Whats Healthy?

Whats healthy? 

Well, the definition of health is: the state of being free from illness or injury, so I'm guessing healthy is anything that doesn't make you sick or injured.

What are healthy foods? Using that definition, a healthy food is one that doesn't make you sick.

I write diets for people every day and one of the most common questions I get asked is, “What foods are the best for me?” My reply, “What ever foods your body likes.” A client said that his body likes KFC. I said no it doesn't. Your mind may like KFC but your body certainly doesn't. 

Every week I come across articles by people who introduce themselves with “I'm a nutritionist” and then proceed to say certain foods are good for you. I read one this morning on the benefits of dairy despite all previous reports and the massive shift away from dairy products. 

Apologies, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm a nutritionist. There, now you can take what I'm writing a bit more seriously.

It seems that some foods have been pegged as the be-all and end-all of health. They are known as super foods. They provide your body with so much goodness that you simply must include them in your day. Providing macronutrients, micronutrients, form good gut bacteria, plenty of fibre, good fats, antioxidants. The list goes on. Short of curing world hunger there isn't a lot these foods apparently cant do. They are probably the cure for covid-19.

Blueberries, fish, avocado, legumes (think beans) oats, olive oil, nuts, cruciferous vegetables, mushrooms, garlic, cinnamon (the last 2 aren't really foods but they are still super) to name just a few. These are dietary staples everyone needs to achieve optimal health.

However, looking at that list, blueberries destroy my guts. I pity the person who has to walk behind me after I’ve had blueberries. Fish makes me violently ill and i'll spend a day sitting on the toilet or vomiting. Or both. Avocado causes all kinds of gut issues and bloats the hell out of me. Legumes have me doubled over in pain with stomach cramps. Oats, my gosh I had no idea so much could come out of me so quickly after consuming oats. Olive oil I'm fine with. Nuts. Depends on the nut. Anything with large amounts of phytic acid (an anti-nutrient that stops your body absorbing nutrients and causes bloating and diarrhoea.) in them and I'm right back to the toilet like I’ve just eaten a bowl of oats. Which also contain phytic acid. Cruciferous vegetables. Broccoli bloats me. Cauliflower I can handle in very small amounts. Literally if I go a gram over 110g in one sitting then my gut lets me know about it. Mushrooms bloat me. Garlic makes me nauseous. Im allergic to cinnamon. At least the rash that forms on my lips and mouth after a few days of having it leads me to believe.

The recommended daily intake of fibre for an adult is 25-35g depending on where you get your numbers from. Let me tell you if I have anywhere near that much I wouldn't have the time to go to work or train or live. I’d be on the toilet all day long. I've tried to get to the RDI because its healthy, and it didn't end well. Don't try telling me I need to slowly increase the amount. I did. I did it over several months and any time I got over 15g, lets just say I was more than extremely regular.

Do the reactions to these foods sound like they are good for me? Does it sound like my body is thanking me for consuming them? Are these the kind of things you would take to be healthy and function optimally if this is what they did to you?

I guess I'm screwed. I guess health just isn't on the cards for me.

Regardless of the reported benefits of foods, ultimately if your body likes it or not really determines if the food is going to do you good or not. If your body doesn't like something then it will let you know. If it doesn't like it then it's not good for you. For you, by definition it’s not healthy.

While its true that some foods are obviously better for us than others, don't get caught in the trap of thinking you must have them. I've tried almost every healthy food and had varying levels of success with them. What foods my body can handle is different to what others can handle. It’s why when I write a diet for a person I say, “Tell me the foods you want to eat.” I now know what I can and cant eat regardless of if it appears on top 20 superfoods lists.

The foods I eat have no negative affects on my body. They give me everything my body needs to function at its best and for me to be healthy. Health is the state of being free from illness.

Eat the foods your body likes. Your body. Not what a list says. Not what the internet says and not  what your mind says like my KFC loving client.

On a side note, the link between gut health and mental health is exceptionally important. If your gut isn't happy then your mind is suffering too. What you put into your body has a direct effect on your gut and a carry over to your mind, mental state and well being. 

Nowadays every supplement has multiple potential irritants in the ingredient list. Sugar alcohols: Xylitol, Maltitol, Sorbitol, Erythritol, Mannitol are included as natural sweeteners. The blood sugar increase from these is significantly less than pure sugar. They are considered a better option than artificial sweeteners and if you've ever looked up or experienced what Aspartame or Acesulfame Potassium does to your body thats probably true. Unfortunately they can also wreak havoc with your guts and have a laxative effect. 

Gums are also in everything. From bread to protein powders to pizza bases, nothing is safe. Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Cellulose Gum, Vegetable Gum, Locust Bean Gum, Agar Agar are in just about everything. They are used to change the texture of foods. Some are used as thickeners. Some to add elasticity. 

Like the sugar alcohols these also can have a laxative effect. They can cause bloating and gut distress.

A lot of supplement companies promote the inclusion of digestive enzymes but then completely counter the benefits of the enzyme by using either sugar alcohols or gums. In many cases they use both.

Taking it back to health. If you’re constantly irritating your gut with sugar alcohols and gums your gut isn't going to be happy. The trickle down effect of constantly bombarding your system with things that cause bloating and upset guts will eventually affect your mood, your sleep, your performance and more importantly, your health.

So while sugar alcohols and gums may be natural and technically aren't bad for you, the side effects from them can be extremely unhealthy. 

Once again, just because they are advertised as being safe to consume, pay attention to your body when you do. If you experience any gut or mood changes you may want to stop consuming foods or supplements with them listed in the ingredients.

I warn every client about both sugar alcohols and gums as they destroy my guts. I will not go near anything made using either of them.

Remember if it makes you sick, it’s not healthy.