nutrition

A diet provides the nutrition a person needs for optimal energy and health. The food choices that go into a diet determine weight, resistance to illness and lifespan. Choosing the wrong foods increases the risks for obesity, diabetes and heart disease and may lead to an early death.

Healthy food choices not only improves your health, but it improves the final appearance of your scar.

Daily Health

Avoiding common health issues such as flu, colds, breathing problems or brittle bones is as simple as consuming antioxidant-rich foods. Citrus fruits provide vitamin C to boost the immune system and collagen production for proper scar healing, while dairy products like low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese are high in calcium and magnesium to strengthen bone mass, which starts to decrease in middle age.

Family Health

Women who are pregnant need a high level of iron, folate and calcium to adequately nourish the growing baby and to avoid birth defects. Children require potassium, along with other vitamins and minerals, to fuel their growth. Senior adults need more vitamin D and calcium, as older bodies do not absorb these nutrients efficiently. A consistent diet of fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, lean meats and plenty of water is recommended for all ages.

Weight Maintenance

Staying at a healthy weight is the key to a longer life. Regular exercise and a steady diet of healthy foods will help a person avoid the dangers of a fluctuating weight due to fad dieting or severe calorie restriction. Eating four to five small, balanced meals per day keeps an optimal metabolism, which removes the need for drastic diet practices. Avoiding foods that are high in cholesterol, salt and saturated fat lowers the risk of heart disease and other problems with the arteries and circulation. From infancy through old age, diet is at the center of the life cycle. Making the right food choices creates the foundation for a long and healthy life.