Allow me to share part of what I discussed in a webinar organized by the Trainers and Advocates’ Association of the Philippines (TAAP) on last Wednesday, with an audience composed mostly of people in the hospitality industry. The topic was Malnutrition prevention among adults: cultivating a healthy work environment. Hope the event will pave the way for work collaborations between those who prepare food in restaurants, hotels and the nutritionist-dietitians who advocate proper diet. Hotels and restaurants need dietitians if good nutrition is prioritized. Some hospitals, a workplace of dietitians, have started hiring chefs as they embark on culinary nutrition.
Nutrition is just one aspect of health at whatever age. In fact, it is a prerequisite of good health. Adulthood is the longest period or stage in life such that it is very important to ensure proper nutrition and health. It is a time when one is expected to be productive. However, adults are not spared of bad or malnutrition – undernutrition, overnutrition and specific deficiencies. Ever wondered about nutrition’s role in the leading causes of death in the Philippines? These include diseases of the heart and blood vessels, cancer, diabetes among others. Nutrition plays a role in all such diseases.
There is a Barker’s Hypothesis which actually traces the fetal origins of adult diseases. Those who suffered from poor nutrition, growth retardation or other adverse conditions while inside the uterus of their mother, have a greater tendency to suffer from chronic diseases like those of the heart and blood vessels, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, etc. later in life, and can even be earlier than expected. Genes play a role though accordingly in most cases, lifestyle which encompasses food, physical activity, smoking, consumption of alcoholic beverages, rest, sleep and stress management exert a more substantial effect.
Specific to adulthood, nutrition is crucial not only in reproduction and child rearing but also because malnourished adults will have low work productivity. Malnutrition also leads to illness and thus more costly to families, employers and the nation.
For good health and nutrition, the following are emphasized – bone and muscle health, strong immune system, ensuring normal blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels among many. Calcium, which plays a great role in bone health, cannot anymore be deposited in the bones and teeth starting at mid-thirties. The body prioritizes the 1% of calcium in the blood such that when blood calcium levels are low, and diet is poor in calcium, the body withdraws from calcium deposited in the younger years, making the bones brittle over time increasing risk to fracture. Muscle health necessitates varied nutrients and active physical lifestyle so as to prevent muscle wasting. High blood pressure may have known and unknown factors. As one ages, the elasticity of blood vessels is reduced thereby increasing blood pressure. Sodium if taken in excessive amounts can contribute to high blood pressure as blood volume is increased. Plaque deposits in the blood vessels, consisting mostly of cholesterol, increases risk to stroke or heart attack. Being physically active helps improve cholesterol profile.
There is not much difference with nutrition during adulthood compared to other life stages. For instance, people regardless of age and sex, need the same kinds of nutrients. It is the amount that varies also depending on physiological conditions like when a person undergoes surgery, the amount of protein needs to be increased for repair of body tissues. When a woman is pregnant, the energy and nutrient recommendations are also increased. The principles remain – variety in food intake, adequacy, balance and moderation of intake; control of calorie intake and emphasis on foods of high nutrient density.
