Does One Size Really Fit All?
“One size fits all” is a contrived phrase usually associated with the clothing industry. This misnomer is sometimes also attributed to dietary plans. But no two people are alike, and many variables can alter a successful nutrition blueprint.
Finding the right fit for clothing can be frustrating. An easy solution should be buying the “one size fits all,” but it is often too big or too small, too long or too short, or doesn’t fit correctly in certain areas. It rarely fits everyone. Instead, shoppers avoid the one size and use measurements for the right fit and look.
We tend to accommodate our shape and size, but we forget to apply this same concept to our health. Many blindly follow nutritional recommendations, thinking one diet fits all. Just as the outside of your body is unique to you, so is the inside. Nutritionally, it often requires specific considerations and recommendations.
While the human body is universal in biology, differences in gender, age and medical history will dictate nutrition recommendations. Listed below are explanations and examples of why the “one size fits all” nutrition plan should not be tried on for size.
Gender:
Biologically, males and females are different, and micronutrient (vitamins and minerals) recommendations vary based on gender. One example is that women require additional B vitamins, specifically folate, while men should not take iron supplements without medical supervision due to the inability to rid iron from the body and the risk of toxicity.
Age:
The age and the activity level of an individual needs to be considered when providing nutrition recommendations. A sedentary individual likely requires less macro (carbohydrate, proteins and fats) and micronutrients as compared to an active individual when age and gender are comparable. The same can be true of age, thus the reason nutrition guidelines are different for pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.
Medical History:
Co-morbidities (illnesses) affect organs and systems in the body and will alter nutrition needs and make dietary modifications necessary to prevent health complications. Healthcare practitioners, such as registered dietitians, are the only licensed professionals able to provide medical nutrition therapy. Registered dietitians design detailed nutrition plans for patients after assessment of medical history, medications and laboratory results, whereas much of what is printed or available about nutrition is recommended for the general population. Nutrition supplements, low carb diets and soy are three prevalent nutrition topics in the media. Listed below are reasons why one’s personal medical history needs to be addressed prior to following general recommendations.
Nutritional Supplements:
Recommended amounts of specific vitamins and minerals change depending on the functionality of certain organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, liver, heart and kidneys. The inclusion or exclusion of certain foods containing specific vitamins and minerals or nutrient supplementation can further exacerbate a medical condition and cause significant health complications or even death. If your blood work reflects suboptimal function of any organ, you will want to learn more about your specific nutrient recommendations to optimize your health.
Low Carb Diets:
The low carb and higher protein and healthy fat diets are encouraged for weight loss and overall improved health and are gaining momentum as the lifestyle of choice for many. Without question, they provide both of the aforementioned benefits and many more, especially for diabetics. However, this diet is not beneficial for everyone. Individuals with renal (kidney) problems have protein restrictions and a high protein diet can further exacerbate renal disease and can be a risk to health. (It is important to note that higher protein diets will not cause kidney problems but will exacerbate kidney disease for those who are already compromised.) Low carb diets can still be beneficial for those with compromised renal function, but the plan will need to be structured to avoid high intakes of protein and the “one size” model cannot be used.
Soy:
The soybean has been highlighted over the years as a food containing health-beneficial phytoestrogens known as isoflavones. When metabolized, these isoflavones act like – and influence – estrogen receptors in the body. Certain cancers such as breast, ovarian, endometrial or uterine, can be hormone-specific, and the suppression of estrogen production is a common treatment for them. Soy isoflavones have been known to increase the effects of estrogen in the body; therefore, by avoiding soy, one can implement a natural means of hormone therapy. Most soy in the United States is also genetically modified, and research continues to show that genetically modified foods can lead to health complications. Articles praise the benefits of soy, but these two examples reveal how soy may not benefit all.
There is a wealth of nutrition information at our disposal. With a couple clicks or taps of the fingers, one can find a plethora of nutritional information. As a society, we suffer from infobesity – or the overabundance of information – and we are quick to read headlines or bottom lines or cherry pick information for the stated benefits. We are convinced by marketing, testimonials or the presenter’s credibility, and we forge ahead following their nutrition guidelines to seek the benefits, all while forgetting this recommendation may not be right for everyone.
Finding the right fit is important for both the outside and the inside of our bodies. Nutrition recommendations will vary dependent upon gender, age and medical history, and many may be best served to seek professional guidance before “trying on” the latest “one size fits all” advice.
This article is not intended for the treatment or prevention of disease, nor as a substitute for medical treatment, nor as an alternative to medical advice. Use of recommendations in this and other articles is at the choice and risk of the reader.
This article first appeared in Posh Seven Magazine, formerly known as I AM MODERN
Pumpkin Nut Smoothie
Here is an easy smoothie recipe that is protein and nutrient packed!
6oz of organic whole milk or unsweetened almond/coconut milk
1 scoop of vanilla whey or vegan protein powder
1 tsp of cinnamon
1 Tbsp of cashews, 1 Tbsp of raisins or dried cranberries, 1 Tbsp of coconut flakes
1/4 cup of organic canned pumpkin
Ice if desired
Blend and enjoy!
*If it is not sweet enough you can add additional raisins.
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September 29th is National Coffee Day! 
