QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY

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Annis McKinney
6 years ago
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1 Module 19 QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY MICHAEL JACOBSON, PhD

2 2 Q What steps can we take to reduce the use of salt in the food industry? A The FDA and USDA do little to tackle this problem. That said, city and state health officials could be pressuring the food industry to lower sodium levels, and the U.S. Congress could be doing more. Cities and states could also enforce stricter regulations for restaurants, requiring them to display warning notices on foods with the highest levels of salt, or even better, the actual sodium levels.

3 3 Q What is the maximum amount of sodium we should be eating in a day? A The less the better. The Institute of Medicine recommends under 2,300 mg/day for healthy, young, white, adults. Most other people should go down to 1,500 mg. Many often ask me what level of salt intake is unsafe and my answer is always the same there is no cut-off the more one eats, the greater the risk of hypertension.

4 4 Q What are some main health problems caused by a high sodium diet? A High blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes are the main health concerns. That said, kidney stones, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and gastric ulcers are also linked to high salt intake.

5 5 Q How much sodium does it usually take to begin having these symptoms? A The more one consumes, the greater the chances of high blood pressure. Regarding the other conditions, symptoms are not time-bound. My advice is that preventions are better than cures.

6 6 Q Why does America allow artificial food dyes when Europe and other regions do not? A Because European governments and consumers are a lot less tolerant of accepting risks from unnecessary food ingredients. What can we do to change this? We either need a new government or a lot more public pressure in the form of media publicity and congressional hearings. Individuals should write letters to their congressional representatives and demand a more transparent food supply.

7 7 Q Why are illnesses and food poisoning from vegetables so much more prevalent today? How can we reduce the risk of contamination? A It s not clear if there are more problems today or our technique at detecting contamination has improved. In order to reduce the risk, the FDA needs to enforce stricter regulations that require farmers and packing houses to take extra preventive measures. In addition, the FDA needs to verify that those measures are implemented by having an inspection system in place.

8 8 Q What is an effective way to coach the public about the benefits of eating less industrial, chemical foods without sounding confrontational or like an activist? A It s so hard to get friends and clients to change their diets! If appeals to their health don t work, maybe bringing in altruistic concerns animal welfare and the environment might work.

9 9 Q What do you think about fortified foods? Are the added vitamins and minerals beneficial? A From the outset, they re probably beneficial since it ensures people who eat poor diets are at least getting some added vitamins and minerals. That said, it would be a lot smarter to get nutrients from natural foods in part because natural foods contain dietary fiber, protein, and a variety of nutrients that fortified foods don t contain. Could they be dangerous if we eat too many fortified foods in a day? Maybe in a few cases, but in general, that s not a concern.

10 10 Q How accurate do you feel the nutrition labels are on the majority of packaged foods? A FDA, Consumers Union, and CSPI do spot check inspections, and, in general, the labels are accurate. The challenge now is to continue to get chain restaurants to provide calorie and other nutrition information on menus and menu boards.

11 11 Q Do you think we will run out of fresh food with most U.S. crops producing soy and corn for predominantly industrial uses? A I don t think this should be a huge concern. If there s a market for fruits, vegetables, and grains, then companies will fill the need. Still, the diversion of so much corn to produce ethanol is raising food prices.

12 12 Q What can we do to protect our food supply from shortages? A The U.S. will probably not be affected by food shortages compared with city-dwellers in developing nations it s these populations who will face the biggest food shortage challenges.

Suggested layout: outer board measures 23 tall x 35 wide cork part measures 21 tall x 33 wide. Why should I read nutrition labels?

Suggested layout: outer board measures 23 tall x 35 wide cork part measures 21 tall x 33 wide Title: What s in a label? Why should I read nutrition labels? Ingredients 5 x 10 The Nutrition Facts label