How do I study nutrition?

From: I William Wiser (will@wiserlife.com)
Date: Wed Apr 16 2003 - 16:04:54 MDT

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    I am currently studying nutrition. I hoped it would be a quick review so

    that I could get onto more interesting things. But the many claims and

    counter claims make me think it will take a while. My current problem

    then is devising a nutritional study program. I'm not out to do original

    research at this time. My goal is to learn enough to make practical

    diet recommendations for myself and others in line with what is known

    by current scientific wisdom. And then to keep up with nutritional

    science as it progresses.

     

    I'll sketch out some ideas here and I hope some people will throw

    out some other ideas for me to consider.

     

    I figure start with the most popular nutritional textbooks. Popular books

    written by the most established nutritional experts working at the most

    established nutritional institutions also sound good. If someone I think

    well grounded or who has a lot of nutritional training suggests other texts

    read those also. Once familiar with the textbooks look at web sites,

    journals, etc. Once I have a good sense of nutritional science look at

    nutritional theories and ideas from other established scientists. After

    that have a look at popular books, journal articles, and just about

    anything someone who seems sensible suggests.

     

    Once I read a bunch of stuff and thoroughly confuse myself I want to

    start over and compile a list of claims and arguments. Some claims

    will be well supported (and usually I will have to go to good peer

    reviewed journals to see that they are actually well supported. I can

    also rely on reputation and chains of reputation once I establish

    someone's reputation with me). The well supported claims will determine

    the parameters of my diet. Other claims can compete with taste,

    convince, etc. to fill out the rest of my diet.

     

    Ideas on how to learn nutrition, things to read, ideas, etc. would be

    appreciated. Usually people do not add much to my posts but ideas

    are great seeds for other ideas so if you have any thoughts please feel

    free to share them.

     

    I only want to spend so long on nutrition. I see nutrition, exercise,

    mood and medical testing as the biggest sub-categories of health.

    Nutrition is also important for caloric restriction which looks like

    one of the most promising currently available anti-aging methods.

    Aging, diseases, organized violence, poverty and some restrictions

    on freedom, seem like the main risks to staying alive. I am also

    interested in productivity and capability enhancement (collaboration,

    wealth, intelligence, tools). I mention all this stuff to show that I do

    not have time to become a good nutritional scientist but want to find

    and evaluate a number of experts who's advice is about as good as

    it gets.



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