What Your Doctor Doesn't Know About Nutrition

Although American medicine is among the most advance in the world, overall, the medical community in the United States is lacking in knowledge of a key area of patient care: nutrition. Though nutrition courses are mandatory at medical schools nationwide, nutrition has gradually given way to a largely pharmaceutical and surgical approach to patient care.

Think about it. When was the last time your doctor gave you solid, practical advice about how and what to eat to improve your health? Usually, a physician consultation on nutrition is a short sentence or two amounting to "eat right and get your exercise." Ask him or her about the latest drug or surgery however, and you're likely to get an extended conversation and informed opinion on those counts. This unfortunate circumstance means that many, many patients today are missing a key ingredient to a truly healthy lifestyle. Worse, they may be treating symptoms with drugs that could also be aided—in some cases more effectively—through nutritional means.

Good nutrition is the secret to effective medicine and a healthy lifestyle. Eating well alone can greatly enhance the body's ability to not only keep sickness at bay, but generate energy for daily life, and even fight off existing disease or infection. Knowing what you should be eating daily—both for healthy caloric intake, as well as for your own personal health situation—is absolutely essential.

Start with the basics—fruits and vegetables. These naturally sweet and delicious food items will do more to increase your health level than any other type of food. Additionally, drink plenty of water—most people go through life in a dehydrated state. Proper hydration, along with fruits and vegetables, are healthy basics that will set a good foundation for a nutritionally-balanced lifestyle. And now you know what your doctor probably hasn't told you!

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