Nati nal Nutriti n M nth
Nutrition for Life by Parul Kharod Every year March is celebrated as National Nutrition Month, which is an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During the month of March, everyone is invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits. This year’s theme is “Celebrate the World of Flavors.” According to the Academy’s campaign: “Celebrating flavors from cultures around the world is a tasty way to nourish ourselves and appreciate our diversity. We are all unique with different bodies, goals, backgrounds and tastes! A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist can help you create healthy habits that celebrate your heritage and introduce you to new foods and flavors.” Why do we need to celebrate flavors? What has that to do with nutrition? This is because it is important not only what we eat, but also how we eat. Our state of mind when we eat has a direct effect on our digestion. Digestion begins in the brain! We all know that food is associated with taste. But did you know that the other four senses – sight, smell, sound, and touch are equally important! Let’s say you are craving a particular food. Even thinking about that food may generate saliva in your mouth. When you smell someone preparing that food, your body becomes ready to receive that food. Looking at the good food, touching it, and finally putting it into your mouth gives you such pleasure. The body begins to produce the necessary digestive juices and enzymes to prepare for the breakdown of the food you are about to consume. When you are in a happy state of mind when you eat, the body digests that food in an optimal way. When we truly begin to understand that digestion begins in the brain, that sets the tone for the rest of the digestive process. Then we begin to change the way we interact with our food. Stressed Eating Stress causes physiological changes, like a heightened state of awareness, faster breathing and heart rates, elevated blood pressure, a rise in blood cholesterol, and an increase in muscle tension. Stress can have a profound effect on the digestive system as well. continued on page 94
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March 2022
