Straight Nutrition ™

What is metabolism?

Metabolism is the process by which your body converts what you eat and drink into energy.  Metabolism occurs around the clock, even when you are sleeping.  In fact, the term used for what your body burns at rest is called resting metabolic rate and accounts for up to 50-75% of total calorie expenditure¹.  The brain, liver, kidneys, and heart account for about half of the energy burned at rest, while fat, the digestive system, and especially the body’s muscles account for the rest.²  Energy needs for your body’s basic functions stay fairly consistent and aren’t easily changed.  Many people may blame their metabolism for weight gain. This is rarely the case.  However, there are ways to improve your metabolism which will increase the number of calories you burn.  Let’s take a closer look at a few. (more…)

Protein is found throughout the body is virtually almost every tissue and organ.  In fact, 20% of the human body is made up of protein.¹ The building blocks of protein are amino acids which carry out many roles such as transportation of nutrients, supporting our immune system, healing and repairing of tissue, and help remove waste. The Institute of Medicine recommends that adults get a minimum of 8 grams of protein for every 20 pounds of body weight.² Beyond that, there’s little information on the ideal amount of protein you need from the diet.  Generally, the more active you are, the more protein you will need.  Athletes or individuals who exercise on a regular basis may even need up to double the amount depending on the intensity, duration, and frequency of the exercise. (more…)

Although your household may be a clean environment, the germs children are exposed to at school, daycare, and other public places are unavoidable.  The average American child has six to 10 colds a year. In fact, children’s colds cause more doctor visits and missed school days than any other illness¹.  Although most childhood infections happen only once, the protection due to antibody production lasts much longer than any potential protection stimulated by a vaccine.  What’s interesting is that a mother can pass along antibodies through breastmilk to protect her infant when she was infected 30 years ago.  However, a mother who avoided a certain childhood infections does not produce the antibodies that could be transferred to her child. (more…)

(OMNS Apr 3, 2020) Epidemics seem to be on the rise: in a total of 98 epidemics in the 200 years of 19th and 20th centuries, there were 14 epidemics with 1000 or more deaths. However, in the last 20 years, in a total of 63 epidemics, there have already been 11 epidemics with more than 1,000 deaths. With the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the trend is concerning as our modern world becomes more connected by high-speed travel. [1-5]

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B6 plays a vital role in supporting your blood, brain, immune system and metabolism, among other areas. Signs of B6 deficiency include anemia, confusion, depression, mouth and tongue inflammation and a weakened immune system.

Did you know the foods you eat supply so much more than just fuel for the body? They allow you to maintain your skin, hair, muscle, bone, hormones and enzymes.  They also give you more energy and improve athletic performance.  This is why it is important to get a proper balance of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals in your daily routine. ⁽⁴⁾ Check out the tips listed below for you or your athlete to maintain proper nutrition. 

In 2014 it was estimated that 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, a severe form of dementia, and hundreds of thousands more may suffer from an often misdiagnosed subtype called “hippocampal sparing” Alzheimer’s, according to recent findings.^1,2

The most recent data suggests that well over half a million Americans die from Alzheimer’s disease each year, making it the third leading cause of death in the US, right behind heart disease and cancer.^3,4

Imagine, that you are sitting in a restaurant. At some point during the meal, you notice that your heart is beating faster than normal and that there is a slight pressure in your chest. You feel like you are having difficulty getting a breath in and you also notice that the lights in the restaurant are starting to bother you. You begin to hear every noise around you- a child clinking his silverware against his glass, the waiter writing down an order and conversations becoming increasingly louder. Suddenly, the restaurant feels overwhelming and small. At which point you may feel a tingling sensation down your arms or your stomach cramping. You may be thinking, is this a heart attack? Why can’t I get a deep breath? Why is it so loud in here? What’s happening to me?

There seems to be never enough hours in the day to get things done.  Well, this is especially true if you have to take a nap mid-day.  Or if you don’t have the privilege to lie down, you may be experiencing symptoms like difficulty concentrating, lack of interest, moodiness, irritability, weight gain, or even depression.