You would think that the advice put out by the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee would be good for your health. They provide common guidance for people to eat healthier and avoid unhealthy food items.
Yet, the fact is that dietary guidelines may have done more harm than good for the American diet.
What’s Wrong With Dietary Guidelines?
These guidelines have played a major part in the increase of certain diseases. Developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) who simultaneously sets agricultural policies and nutritional guidelines, the dietary guidelines seem to have less to do with health needs and nutritional science and more to do with serving commercial entities and market trends dictated by farming subsidies.
The focus of the guidelines has been on lowering the amount of meat eaten and increasing the amount of grains and vegetable products eaten. This advice has lead to an increased consumption of carbs and lower consumption of protein. This shift in diet has contributed to the rise in many chronic conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and coronary disease.
The guidelines fail to provide guidance on how to balance diet with nutritional needs. A diet rich in grains and vegetables, often fails to provide enough key nutrients. These include choline, zinc, calcium, magnesium, niacin, Vitamin B12 and riboflavin. This is hard on the adult body and can affect the growth and development of children.
The guidelines do not address nutrition within ethnic, cultural, regional or socioeconomic differences. Shopping at an organic grocery store sounds good, but is not in the budget for many Americans. Genetic factors play a big part in how certain people metabolize food, leading to certain groups having high rates of obesity and related conditions. Entire food styles, found in regional or cultural cuisines, are off the table if you apply the guidelines strictly.
The guidelines do not have a solid scientific basis underpinning them. You might think that the guidelines would have solid data behind them. Unfortunately, they are based on scientific data that is weak or inconclusive. In a few cases, the guidelines are actually contrary to what modern medicine considers healthy.
The guidelines are used for far more than originally intended. Originally, the guidelines were meant to be suggestions for the American public to use. Their use has gone far beyond this original mandate. They are used to guide school lunch programs, budget allocations and agricultural policy. This has only spread the harm done by these guidelines.
How Can You Move Past Dietary Guidelines?
If you want to restore your body's health and live a longer, happier life, you need change how you eat. You need to learn how to eat in a way that supports your health and gives you plenty of energy. Contact Matrix Age Management. We can help you get on the path to youthful vigor and a happier life.
