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