NUTRITION Doctors of chiropractic, more so than any other primary health care provider, are trained to recognize and act on the causative relationship between diet and disease. Doctors of chiropractic are pioneers in the concept of "holistic" (total person) health care. Advanced nutrition courses are part of the curriculum at all chiropractic institutions, because fundamental to the chiropractic philosophy is the essential role diet plays in the maintenance of optimum health. Therefore, your doctor of chiropractic is very qualified to make specific dietary recommendations to assist you in overcoming your illness, and improving your health and well-being. THINGS TO AVOID: Smoking. Alcohol. Caffeine found in coffee, tea and soft drinks. Fried or greasy foods. Overeating. Highly processed foods in favor of natural foods. Too much white refined sugar, salt and other spices. INCREASE DIETARY INTAKE OF: Fruits and vegetables. Boil or steam vegetables, do not overcooks Breads and cereals. Eat more whole grains such as whole wheat, brown rice, barley, oats and rye. Choose lean cuts of red meat, trim excess fat. Eat more fish and poultry. Drink skim milk and eat low fat dairy products, as opposed to whole milk products. Eat more beans and nuts, which are high in protein. Drink plenty of water. SUPPLEMENTING YOUR DIET: Many people need to supplement their diets with vitamins and minerals due to poor dietary intake, or due to particular health conditions. The following are some conditions which may require supplementation. Any major trauma or disease. Diets designed for weight loss. Alcoholism. A history of poor dietary habits. Use of oral contraceptives. Pregnant women and women who breast feed. Therapies using drugs such as antibiotics, diuretics or steroids which may interfere with absorption of nutrients. Through the American Chiropractic Association's Council on Nutrition, doctors of chiropractic can keep informed of new discoveries as they occur in the fast-paced world of nutrition. Most chiropractic journals publish regular updates and research articles on nutrition as well. Be sure to ask your doctor of chiropractic about your particular nutritional needs.