National Nutrition Month with Mary Zotos, RD from LI Community Hospital
Hi there, Mary Zotos, RD from Long Island Community Hospital, wishing you a very Happy National Nutrition Month!
While in the past we have talked about the importance of watching your portion sizes, reading your food labels, avoiding trans-fats and increasing your physical activity and your hydration; this is an excellent time to talk to you about the importance maintaining a healthy body weight to help keep your immune system healthy and strong.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has affected a lot of people, we see that the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions such as morbid obesity and diabetes are at greatest risk.
The Western Diet, or the American way of eating saturated fats, trans-fats, refined sugars and fast foods contribute to diseases such diabetes and obesity. Obesity is associated with a loss of immune capability; this means that compared with healthy weight individuals, people who suffer from obesity have an increased vulnerability to bacterial and viral infections.
Good nutrition creates an environment in which the immune system can perform optimally, while poor nutrition does not allow the immune system to respond as well.
It is important, now more than ever, to make it your goal to achieve a healthy body weight, do so by eating a variety of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Choose lean proteins, whole grains, avoid trans-fat, keep exercising and keep up with your hydration.
If you need further assistance, we are happy to help!
