The daily practice of yoga helps us become more acutely aware of how the food we eat affects our body and mind. This recent study showed that yoga, but not other types of exercises, is associated with more mindful eating.
As yoga has become a bigger part of my life, I have definitely become more aware of how food affects me. I'm learning which foods give me energy and which do the opposite.
When doctors prescribe medication to patients, they talk about the possible side effects and toxicities. But who talks with us about the side effects of the food we eat every day? What if this were provided on nutrition labels: warning of short-term side effects such as lethargy, fatigue, headaches, poor concentration... and longer-term toxicities such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, death.
Food is so central to our health and wellbeing... I love when my yoga teachers talk about food and I think doctors should be talking about it more. (First step: medical schools need to teach future doctors how!)
I totally agree Christina. What courses have you been given in med school about nutrition and good eating if any? could nutrition students come in and talk with students this year? maybe you could make that happen.
ReplyDeleteWe haven't gotten any formal courses on nutrition and diet...
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