Dystonia and nutrition. Why bother?

Eating a well balanced diet based on good nutritional value is essential for us all, no matter what our age or physical condition may be. For those of us with dystonia, we need to be aware of foods that are low in fat, sugar and salt, to keep us in the best possible physical condition. In this way we can overcome fatigue, depression and physical stress, resulting from constantly spasming muscles and twisted bodies.

Healthy people, those affected by life threatening diseases and all who are somewhere between, need to be aware of the range of choices we have that directly relate to our day to day well-being. That old saying, 'we are what we eat' has a haunting ring to it when we acknowledge the high rates of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, renal failure, cancer, and mental illness affecting so many people within our global community.

Wherever we live exercise, appropriate to our age group, level of physical fitness and the climatic conditions in our area, is as important as our diet.

I hope this gives you food for thought and also inspiration for improving your diet. For those people with a medical condition requiring a specific diet, please speak to your family doctor or a nutritionist before changing any of the food groups you are now using.

Sue Bayliss. Cairns, Australia.