ASK A NUTRITIONIST

Are there certain ages at which a body’s metabolism slows down?

As people age, their metabolism slows down. Starting in your 20s, your metabolism begins to slow down, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In your 30s, your metabolism rate slows even more. Metabolism slows about five per cent every 10 years after age 40, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Talk to your doctor for more information about changes in metabolism as you age.

Can caffeine be consumed safely?

It is safe for adults to consume caffeine, as long as it is consumed in moderation. To keep caffeine at safe levels in the body, doctors recommend limiting intake to no more than 200 mg per day. Two five-ounce cups of coffee contains about 200 mg of caffeine, for example. Every person is different, however, so a lesser amount of caffeine might be a better fit for you. Also, women who are pregnant, breastfeeding and children should be even more cautious of the amount of caffeine they consume. If you are consuming too much caffeine, try to cut back slowly because caffeine can cause withdrawal symptoms, including headache, tiredness and depression.

Can drastic, quick weight loss have a negative effect on my health?

Losing weight too quickly can actually negatively impact your health. We want to lose weight in a healthy fashion, in a sustainable continual fashion, and rapid weight loss actually can affect your kidneys, affect your liver in a bad way with too much drastic change. So, a lot of the programmes that advertise 30 pounds in 30 days or 60 pounds in 60 days are actually not the most healthy way to lose weight. We want to lose weight in a way where we're getting adequate nutrition and yet maintaining healthy habits.

What are the symptoms or signs that a person is not getting enough vitamin D?

Some people who aren’t getting enough vitamin D have pain in their bones, trouble getting around, and are more prone to infections. But, it’s also possible you won’t have any noticeable symptoms. Ultimately, getting too little vitamin D can cause other, more significant problems. Though it’s rare, children with a vitamin D deficiency can get rickets, which is a condition that causes bones to become soft and bendable. Vitamin D deficiency in adults will lead to osteomalacia, which causes painful bones and weak muscles.

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