The Importance of Good Nutrition

The conflicting messages circulating about nutrition can make it challenging to know what to eat and what foods to avoid. As consumer awareness of the importance of eating a nutritious diet increases, more Americans are turning to nutrition to improve their health and overall well-being, and for good reason. 

A nutritious diet is the cornerstone of good health. Nutrition counseling is an excellent way to learn about nutrition while working with a health professional offers the support and guidance needed to make healthy choices and transform your eating habits. 

Board-certified internal physician and weight-loss specialist Dr. Jonathan Leibowitz offers nutrition counseling and medically supervised weight-loss programs to help you adopt a healthier lifestyle so that you live a full, long life. Our experts have put together some information to highlight the benefits of good nutrition and how nutrition counseling can help you reach this goal. 

What is nutrition counseling?

When you visit us at our clinic in Brooklyn, New York, for nutrition counseling, you can expect to receive expert guidance and support. Nutrition counseling is part of a comprehensive wellness plan to help you improve your overall health. 

People of all ages can benefit from nutrition counseling. Dr Leibowitz does a comprehensive evaluation of your dietary and exercise needs and then creates an individualized wellness plan just for you. He takes your personal factors into consideration, such as your personal nutrition goals and any existing conditions you have, like high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes. 

Good nutrition makes a difference

Whether you’re looking to better control a chronic condition, prevent disease, or lose weight, our wellness programs can help you get there. 

Here are some ways healthy eating affects your body and wellness. 

Helps prevent chronic disease

The foods you eat have a powerful influence on many chronic conditions including:

• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes
• Tooth decay
• Heart disease
• High cholesterol
• Stroke
• Osteoporosis
• Arthritis

Your food choices can also affect certain types of cancer, including colorectal, liver, esophageal, stomach, and breast.

Good nutrition not only plays a role in combating chronic disease, it benefits mental well-being, too. Poor nutrition raises the risk of depression and anxiety.

Helps to better manage chronic conditions

If you already have a chronic condition such as hypertension, making healthy food choices can help you manage your condition. For people with high blood pressure, adopting a nutrient-dense diet that’s low in sodium may help lower blood pressure. Cutting back on saturated fat and replacing it with heart-healthy fats can help slash your cholesterol numbers if you have high cholesterol. An expertly-designed nutrition plan can help tackle chronic disease so that you feel and function your best. 

Promotes healthy weight

More than 70% of adults in the United States are overweight or obese, and carrying excess weight increases the risk of chronic disease and premature death. Because healthy foods are naturally low in unhealthy components and rich in nutrients, a nutritious diet promotes a healthy weight. Conversely, processed and convenience foods typically contain excess sodium, preservatives, sugar, and fat.

Encourages healthy aging

Scientists have yet to find a fountain of youth, but you can stay healthy as you age by reducing the risk for age-related conditions such as:

• Osteoporosis
• Arthritis
• Eye diseases 
• Lung diseases
• Dementia
• Heart disease

Nutrition plays a key role in healthy aging. The proper nutrients enable cellular repair and help prevent cellular damage. 

Dr. Leibowitz and our team of medical professionals can help you overhaul your diet and revitalize your health. To learn more, give us a call or schedule your appointment online. We offer both in-office visits and telehealth appointments to suit your needs.