KTK-Nutrition

This week at the gym, a few people were saying how they or a relative were recovering from some illness, colds, flu or other illnesses that got them run-down and not feeling good.    Are there immunity boosting foods that will help you fight off infections?    As we get   older , our immune system is weaker and we are more likely to get sick.    For those over 65, respiratory infections and in particular pneumonia, are leading causes of death.  What foods can you add to your diet to boost your immune system? Citrus Fruits Citrus fruits are a great way to add some important nutrients like vitamin C and folic acid to one’s day.  (See:  How does vitamin C keep you healthy? )   Citrus fruits  include oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes, clementines, and mandarins.  Vitamin C is known for helping to strengthen one’s immune system.  Besides vitamin C, citrus fruits add important antioxidants that have ant...

Collagen seems to be very popular right now.   Turn on the TV and you are bound to see some ad for a collagen supplement.   But do you need a supplement or can you get collagen from food?   Why do you need collagen?   Are there nutrients that promote the formation of collagen?   The March 2024 edition of Environmental Nutrition has a great article, “Health Benefits of Supplemental Collagen” by Registered Dietitian, Caroline Thomason.    Other helpful articles include Health Benefits of Collagen ,   WebMD.  What is collagen and why do we need it?   Collagen is a protein that plays a vital role in the health of your skin, bones, joints, and other body parts. Collagen protein makes up about “30% of your body’s protein”.   Collagen has several important functions including: Improving skin elasticity and hydration Boosting muscle mass Strengthening hair and nails Building block of skin, muscles, and your bones, also tendons and lig...

Who doesn’t want healthier hair?   Almost everyday we are bombarded with commercials advertising products for healthier hair, for growing more hair.   My sister sent me some articles about foods to promote hair growth , strength and health.   Look around you today as you are out and about.   How many people do you see with shiny, thick, strong, healthy hair?   What foods could people with dull, thin hair add to their diet for healthier locks? What are some nutrients that promote healthier hair? Like any part of your body, your hair needs nutrients.   “Some nutrients that are particularly beneficial in promoting hair growth, strength, and thickness include protein, B vitamins (including biotin and riboflavin), vitamins C and D, omega-3 fats, collage, zinc, iron,”   says nutritionist Bianca Tamburello.   What vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are important for healthy hair and hair growth? The Cleveland Clinic has an excellent article on ...

This Fall how can you eat to boost your immune system?   What foods should you be adding to your day or week?   Fall and winter may bring on colds, the flu, and other infections.   Are there foods you can eat to help boost your immune system?   Besides the traditional chicken soup and hot tea that many recommend, what other foods can give your immune system a boost?      Can some foods really give your immune system a boost? No one food will prevent you from getting sick.   But eating foods full of the vitamins and minerals your immune system needs, will help give your immune system a boost and may help prevent an illness and help you recover faster if you do get sick.   Doctor Cassandra Calabrese says , “There’s no doubt that a healthy diet improves your immunity to illness.   What you put in your body is important for your overall health, including your immune system.”   What are some foods to stock up on to give your immune...

Are you getting your daily vitamin C?   Growing up everyone had juice glasses in their homes and almost everyone drank some real, 100% juice for breakfast.   This could be orange juice, tomato juice or grapefruit juice.   Now, juice glasses are a rarity in people’s home.   And, rather than real, 100% juice, the people that do drink “juice” often choose a fake juice or a fruit drink that contains little or no juice.   But you do not have to drink juice to get enough vitamin C.   Many fruits and vegetables are rich in C. What is vitamin C?   Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that is also known as ascorbic acid.   What does “essential” mean?   It means your body does not make vitamin C and you need to “eat it to get it”. Since it is water-soluble vitamin, your body does not store it and you should eat some vitamin C rich foods every day.   How does vitamin C help keep you healthy? Some people hear “vitamin C” and they think of colds...