Investigate Special Dietary Needs

Pregnancy

To reduce the risk of certain birth defects, pregnant women need to eat foods high in folic acid

(Folic acid can be found in foods such as spinach, parsley, broccoli, lettuce, lima beans, turnip greens, asparagus and beef liver)

Pregnant women need to increase their intake of vitamins and minerals

Childhood

Eating habits and attitudes toward food are established during childhood

Regular meals teach good eating habits

Adolescents

Protein is particularly important for adolescents as it builds and repairs body tissues while they are growing

Food Allergies

People with food allergies need to carefully read food labels to avoid eating products containing what they are allergic to

Symptoms of food allergies include itchy rash, nasal congestion, and diarrhea

Lactose Intolerance

A person experiences gas, bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea if they eat dairy products

High Blood Pressure

People with high blood pressure should eat a diet low in sodium

Cancer

To reduce the risk of some types of cancer, eat a diet that contains fresh foods and vegetables

Avoid highly processed foods

Diabetes

When a person has diabetes, their body is unable to use carbohydrates.

Osteoporosis

A condition in which a person has brittle bones, usually from not consuming enough calcium

High Blood Cholesterol

High blood cholesterol levels can lead to heart disease

Seniors

As people age, their metabolism slows down so they require fewer calories

Athletes

An athlete should eat 3 -4 hours before competition

Athletes should eat complex carbohydrates to provide their bodies with enough energy to compete

To prevent dehydration, athletes should drink extra water