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There is so much chatter from social media, influencers, and weird websites about the right and wrongs of nutrition. How do you know what is factual?
Here are three nutrition misconceptions that we are highly susceptible too.
1. Acid Reflux:
- Misconception: The acid reflux and heartburn you feel means you have too much stomach acid.
- Truth: The acid reflux and heartburn you feel are the results of having too LITTLE stomach acid.
- Explanation: Many people struggle with heartburn, acid reflux, bloating, minimal appetite, and burping/gas after eating because they have low stomach acid. Acid is important to disinfect and break down food to absorb the nutrients we eat. When we feel acid reflux symptoms, we grab a tum or another antacid to mask the discomfort. However, that is all it’s doing. It is not addressing the actual issue of your pain. The symptoms are a result of digestive dysfunction. We can increase our stomach acid by taking digestive bitters before meals, reducing stress, eating protein at every meal, including fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut, and avoiding drinking large amounts of liquid before and during a meal.
2. Hormone Imbalances:
- Misconception: Hormone imbalances could be reversed by birth control.
- Truth: Hormone balance is not a quick fix, and the pill doesn’t reverse your symptoms. You must address your blood sugar and your gut health.
- Explanation: When our hormones are out of wack, it is likely we are experiencing skin issues, painful periods, extreme fatigue, and digestive discomfort. You need to address gut health and blood sugar. Gut health is crucial for many systems of our body. You can be eating all the right things, but if you’re not absorbing the food you’re working so hard to consume, your body lacks those nutrients. In terms of blood sugar, when we’re riding the blood sugar roller coaster, our body remains in a stressed state which puts reproductive hormone creation on the back burner.
3. Calories In= Calories Out:
- Misconception: The only thing that matters when you lose weight is calories in = calories out.
- Truth: Losing weight sustainably and successfully happens when we balance the body systems and focus on the quality of our diet and lifestyle behaviors.
- Explanation: What you should be focusing on when you want to lose weight is the nutrient density of your meals, quality sleep hygiene, daily movement, proper hydration, and managing stress.
If you feel confused about nutrition, health, or wellness- you are NOT alone! With so much flooded and conflicting information surrounding us, it’s easy to get caught up in all the noise. Come to me with any questions and we can discuss the TRUTH together!
