Dunamis Nutrition International, Pretoria

During the last century there have been unprecedented changes in life-style and patterns of health for humanity. Improved availability of wide varieties of food and less physical effort required for daily activities is prominent features of industrialised societies and of affluent groups in developing countries. In many affluent societies, food choices are wide and physical activity is minimal, which may lead to poor nutrition because of inadequate or incorrect food choices. Poor physical fitness results from a diminished need to be physically active.
The interrelationship between nutrition and fitness is clear. In 480 BC, Hippocrates recognized the importance of the balance between food intake that provided fuel to the body (energy intake) and physical activity (energy expenditure) for health.
Positive health requires knowledge of man's primary constitution [which today we call genetics] and of the powers of various foods, both those natural to them and those resulting from human skill (today's processed foods]. But eating alone is not enough for health. There must also be exercise, of which the effects must likewise be known. The combination of these two things makes regimen, when proper attention is given to the season of the year, the changes of the winds, the age of the individual and the situation of his home. If there is any deficiency in food or exercise the body will fall sick.Good nutrition and regular physical exercise promote feelings of well-being and improve performance in all daily activities. However, because there is a dearth of training of health professionals in nutrition and physical education and a dereliction by them of responsibility for promoting this fundamental basis for good health, the public is bombarded by fads and conflicting pseudo-facts conceived by self-styled authorities. Information and education for the public is not provided in a reliable way.