In today’s society, where health awareness is at an all-time high, consumers have
access to a diverse range of medical, dietary, and food options. Given that each
individual has a distinct body type, it is critical to have a customised approach to
health. Individuals can considerably improve their general health by carefully choosing
what to eat and knowing the nutrition it delivers.
How Diet and Nutrition Play a Crucial Role?
Diet and nutrition are crucial for health but serve different roles. Diet refers to the
total food intake, while nutrition is about how the body uses that food for growth,
metabolism, and repair. Although closely related, they are not interchangeable;
deficiencies in nutrients can affect health, and overall health can influence nutritional
needs.
Nandan Gijare, Managing Director of I2CAN, says, “A balanced diet and proper nutrition
are vital for growth, repair, disease prevention, and overall well-being. With modern lifestyle
changes impacting health and eating habits, maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for good
health and preventing various conditions”.
ICMR data reveals that poor diets contribute to 56.4% of India’s illness burden. A
balanced diet and regular exercise can significantly reduce risks of coronary heart
disease, hypertension, and up to 80% of type 2 diabetes. Embracing balanced
nutrition and a healthy lifestyle can prevent many premature deaths. Growing
awareness is leading people to move beyond just avoiding junk food, focusing on
home-cooked, nutritious meals, managing weight, counting calories, and addressing
concerns like gut health, skin, and hair. This reflects a deeper commitment to overall
well-being.
Modern technology, including fitness apps, trackers, and smart scales, is also aiding in
health and diet management. Smartwatches and fitness trackers offer data on weight
and calorie burn, while continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) provide real-time glucose
levels, helping track food intake, activity, and medication.
Current Trends in Diet and Nutrition
The focus is shifting towards modern medical approaches and proactive strategies for
maintaining good health through balanced diet and nutrition. These include:
Nutrigenomics Testing – Nutrigenomic testing tailors nutrition plans to genetic
profiles, aiding informed dietary choices and reducing disease risk by identifying
genetic variations that affect nutrient needs and food sensitivities.
Mindful and Sustainable Eating – Mindful eating involves savoring each bite and tuning
into hunger cues. It supports health and environmental sustainability by choosing local,
whole foods, reducing carbon footprints, and promoting a sustainable diet.
Here are some emerging trends poised to transform how people manage their diet and
nutrition for better health :
Microbiome Analysis: The gut microbiome, essential for health and influenced by diet,
provides insights into health risks. Analyzing it will help create personalized dietary
recommendations to improve well-being.
Hyper-Personalization with AI: AI-driven hyper-personalization is transforming diet
and nutrition by delivering customized nutritional plans with real-time adjustments
and predictive analysis for more effective guidance.
People must take consultation from experts who offer specialized guidance in areas
such as aesthetics medicine, cosmetology, diet and nutrition. A Pune-based institute,
I2CAN excels in these fields, providing advanced diplomas in Clinical Nutrition and
Dietetics, skin and hair nutrition, and nutritional gynaecology. By training skilled
professionals, the institute enhances personalised dietary advice, contributing to
overall well-being and contributing to a healthier nation.
