Search Results for 'Human nutrition'

Weight management is one of the key steps on the road to a healthy you, says local heart and stroke Charity Croí, who are just announcing details of their next series of six week (one hour per week) weight management programmes which take place in the Croí Heart and Stroke Centre, Newcastle, Galway and at select venues throughout the west of Ireland. The Croí programme is delivered by highly qualified dietitians and each participant is encouraged to keep a food diary and participate in weekly weigh-ins where they receive on-going advice and motivation.

1. Exercise. People who exercise regularly have raised levels of infection fighting cells in their blood, they also have more energy. A daily exercise routine, even a short walk, will help ward off seasonal sniffles, create feelings of wellbeing, help you reduce tension and relax. Aim for 30 minutes a day, ideally.

Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients that serve a specific purpose and benefit the body in a unique way. For example, vitamin A supports vision and bone growth, whereas vitamin E strengthens the immune system and helps repair DNA. Vitamin and mineral deficiency can impair the body’s ability to heal and protect itself.

Diabetes Ireland is calling for food manufacturers to end using the term ‘diabetic’ or ‘suitable for diabetics’ on food products. “Labelling foods as being suitable for people with diabetes undermines important messages about healthy eating,” says Dr Anna Clarke from Diabetes Ireland.

Our immune system is our body’s defence mechanism. When our health is threatened it works at full power to fight off any invaders, such as bacteria or viruses.

Daffodil Day, this Friday March 23, aims to raise awareness of cancer, and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) estimated that approximately one third of all cancers are preventable by making positive changes to our lifestyles.

1. Variety is the key to a good diet. Every type of food contains its own unique make-up and may be high in some vitamins or minerals while devoid of others. Only by eating a wide selection of foods can you help ensure you receive all the fuel your body needs.

The B vitamins are often referred to as the ‘energy’ vitamins, mainly because they are involved in energy release in the body. There are eight different B vitamins. The eight B vitamins are vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12. Getting enough B vitamins will keep energy levels up, provide mental alertness, improve memory, combat ageing, boost the immune system, and fight against depression. Many elderly people, vegetarians, or people who are on strict diets don’t get enough of these important vitamins. People who are stressed, eat out often, don’t have a good balanced diet with plenty of fruit and veg, or abuse alcohol can also be deficient.

Dietitian Heather Miller who holds clinics in Balla, Castlebar, and Ballindine, this week talks about sports and nutrition.

New year’s resolutions are always hard to keep, aren’t they? Detox diets are one of the many ways people try to lose weight, after a busy Christmas ‘eating’ season. There are many different detox diets available, each one promising to make you look and feel younger, better, or fitter. These diets can involve a period of fasting for 7-10 days and the avoidance of one or more of the food groups, such as dairy, wheat, or alcohol. Most detox diets are usually very strict and difficult to stick with.