Nutrition. We hear the word and we cringe. We all commonly associate it with eating things that we don't like or dieting. But nutrition really has nothing to do with either.

Nutrition is nothing more than making sure that we consume the proper nutrients. The body needs certain things in certain amount to maintain healthy to work and regenerate properly.

Proper nutrition means being healthy.

There are many things in the diet that get more air-time than others. We all watch our calorie, carbohydrate and salt intake. But there are many things that get forgetting in the mix because the general public has weight on the mind.

The heart needs certain nutrient to ensure that it works properly and delivers a proper blood supply to the rest of the body. Without certain things, such as potassium, the heart can't do its job.

But what about the rest of the body? The rest of the body needs things to. Every organ is hungry, hungry for the proper nutrients, just as you feel hungry and eat.

The body needs energy, fat stores and calcium.

Just because you aren't starving doesn't mean your body isn't.

You have muscles that help you move, they need food too. Protein helps to repair, build and rebuild muscles. It also helps to regenerate other cells within the body.

Fat is important as well. Though some people go overboard, your body still needs it. There are many parts of the body that need fat to survive and there are many types of fat that you can eat. Eat the healthy ones, and stay away from trans fat.

Carbohydrates give you energy, without them your body will start to "eat itself alive." If you body isn't' getting the energy from the source it should, it will use other parts of the body to draw from to get that energy. It has to burn something.

Calcium is always associated with bones. You can't walk anywhere or do anything if you bones aren't strong enough. Calcium is one nutrient that is slowly declining in the average person's diet. Teeth are bones too, many people only associate oral care like brushing with healthy teeth, but diet plays a huge role in this.

Sugar is overrated. We all love to eat those sweets, but we don't always think before we snack. Too much sugar in the diet can cause certain organs to be overworked and can cause many conditions such as type 2 diabetes.

Obesity is one of the main issues that is a result of poor nutrition. Not knowing what you need to eat and how much can only lead to health issues. Take the time to do your homework on what you are getting and what you need to get to ensure proper health and your body will end up in tip top shape, and not deprived of all the vital nutrients it needs to survive. Of course, a little exercise never hurt anyone either.

Learn more about this author, Sarah Sanuth.
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