Dr. Dalton's Blog-Nutrition

There is controversy over several aspects of nutrition, but one thing that remains constant is the fact that consuming excessive amounts of processed foods puts the body in a state of stress and can lead to pathology. A general rule of thumb is to minimize the amount of food that comes in boxes or eating fast food as much as possible. Not to say you can never have those foods, but again, excessive intake of processed foods will put the body at risk for developing a wide array of symptoms. Eating whole foods such as lean meat, fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs, poultry, and beans are great options in replacement of a highly processed meal or eating fast food. 

These foods help to reduce stress, clean up the gut microbiome, and promote overall wellness and improved mood. The gut-brain connection cannot be ignored, and when the fuel going into the body is overly processed and taking a toll on the gut, the brain is aware of this and will send pain signals throughout the body as well as trigger different hormones to release in order to compensate for the poor diet. This can lead to weight gain, loss of muscle mass, pain, and depressed mood of an individual. Eating healthy with "cheat" days planned in moderation is a great starting place for eating more whole foods. This coupled with proper exercise and motion in the body gives the body the best opportunity to stay healthy!