Myth or fact?
Welcome guest blogger Lucy Sterrn! Lucy is a dietetics student and has been working hard this summer to research and create blog content and social media posts.
If you’ve spent any time at all looking for health and nutrition information online, you’ve been marketed to with too good to be true claims and misinformation. But how can you tell myth from fact? At Chesapeake Nutrition Company we practice evidence based nutrition counseling and we love busting up some of the common nutrition myths that are out there.
Detox diets
A detox diet usually consists of a drink mixture with elements of fruit juices and may include a laxative drink. These diets are advertised as being able to flush our bodies of toxins, as well as increase energy and contribute to weight loss. There is no evidence backing up the effectiveness of these diets and the risks far outweigh the reward. A detox diet increases the risk of dehydration, impairment of your digestive functions, and subsequent rebound weight gain. Remember - your liver and kidneys are built-in detox systems, no other intervention is required!
Water intake
Particularly in the warm summer months it’s important to stay hydrated. But how do we know how much to actually consume? The idea that you need to drink an equivalent to your body weight in water is a myth! A good rule to remember is that the average adult should drink at least six 8 ounce glasses of water each day to prevent dehydration, more is better! You are well hydrated if your urine is a very pale yellow color. If you want to work towards a more specific goal, try to drink half your body weight in water (if you weigh 200 pounds, you would aim for 100 ounces of water per day).
Eating fruit with diabetes
It is normal to question if it is okay to eat fruit with diabetes, given that fruit contains sugar. Good news - you can include fruit in your diet! Fruit is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Talk to your dietitian about recommended portion sizes for fruits and how often you can include fruits each day. Steer clear of fruit juice and always choose a whole fruit option over a processed option, like picking an apple over applesauce.
Navigating health headlines and nutrition trends can be tough to do on your own. Reach out to us today and get the one-on-one expert guidance you deserve to make the best decisions for your health.
Resources:
Learn more about detox diets from Harvard University
More facts about water intake
Read about fruit and diabetes from the American Diabetes Association and The Cleveland Clinic