We are what we eat!
Proper nutrition is fundamental for good health. The human body is an extremely complex organism that is constantly using energy to sustain life. This energy comes directly from what is consumed by the individual. The foods we eat are ultimately broken down into proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, which are the building blocks of our body. That is why it is vital to take in the proper amounts through quality foods and the use of vitamin supplementation. However, because there are so many different kinds of these nutrients it is almost impossible to receive the correct amount of every necessary one through eating alone each day. You would have to spend most of your day preparing the proper foods. Who has time for that? This is why supplementation is so very important.
Nutrients are involved in all body processes, from fighting off infections to repairing muscle and bone, to thinking. Without well balanced, quality nutrients, the body may begin to malfunction and break down. Each part of the body has high concentrations of certain nutrients. If there is a deficiency of those nutrients to that body part, the body may not operate at it’s optimum level and most likely future problems will result. To keep this chain reaction from happening we need a proper diet and appropriate nutritional supplementation. By combining exercise, a well balanced diet, and proper nutritional supplementation, we can greatly improve our chances for a healthier, pain-free life.
Everyone’s nutritional needs are different. Nutritional requirements may vary depending on environment or current physical or mental condition. This is why it is important to always seek the advice of a professional before starting a nutritional supplementation program. Remember you are what you eat, eat well, stay healthy!
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body mass index, or BMI, is a new term to most people. However, it is the measurement of choice for many physicians and researchers studying obesity. Your BMI is an objective scientific measure, that uses your height and weight. You can calculate your BMI by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters. In other words the algebraic expression for BMI is:
BMI = Kg / (m)2
The program below used English pounds and inches with the following formula to calculate your BMI.
BMI = (weight in pounds * 703) / (height in inches * height in inches)
Enter your weight in pounds and height in feet and inches and click the Calculate BMI button
One variable BMI fails to consider is lean body mass. It is possible
for a healthy, muscular individual with very low body fat to be classified
obese using the BMI formula. If you are a
trained athlete, your weight based on your measured percent body fat would
be a better indicator of what you should weigh.
If your BMI is below 20:
This indicates a lean BMI, which
means you have a low amount of body fat. If you are an athlete, this can
be desirable. If you are not an athlete, a lean BMI can indicate that your
weight may be too low which may lower your immunity. If your BMI and body
weight are low, you should consider gaining weight through good diet and
exercise habits, to increase your muscle mass.
If your BMI is between 20 and 22:
This indicates the ideal,
healthy amount of body fat, which is associated with living longest, and
the lowest incidence of serious illness. Coincidentally, it seems this
ratio is what many individuals perceive to be the most aesthetically
attractive.
If your BMI is between 22 and 25:
This is still considered an
acceptable range, and is associated with good health.
If your BMI is between 25 and 30:
You are considered “Hefty”
and should finds ways to lower your weight, through diet and exercise. You
are at increased risk for a variety of illnesses at your present weight.
You should lose weight by changing your diet and exercising more.
If your BMI is over 30:
This indicates an unhealthy
condition, your excess “Prosperity” is putting you at risk for heart
disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, gall bladder disease and some
cancers. You should lose weight by changing your diet and exercising more.
Waist-Hip ratio
Waist-to-hip
ratio (WHR) looks at the proportion of fat stored on your body around your
waist and hip. It is a simple but useful measure of fat distribution. Most
people store their body fat in two distinct ways: around their middle (apple
shape) and around their hips (pear shape).
Waist-Hip Ratio and Health Risk
Having an apple
shape (carrying extra weight around the stomach) is riskier for your health
than having a pear shape (carrying extra weight around your hips or thighs).
This is because body shape and health risk are linked. If you have more weight
around your waist you have a greater risk of lifestyle related diseases such
as elevated cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes than those with weight around their hips.
Waist-Hip Ratio and Obesity
Even so, overall
obesity is still of greater risk than
where fat is distributed or stored on your body. Other important measurements
are Body Mass Index (BMI) and percentage of body fat.
How to Calculate Waist-Hip Ratio
Waist Hip Ratio
is calculated by dividing your waist measurement by your hip measurement.
(Hips are the widest part of your bottom).
Ideally, women
should have a waist-to-hip ratio of 0.8 or less.
Ideally, men
should have a waist-to-hip ratio of 0.95 or less.
Please remember that the BMI and waist-hip calculations are very general guides to assessing your risk for heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, gall bladder disease, elevated cholesterol and some cancers. If you are concerned about these ailments please discuss them with your Chiropractor or Physician.
A Flying Doctor Production
Dr. Peter McClean Millar
