We all have some idea of the meaning of nutrition and health. Each means different things to different people. While reviewing the definition in a number of dictionaries, it is no wonder most of us are confused relative to the meaning of Nutrition. I have heard it stated that nutrition is a "new science". A number of definitions state that nutrition is a PROCESS. How does one learn anything about nutrition? Not in school, not in college, not even in medical schools. Linda Clark, a writer of some 20 books on nutrition stated that she spent 10 years in the library before writing her first book.

Have you ever wondered why this important subject is not taught at many levels of education? The answer is simple. If the masses had even a slight knowledge about nutrition, the food industry would have to scrap about 99% of the processed foods on the market today. People simply would not eat many of these worthless foods.

Is there a conspiracy to "keep us dumb"? Years ago I met a person that was taking a course in college on nutrition. I thought, finally, I have found someone that can talk about nutrition. The only things this person learned were the 5 major food groups, and how to draw a food pyramid.

Over the years, I have read a number of books about nutrition. Some of the copyright dates go back as far as 1927 and 1928. Other scientists I have followed formed their ideas in the 30's and 40's. When I was reading this information in the 50's and 60's, there was much less confusion than exists today.

Today, we find many scientists that condemn the writings of Adell Davis. I certainly don't claim that everything she wrote was etched in stone. It was Adell Davis that kindled the fire in me to learn all I can about nutrition. I read all of her books, bought many of them, gave them to friends thinking I could create an interest in nutrition. Only a small number made the decision to study nutrition and follow a lifelong path of seeking health through nutrition.

My goal is not to undertake the impossible task of providing a course in nutrition. Instead, the goal is to create more questions than answers. Give a man a fish, and you feed him a day, teach him to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.

A student of nutrition will soon become a student of health. Simply stated, if one desires to be healthy, then one must study nutrition. The relationship between nutrition and health has been long established. The best definition of nutrition is, "the series of processes by which an organism takes in and assimilates food for promoting growth and repairing tissue". Read all the nutrition information labels you can find. There will not be one fact that relates to this definition.

The definition of health reads "physical and mental well being, freedom from disease". Everyone wants to be healthy, but few have the discipline to lay the groundwork and follow a plan that will result in health. Most people will not make the sacrifices needed to gain a working knowledge of nutrition. They have to be brought to their knees by some ailment before they realize their health has been sabotaged by failure to provide every nutrient needed to repair cells and enhance the immune system.

Americans face decisions everyday that can undermine their health. There are foods that heal and foods that kill. What about butter and margarine? How about the different kinds of fat? A large number of phony sweeteners exist that have documented ill effects on the body. What about eggs and dairy products? Do you have a "junk food list"? Everyone needs a mental list of foods that they will never eat, unless in a starvation situation.

The only way to avoid becoming a medical system dependent is to study and practice known nutritional principals and adhere to a few simple rules of good health.