Adult nutrition

The typical American adult's diet is high in sodium, fat and calories and low in essential nutrients such as potassium, fiber and vitamin D. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of adults are obese. Obesity can lead to heart attack, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea. Adhering to nutrition recommendations not only reduces your waistline, it can lower your risk of premature death, as well. Although the terms salt and sodium are used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. Salt is made up of 60 percent sodium and 40 percent chloride.

Eating right and staying fit are important no matter what your age. As we get older our bodies have different needs, so certain nutrients become especially important for good health. Older adults need more calcium and vitamin D to help maintain bone health. Have three servings of calcium-rich foods and beverages each day. This includes fortified cereals and fruit juices, dark green leafy vegetables, canned fish with soft bones, milk and fortified plant beverages.

Every day we are bombarded with nutrition and health messages and a seemingly endless array of concerns about lifestyle and diet. Healthy eating and a healthful way of life are important to how we look, feel and how much we enjoy life. The right lifestyle decisions, with a routine of good food and regular exercise, can help us make the most of what life has to offer.

Nutrition provided by the food we eat supplies the fuel for our bodies to function. The nutrients in our food allow us to breathe, move and allows our body to heal itself. Nutrition and a healthy lifestyle both play an important role in preserving our health and wellbeing.