The Role of Corporations and the Media in Citizen's Misinformation (W6P2)

    One of the greatest threats facing the publics perception of good health are highly-marketed fad diets and the processed foods that are marketed as green, healthy, and safe. Take for example the protein industry. The idea that we are not providing ourselves with enough protein is one of the greatest misconceptions of our society today. In fact, most people are actually eating more protein than is necessary. Protein deficiency  is scarce and physicians rarely diagnose it in any patient (besides in anorexia diagnoses). In reality, all plants have amino acids which are converted by our bodies into proteins. And that is enough to fuel and equip ourselves with the nutrients that we need to function. The protein and protein supplement industries are inspiring and profiting off of our misinformation. In fact, in a recent study, scientists enhanced the longevity of various species by restricting their protein intake. This research is only now beginning and nutritionists believe that as more evidence is presented in regards to the role of protein in our bodies, the next step to better health is reducing our "essential protein" intake. The education available to the typical person is fueled not by research but by opinion or greed. Even vegans are now coming to their doctors with the same chronic illnesses that omnivores present. Years ago, vegans would be considered the healthiest among our population, however, in accordance with the recent "anything you can eat, I can eat vegan" mindset, whole food dieters have transitioned to eating highly-processed, "healthy", vegan options that are laced with the same chemicals that contribute to the bad health of the general population. Even the keto diet is gaining popularity which is one of the least healthy options to lose weight that we have seen. In order to enhance our longevity and better the citizenry's health, we must avoid diets that focus on carb, protein, and fat guidelines, and stick to consuming veggies, fruits, whole grains, legumes, mushrooms, nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices. Compounding upon corporations roles in the misinformation surrounding healthy lifestyle practices is the medias recent campaigns. It should always be a persons choice whether or not they decide to lose weight; However, as Gen-Z continues to promote body positivity, many nutritionists are concerned what this might mean for public health. At some point, it seems that the body positivity has shifted from uplifting and empowering to creating a stigma against conversations about food and healthy choices. There must be some way that the narrative can be shifted from accepting your body to promoting healthy choices without focus on weight. The musician Lizzo has done an excellent job at starting this venture. The message of nutritionists is this: Everyones body is beautiful, however, if we do not promote healthy habits, chronic illness could grip many of the youth of this generation. 

    The information available to children is either absent or confusing. Left to discover the world of healthy habits by oneself, a child would find the above information provided by wealthy corporations and the ill-informed media. Schools have made minimal efforts to combat this and what has been provided bears major flaws. As a child, most learned the food pyramid. The traditional food pyramid claims that a healthy person will eat minimal fats and sugary snacks, 2 portions of protein, 3 portions of dairy, 5 portions of fruits and veggies, and 6+ portions of grains. When closely observed, one can see that the pictures and recommendations that the food pyramid teaches states those 6+ portions of grains can be consumed in the form of bread, cereal, and potatoes. The cheapest bread is white bread, the cheapest cereals contain a high dose of sugar, and one should not eat too many potatoes. A child would have no idea how to interpret this information. Much danger can arise when a child believes that they have to eat 6+ bowls of sugary cereal per day. By 2050, an estimated 30% of the population will have diabetes. What more can be expected when a child is taught they must eat more cereal than produce. More recently, the public school campaign has been the "My Plate" Model. The sticker of what each child's plate should look like is plastered around school lunch rooms all across the nation with no information to student's what they can do to interpret and benefit from the model. The plate has small portions of fruits and proteins, a small portion of dairy, and large portions of grains and dairy. Admittedly, the My Plate is better than the food pyramid, however it does leave one wondering what veggie and grain options are available to school children. The nation must start teaching kids how to avoid being pre-diabetic, otherwise most children will struggle with their health by the time they are twenty. The misinformation surrounding healthy lifestyle practices is perhaps the greatest barrier to limiting  chronic illness. The first step to enhancing the communities health can start within DMPS.