Chronic Disease Prevention: 

Dietary intake and individual nutrition status remains a major influence on many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular health, metabolic syndrome, obesity and type 2 diabetes. The statistics are stark for example over 8million people are living with cardiovascular disease, and 4.7million living with diabetes; 90% of which are type 2 diabetes with an estimated further 6.9million people at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Further to this shift workers are at an increased risk of these conditions along with obstructive sleep apnea or hypertension. 

Research consistently shows that a health-promoting dietary pattern is effective at preventing disease and supporting healthy aging; where as a dietary pattern high in ultra-processed foods is linked to an increased risk in chronic disease and mental health disorders. 

Supporting the Immune system: 

Nutrition is essential of supporting the immune system, a system which is vital for fighting against illness, supporting recovery from sickness bugs and reducing the number of sick days. Ensuring a diverse food intake and meeting the recommendations of key nutrients is critical in shaping a healthy immune response. 

Starting with knowing how to feed your gut - Did you know 70-80% of your body’s immune cells are located here? 

Digestion: 

Millions of people in the UK are living with digestive conditions, from functional bowel disorders such as IBS, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea to Acid reflux. Our gut is home to trillions of microbes that impact many bodily functions, feeding it well is critical to preventing or managing symptoms. 

Mental health and mood:

There is a strong link between what we eat or don’t eat and how we feel, which in turn impacts our wellbeing. Eating a balanced diet provides key nutrients to support energy levels, reduce fatigue along with improving learning, remembering, reasoning and making critical decisions. Energy crashes mid-afternoon can impact productive and problem solving. 

Ultimately eating patterns and behaviours can impact focus and output. 

Improved sleep and energy levels: 

Poor sleep, can reduce energy levels throughout the day and can lead to a poor dietary intake a vicious cycle that impacts overall health and wellbeing. Dietary timing and intake have been shown to impact hunger hormones, sleep quality, energy levels and overall health. 

Women’s health: 

Over the last couple of years more research and attention has been given to women’s health and the data continues to grow. Nutritional needs can vary at certain stages of a women’s life and be driven by hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, postnatal, perimenopause and menopause. Understanding nutritional needs and adapting to the different stages are critical for reducing chance of deficiency, managing symptoms and improving overall quality of life. 

There are many factors we cannot control such as genetics, biology, natural ageing process, but dietary patterns are modifiable and a factor that can be adjusted to optimise an individual’s health.