Mexico Confronts a New Era of Malnutrition: Experts Advocate Holistic, Culturally Sensitive Approaches
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A growing focus on the science of human nutrition is underway in Mexico, as experts address a shifting landscape of dietary challenges.The nation is moving away from historical issues of nutrient deficiency to a modern crisis of malnutrition stemming from poor dietary choices and misinformation, according to recent discussions among leading nutritionists.
From Deficiency to Excess: A Historical Shift
For decades, Mexico grappled with malnutrition rooted in scarcity, notably impacting maternal and child health in the 1950s. However, a recent broadcast of the radio programme More Health, hosted by Dr. Fernando Jacinto, highlighted a stark contrast in today’s challenges. Experts participating in the program, including a senior official from the Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition program at UNAM, noted that the current problem lies in the overconsumption of foods lacking essential nutrients. This trend is exacerbated by the proliferation of unreliable health details on social media platforms.
A Holistic Approach to Patient Care
The Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition program at UNAM, celebrating its fifth anniversary, is pioneering a thorough approach to address these evolving needs.”In the degree we seek a comprehensive approach, where not only is the food isolated, we must also know what the social context in which the patient is located, what their needs are, what their lifestyle is, what their socioeconomic situation is and, based on all that information, we are looking for a feeding process that is appropriate for them,” one program leader explained. This emphasis on understanding the individual – their lifestyle, socioeconomic status, and social environment – marks a significant departure from traditional, food-focused interventions.
Reclaiming Traditional Diets: The Value of the Milpa
Experts are also looking to Mexico’s rich culinary heritage for solutions. The milpa diet, a traditional agricultural system centered around corn but encompassing a diverse range of crops and even entomophagy – the practice of eating insects – was lauded for its nutritional value and suitability for the Mexican population. This approach recognizes the importance of integrating cultural practices with scientific understanding. A coordinator of the Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition program emphasized the need for research conducted within Mexico,specifically from the viewpoint of human nutrition science.
Prioritizing People, Not Just Bodies
The core philosophy driving this new wave of nutritional science in Mexico is a focus on holistic well-being. “The Bachelor’s Degree in Human Nutrition Science is focused on caring for people,not bodies and not diseases,but people,” a program representative stated. This means considering the biological, psychological, and social determinants of health to provide truly effective care.
First congress on the Science of Human Nutrition to Convene
The growing momentum behind this movement will be further amplified at the First Congress on the Science of human Nutrition,scheduled for March 23-25 at the Faculty of medicine. The congress will focus on three key areas: biosciences, social sciences and humanities, and nutritional clinic, s
