If you’ve been on YouTube recently, you might have noticed that “kidfluencers” are extremely popular, with their videos garnering millions of views. These videos produced by teens and children often include various messages that promote junk food and unhealthy eating. As a nutrition and health student, you’re likely passionate about promoting the development of good health habits and eating well. With this in mind, here’s a quick overview of the situation for students taking nutrition and health courses. How Kid Influencers on YouTube Are Promoting Junk Food to Young Viewers Kid-targeted advertising has always been controversial, particularly considering that children.. READ MORE »
In today’s health-crazed world, consumers seem to be in constant search of the latest and greatest power-food or specialized diet for maximizing physical wellbeing. Unlike many new food trends or passing nutrition fads, antioxidants have persisted in the public’s imagination as one of the ultimate ingredients in the fight against free radicals, oxidative stress, and chronic disease. But are antioxidants actually scientifically proven to battle illness and restore cell health, as people believe? We take a closer look below. What Exactly Are Antioxidants? Antioxidants are compounds thought to slow oxidation, a chemical reaction in the body that can produce cell-damaging.. READ MORE »
Intermittent fasting is a diet that has experienced a lot of media coverage, buzz, and popularity over the last few years. Endorsed by social media influencers, celebrities, and even twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, this restrictive diet is experiencing its moment of fame. A study of Americans in 2018 found that of the 36% of Americans who reported following a specific diet or eating pattern, 10% of them were undergoing intermittent fasting. This was the most cited diet of any other one. When undergoing intermittent fasting, adherents move between periods of eating and not eating. The nuances of the schedule differ.. READ MORE »
“Doping” refers to when athletes take banned substances to enhance their performance. It is a major problem in sport and athletics internationally and has been done by athletes since organized sport became a popular pastime. Even in Ancient Greece and Rome, Olympians and Gladiators consumed dangerous substances to enhance their performance. The issue with doping is not only one of fairness, but also of safety. There are numerous health risks and complications involved with the substances typically used to enhance performance. Sports organizations and governing bodies have all taken a stance against the prevalence of doping in sport, but it.. READ MORE »
When thinking of things that influence a person’s body weight, the first things that probably come to mind are eating habits and exercise regimens. Though both these things do indeed factor into a person’s body weight, the overall picture is more complex. Food-related habits, like the consumption of high-fat and high-calorie foods, and the speed at which a person eats, can influence body weight. Exercise, or the lack of it, is also a determinant of body weight. However, there are many factors that come together to determine a person’s body weight, and not all of them are related to lifestyle.. READ MORE »
Nutritionists are experts in how our bodies interact with food to extract nutrients and energy. By understanding the basics of nutrition, fitness, and healthy diets, these professionals can help others adhere to nutritional requirements and stay healthy. An important idea to note is that these requirements change throughout our lifespan. Older adults have nutritional requirements that differ from younger people because their bodies are different. Understanding nutrition in older adults is important for many reasons. For one, older adults are more prone to malnutrition, which increases the health risks associated with aging. Shortfalls in micronutrients like vitamin D and iron.. READ MORE »
Caffeine is a substance found frequently in energy drinks, gels, pills, and shots that advertise performance-enhancement effects. However, what exactly are these effects, and are they truly beneficial for athletes? As a future professional in the nutrition and health industry, it’s important to be knowledgeable about the claims and effects underlying different sports-related supplements. This includes knowledge of ergogenic substances: those that are intended to enhance one’s physical performance. Caffeine is perhaps the most widely consumed ergogenic substance, used all throughout the world millions of times a day to stay awake or boost productivity. Read on to find out how.. READ MORE »
The career of someone involved in clinical research has a lot to do with pharmaceutical and health products, but this isn’t only limited to the prescription medications that may initially come to mind. Natural Health Products (NHPs) are substances that don’t require a prescription to purchase, and includes, but is not limited to: Vitamins Minerals Herbal remedies Homeopathic medicines Probiotics Chinese traditional medicines Ayurvedic traditional medicines According to a 2010 Ipsos-Reid survey,.. READ MORE »
If you enjoy working with people and have an interest in activities that promote health, a career in sport and nutrition may be right for you. Whether you want to work in fitness, become a health coach, or pursue opportunities in healthcare, it will be useful to have an understanding of the types of exercise and nutrition that support pregnancy. During pregnancy, parents will likely experience a range of emotions, and feel both excited and nervous throughout. As a sport and nutrition professional, you can help. What kinds of questions might come up and how should you answer them? Keep.. READ MORE »
In 2019, Food Allergy Canada launched the National Food Allergy Action Plan. This initiative is aimed at guiding policies that will improve quality of life for Canadians with food allergies. The current available estimate is that 1 in 13 Canadians self-report having an allergy, which amounts to approximately 2.5 million people who would benefit from such policies. How are these allergies dealt with in Canada? Canada has what are called “priority food allergens”. These refer to the list of foods associated with 90 percent of allergic reactions and there are labelling requirements for them. While many allergies may be familiar.. READ MORE »
