There are so many online resources about nutrition and the recommended daily amounts of certain foods. With all of the contradictory information how is it even possible to know what is truly best for your body? Here is a quick overview of how nutrition works with your body on a day-to-day basis, especially for pain patients.
What are the basics of nutrition?
Nutrients are the basic building blocks of your body. You need foods containing proteins, carbohydrates, fats and oils, vitamins and minerals, and water to function normally. These foods provide the nutrients you need to stay healthy and fuel that your body burns as energy.
Here is a look at the basic nutrients your body needs.
Proteins
Proteins are made up of amino acids that are essential for proper health. Protein is found in:
- Meat
- Poultry
- Fish
- Eggs
- Seeds and nuts
- Soy products
In general, adult women need about 46 grams per day and men should have approximately 56 grams.
Carbohydrates
Our bodies burn carbs to create energy. Healthy carbohydrates are found in whole grains. Current USDA dietary guidelines indicate that 45-65% of your daily diet should be made up of healthy carbohydrates.
Fats and oils
While too much fat can certainly be unhealthy, fats do make up a part of the nutrients that our bodies need to function effectively.
Avoid saturated fats and trans fats and focus on healthy ones. Olives and olive oil, avocados, nuts, and fatty fish such as tuna or salmon provide many of the healthy fats you should be eating. Your total fat consumption should be 20-30% of your daily calories.
Vitamins and minerals
We all know the value of proper vitamins and minerals. Each has a different function which is why taking a multi-vitamin is important for nutrition. Your body needs calcium, vitamin D, iron, and more. Talk with your physician about your vitamin levels to find the best multi-vitamin for you.
Water
60% of the human body is made up of water so it extremely important to stay hydrated throughout the day. You do get some water from foods such as fruits and vegetables, but you also need to drink enough to stay healthy.
Most of us learned that we needed to drink eight eight-ounce cups of water per day. This is easy to remember, but the daily recommendations may actually be higher. Women may need to drink up to nine cups and men may need to consume closer to 13.
How do you feel about your daily nutrition and the foods you eat? If you have a chronic condition, you may need tailored advice about your dietary needs. Contact us today to learn more about what foods and diet will work best for you to manage your pain levels.