process, the immune system gets weaker and the body becomes less efficient at absorbing some key nutrients. This can lead to many serious health problems such as weakening of bones, body aches, indigestion, heart disease, etc. Therefore certain nutrients like calcium, vitamins, fiber, potassium, and healthy fats become especially important for their good health. Right nutrition at the right quantity can be effective and helpful for older people.
Nutrition for Children
The nutritional requirements of kids are different from adults. If the children are provided with the right amount of nutrition in their early childhood, it helps them to stay healthy for the rest of their life. For the better growth and development, proper intake of essential nutrients like minerals and vitamins are necessary for them. A healthy and balanced diet that can provide a variety of nutrients will help your children develop strong bones, teeth and ensure proper growth. Children need a balanced diet with food from all 3 food groups—vegetables and fruit, whole grain products, and protein foods. They require vital nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, calcium, iron, fiber and minerals in the right quantity. The best foods for children are whole, fresh and unprocessed—fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and meats; and home-cooked meals.
Our daily food choices directly impact both our body and health. At Femcity, we have an expert team of women doctors, especially qualified nutritionists that can help you to know your requirements and to choose your nutrition well. Also, Femcity is most privileged to host a NutriDiet walk celebrating the National Nutrition Month where there we’ll be diet display by the Dietitians as well.
So Visit Femcity now, the best multispecialty hospital for women and children in Hyderabad! Choose right, live well!