As a feature in the Med Center TMJ newsletter,we include a short and practical tip of the month for optimizing nutrition. Research has shown over the last 45 years that a healthy diet—notably one rich in fruits and vegetables— together with regular physical activity, can prevent and treat many age-related diseases.
As a whole, the life style of many North Americans is out of balance with our physiology. We are also living longer than our ancestors did,so preventing age-related diseases is more important today than in the past.
This month’s suggestion is simple. Keep your plate colorful! Color is a major indicator of nutrient value, and a variety of colors from fresh fruits and vegetables will not only make your plate more attractive and appetizing, but it will also increase intake of important antioxidant phytochemicals your body can benefit from. The USDA recommends half of our plate be filed with colorful fruits and vegetables at every meal. Be sure the colors are naturally occurring and not merely added by the manufacturer for aesthetic value.
A special note to those managing TMD: remember to choose foods that can be prepared soft in consistency. Optimizing nutritional choices will help us reach our goal of a long and healthy life.
Nathan J. Pettit