Nutrition

The maintenance of life and growth is predicated by adequate nourishment. This is provided by consuming nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and fats etc. In the Twi language, some people may refer to nutrition as aduane pa, or less commonly if something is nutritious it could be referred to as, deɛ nnuaneduro wɔ mu. Respectively this translates to good food and something with medicinal food inside. The word Nutrition, in the terms of the English language, originated from the late Latin language via Old French meaning, to feed or to nourish. This was used in relation to a baby or young animal suckling from their mother’s breast or teat. In Old French this word was used for, the process where organisms absorb their proper food into their systems and build it into living tissue (Nutrition Etymology, 2019). Therefore, by looking at various cultures, we see similarities of meaning and reasons for embracing nutrition. Proper nutrients within our diet are essential for life and this includes reproduction. 

There was a time on earth where food was currency, and this still stands true underneath the covers of money and the concepts of a nation . Food in general, was a scarce commodity back then like it is now in some parts of the world. The main difference is that food was less processed and was grown by most families with love and balance. The key word is balance, as an overindulgence with any substance is not good for the body. Too much rain can cause floods and a lack of rain can cause droughts. Our loosening connection with the earth has impacted our nutritional values and how we view foods. The good thing is that we still have the opportunity to reap the benefits of nutritious foods from many parts of the world where we live. The answer is to research or listen to those who do, such as Dreams Fertility Clinic, who advise their clients on the foods that will lead to sufficient nourishment.

In terms of fertility and reproduction, bringing a new life into this world requires both the man and the woman to be healthy and strong. The reproductive system is one system in the body. A healthy body that is living to its full potential requires all bodily systems to be functioning well. In Dreams Fertility Clinic, we tackle the issues of nutrition holistically, exploring many aspects of your health regarding your lifestyle and diet. There many foods that should be omitted or reduced in order to reduce reproductive problems, which are closely linked to organs such as the liver, kidneys, pancreas and heart etc. This cannot be achieved by focusing on one system in the body. The body is a vehicle and holistic treatments are equivalent to a full body service as opposed to replacing one part of the car without checking the rest. The energy needed to bring another life on to this planet is immense but also a wonderful achievement in itself. Sometimes, this gift is underappreciated until problems arise.

In scientific terms, nutrition is the biochemical and physiological process by which an organism utilises food to support its life. This allows them to metabolize nutrients to create energy and chemical structures. Failure to obtain sufficient nutrients causes malnutrition, which is inadequate nourishment. Nutritional science is the study of nutrition, though it typically emphasizes human nutrition. The type of organism determines what nutrients it needs and how it obtains them. Organisms obtain nutrients by consuming organic matter, consuming inorganic matter, absorbing light, or some combination of these. Some can produce nutrients internally by consuming basic elements, while some must consume other organisms to obtain pre-existing nutrients. All forms of life require carbon, energy, and water as well as various other molecules. Animals require complex nutrients such as carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, obtaining them by consuming other organisms.

There are a plethora of diets or lifestyles which follow a particular pattern depending on your needs, location and/or health condition:

1. Mediterranean

This is of southern European origin where healthy fats are regularly eaten alongside vegetables, wholegrains and legumes (Willet et al, 1995). Common foods within this diets consists of olive oil, artichoke, peppers, garlic, ginger, cabbage, red wine, eggs, fish, nuts, beans and poultry etc. This diet in particular, seems to be very balanced in the distribution of essential vitamins and minerals. 

2. Vegan

This is a diet that restricts all products that derive from animals for various reasons such as animal cruelty. Vegan foods include many meat substitutes due its rise in popularity. Vegan foods include nuts, seeds, tofu, seaweed, fruits, vegetables and meat substitutes such as vegan cheese (Seltz & Petre, 2023). It is important to find a way to supplement Vitamin B12 to combat the risk of deficiency. Also, depending on the foods consumed, other supplements may be needed for calcium, iron, zinc and iodine (Elorinne et al, 2016). However, there are many ways around this due to the vast amount of knowledge and research.

3. Ketogenic 

This is a diet that is high in the intake of fats, typically moderate in protein intake (varied depending on your goals) and involves a low intake of carbohydrates. This is done to put the body in ketosis, so it is burning fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. It is still not very clear what level of carbohydrate is typically needed to remain in ketosis but there are some studies showing some positive results in weight loss (Sumithran & Proietto, 2008).  Foods include egg, cheese, avocadoes, low carb vegetables, lamb, beef, fish and butter etc.

4. Carnivore

This diet is a form of the ketogenic diet which is restricted to foods that derive from animals only (Dugandzic et al, 2022). Some say that this is the polar opposite of the Vegan diet. Foods include all meats, eggs and animal based diary products.  Those who use this diet may need to supplement Vitamin C, Magnesium and Vitamin E etc.

5. Vegetarian

This diet has very old origins where certain traditional cultures would stay away from meat and survive on all the available alternatives (Philips, 2005). There are a variety of foods to pick from compared to the Vegan diet that prohibits diary from animals. Some vegetarian eat eggs and some stay away from eggs (Butler & Streit, 2020).

 

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References

Butler, N., RD, LDN, & Streit, L., MS, RDN, LD (2020, May 20). Do Vegetarians Eat Eggs? Healthline. Retrieved January 22, 2024, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/do-vegetarians-eat-eggs

Dugandzic, M. K., Pierre-Michel, E. C., & Kalayjian, T. (2022). Ketogenic Diet Initially Masks Symptoms of Hypercortisolism in Cushing’s Disease. Metabolites12(11), 1033.

Elorinne, A. L., Alfthan, G., Erlund, I., Kivimäki, H., Paju, A., Salminen, I., … & Laakso, J. (2016). Food and nutrient intake and nutritional status of Finnish vegans and non-vegetarians. PloS one11(2), e0148235.

Nutrition Etymology (2019, July 20). Nutrition. Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved January 22, 2024, from https://www.etymonline.com/word/nutrition

Phillips, F. (2005). Vegetarian nutrition. Nutrition Bulletin30(2), 132-167.

Seltz, A., MS, RD, LDN, & Petre, A., MS, RD (NL) (2023, October 30). 11 Foods Healthy Vegans Eat. Healthline. Retrieved January 22, 2024, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-vegans-eat

Sumithran, P., & Proietto, J. (2008). Ketogenic diets for weight loss: a review of their principles, safety and efficacy. Obesity Research & Clinical Practice2(1), 1-13.

Willett, W. C., Sacks, F., Trichopoulou, A., Drescher, G., Ferro-Luzzi, A., Helsing, E., & Trichopoulos, D. (1995). Mediterranean diet pyramid: a cultural model for healthy eating. The American journal of clinical nutrition61(6), 1402S-1406S.