| December 2009 |
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Naturopath, TRIA Integrative Wellness Tina Horrell ND, Diploma Honors, Diploma, Clinical Nutrition, Naturopath http://www.triaintegrativewellness.com/ Tina Horrell, ND, Diploma Clinical Nutrition, Nutrition Diploma, Naturopath spoke to Thailand Educators Network (TEN) and shared her extensive knowledge and experience in the fields of nutrition and children’s physical and mental well-being. Beginning her informative talk with an analysis of the situation today and that “with childhood obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and food allergies on the increase,” she stressed quite clearly through her talk that,” now is the time to tackle these health issues.” Working her way through a number of themes, Tina led us through a series of concerns and concrete suggestions on how to improve nutrition. Breakfast Beginning with breakfast and the breaking of the overnight fast, she was clear this is the most important meal of the day as a good breakfast provides energy to start the day and has been linked to improved behavior and better performance in the classroom. To provide children with a slow release of energy to sustain them through out the day, she recommended a variety of breakfast alternative:
Brain food Leading into the evening’s theme, Tina reviewed the different foods associated with brain functioning, primarily the Essential fatty acids (EFA) found in fish, especially oily salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines; in nuts and seeds, nut butter and tahini or based on soya beans - soy milk smoothies, tofu and miso. Fruits and vegetables Moving into a specific food group, Tina talked about how brightly colored fruits and beans are rich in antioxidants which protect the brain from free radicals with the additional fact that males have a higher requirement than females as boys and men may not absorb or metabolize EFA’s as well. While offering some important ideas most of us have heard repeatedly in that ample amounts of both fruits and vegetables in the diet, helps to set up good eating habits and better health for life. She went on to suggest that it is important to ensure that a greater variety of fruit and vegetables – five to seven different vegetable and two to three 2 to 3 fruits daily – is optimal as different colours supply a wide range of nutrients. Carbohydrates Moving in the world of carbohydrates, Tina dealt with the difference between complex, good for you, carbohydrates and refined carbohydrates, not so good for you. First, she suggested that complex carbohydrates are good as they metabolize more slowly and lower the glycemic index (GI). Needless to say, Tina was opposed to refined carbohydrates and their high levels of fat, sugar, and sodium as these foods tend to send blood-glucose levels soaring; create swings in energy and moods and lower the immune systems In fact, she mentioned, this is why obesity is becoming such a problem in Thailand where the introduction of Western fast food eating habits has seen sugar consumption in Thailand more than double over the past 20 years to reach 29 kg per person in 2001 or about 17 teaspoons a day. Continuing on the sugar theme, Tina offered that many products with over 15 grams of sugar per 100 grams are to much, with five grams per 100 a more acceptable level. Food Additives Moving on to another curse associated with modern food, Tina addressed problems and concerns with food additives, chemicals added to processed food, such as MSG, artificial colors, artificial flavors and preservatives. Quoting a study completed in the UK that found hyperactivity in children was halved when additives were removed from their diet, she went on to add that the UK will phase out artificial colors by the end of 2009. Further adding to the case against food additives is that while safety levels are set for most individual additives, a cocktail of them can increase toxicity by 100%. Children and food Moving on to solutions, Tina mentioned the trend towards cooking with hidden foods, hiding healthy items in food so children will not notice. Two books, The Sneaky Chef, Missy Chase Lapine and Deceptively Delicious, Jessica Seinfeld were recommended. Closing out her talk, Tina review why children often seem to be very picky eaters. First they have different taste buds with more taste receptors in their mouths, and as such enjoy simple, mild tasting food as they tend to be sensitive to bitter foods. Offering advice, she suggested that parents need to accept it takes time and patience before children will embrace new foods, but that it is important to keep on trying as likes and dislikes change. In concluding her talk, Tina closed by suggesting that while it might be difficult to have children eat healthily; the benefits are far reaching and significant:
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At TRIA, comfort and enjoyment is of the utmost importance, as we believe the pursuit of a life of wellness can only be possible if you relish doing it. At TRIA, we believe true wellness lies in the harmony of three essential health components – the elemental, structural and emotional states – enabling a longer life full of contentment. Each component is important on its own and in relation to the others. As such, integrative wellness requires a holistic approach to health. To this end, a team of specialists work together to optimize your total health and well-being. At TRIA, you may be recommended treatment from aTCM doctor, Naturopath or aChiropractor along with regular assessments from a Medical Doctor and a correlating exercise prescription. Alternatively, perhaps colonic hydrotherapy coupled with nutritional education and a course of detoxification may be the best course of treatment. Whatever your health requirements, Medical Doctors are on-hand to assist with an individualized treatment program that is safe and as effective as possible in addressing your concerns. TRIA focuses on specific needs of individual guests ensuring years of full health, energy and passion for life. (TRIA Integrative Wellness as a Unit of Piyavate Hospital) For more information about TRIA, visit http://www.triaintegrativewellness.com/ Call the Reservation Hotline: |
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