Three years have passed since I’ve started this site, and in that time I’ve thought a lot about what’s worth paying attention to in the world of nutrition. In past anniversary posts I’ve talked about how to navigate contradictory diet advice from the media and outlined my personal philosophy on health and wellness. This year, I’d like to look forward to the areas of research with the most exciting implications for the future of the field.
The gut microbiome
Our gastrointestinal systems are home to hundreds of species of microorganisms that make up what is known as the gut microbiome. These tiny creatures play a variety of roles in the body such as helping with digestion, protecting cells from injury and death, and enhancing the immune response. They also influence mood regulation by aiding in serotonin production and facilitating communication between the enteric and central nervous systems. Researchers are discovering more about how the substances we consume, such as processed foods, artificial sweeteners, and antibiotics, impact the composition of the gut microbiome. We get closer to discovering how we can optimize our symbiotic relationship with these organisms with each additional study we that do.
Low-carb diets for weight loss
This issue has been in the spotlight recently due to the rising popularity of the ketogenic diet, but nutrition enthusiasts have been arguing about it for decades. Will cutting carbs really help you lose weight and keep it off, or are you just dooming yourself to hunger and no cake at birthday parties? Researchers continue to study the intricacies of insulin sensitivity, the impact of different macronutrients on fat storage, and the practicalities of low-carb diets for long-term weight management. We still have a lot to learn. At the end of the day, I believe that the best diet (for weight loss or otherwise) is one that makes you feel good and you can stick to. Mindfully experimenting with different levels of carbohydrates in your own diet is a great way to see what works for you.
The impact of diet on climate
Consumers are facing the reality that their individual choices make a difference for the health of the planet. Cattle and other ruminants are responsible for almost 40% of the methane gas productions related to human activity, which has led many climate activists to advocate for plant-based diets. Land use related to food production is another area of concern. In August 2019, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which is an intergovernmental body of the United Nations, released a report detailing how some practices related to human diets, including global land use, agriculture, and meat consumption, could be changed to lessen the impacts of global warming. According to this report, human activities related to land management produce almost a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions, making it imperative that land is used more sustainably for food production. Despite consistent scientific evidence, political and industry interests continue to clash with environmental needs. There are a number of ways you can consider the environment as you plan your meals, such as supporting local producers, choosing a day (or several) each week to go meat-free, using reusable containers to store your food, and researching brands that have sustainable land use practices.
Alternative proteins
Gone are the days when tofu or beans were the only options for vegetarians; the market for alternative proteins is rapidly growing. From cricket protein powder to meat analogs such as the Beyond Burger and the Impossible Burger, there are now a plethora of choices available to those who wish to cut down on their meat consumption. Scientists are studying the effects of these different protein sources on both human health and the environment. For example, researchers at Arizona State University are working on developing a new tool that ranks different protein sources in terms of their bioavailability (how much of the protein in the food can actually be absorbed and used by the human body) and impact on the environment. With an increased focus on plant-based diets for sustainability, the market for alternative proteins will continue to expand.
Personalized nutrition
We are learning more about the different factors that influence how our bodies process nutrients: genetics, the microbiome, stress, sleep, and the environment are just some of the many that play a role. Companies are also developing more tools that allow individuals to monitor their own health. The free health app on my iPhone can help me track my activity, menstrual cycle, heart rate, and sleep, among other things. Personal nutrition companies such as Habit and Viome offer individualized diet plans based on biomarkers such as blood lipid levels and microbiome composition. As knowledge about individual nutrition increases and technology improves, we can expect to be able to fine-tune our diets to benefit our unique physiologies.
I love this field because it’s dynamic; we are constantly learning more about how we can influence our health through food. This can also lead to frustration and confusion at times, as the media is constantly offering different advice about what, when, why, and how to eat. I hope that this site continues to be a resource that you turn to for clear information. Thank you for reading, and here’s to year four!