There are 5 major roles in determining how your body can react and handle stress:
1. Immune System
2. Diet
3. Weight
4. Mineral and Vitamin balance
5. Metabolism
According to the Fibro and Fatigue Inc (2008), a baseline analysis is a critical component to understanding your body’s metabolic balance. Research shows that nutritional imbalances may manifest themselves with a number of symptoms, exacerbate existing conditions or led to chronic conditions/disease.

A note to make here is that no two people are a like when it comes to nutritional needs or structure. This is why some diets may work for some and not for others. In order to actually pinpoint your issue that you are having with your body, you must go to a certified nationalist who will do tests and help both you and him/her understand your body’s needs. This post is for basic purposes only. Extensive research MUST be done on your body in order to help you, and it can be done. So, if you are serious in feeling better, losing weight, etc, then throw away all those diet pills and strict diets.

There are two basic tests that are popular when it comes to checking out your vitamin and mineral balances, hormone balances, protein levels, complete blood count, etc.
1. Blood and Urine
2. Hair
Make sure that if you get a hair analysis done, a Certified Nutritional Consultant will be the one evaluating your results. Another point to make here is to get a copy of your blood/urine tests also and have the doctor explain to you what is considered “normal” What doctors do is take 90% of the average population and consider that “normal” So, for example: normal is between the numbers 10-20. If you have a test come back stating that you have a 19, you are considered normal, and the test results are negative. The problem with this is that you are on the higher end of the scale, so if the doctor took time and tried to maybe lower you lever to a 15, you might start feeling better. So, get the test results, do research, and ask questions! Say something like, I am concerned that I am a 19 and it is a little too high for me since the high end of the scale is a 20, do you think it would be a good idea to see if I can get this number lowered and see if I start to feel better. This might sound confusing, but trust me, it is worth knowing this stuff.

Diet has a LOT to do with nutrition. Sometimes people have to take supplements because of immune system suppression, how the body breaks down detoxifications, cell destruction, digestive disorders, micronutrient imbalances, and body energy building systems to name a few. You might have a healthy diet but still lacking in a vitamin or mineral because your body just simply does not want to break it down, so this is where supplements come in handy.

9 suggestions for good nutrition:
1. 3 balanced meals a day. Some experts say to eat small meals throughout the day; other experts say that you are putting too much work on your digestive system if you eat throughout the day. Simply stated, this is a trial and error for you. You will have to find out which one works best for you.
2. Eat healthy. Vegetables, fruits, and whole grains boost your immune system.
3. Avoid “diet” products. According to Fibro and Fatigue Inc (2008) extensive research has been done on diet products and it concludes that a variety of conditions and symptoms such as muscle and joint pain, hormonal imbalances, and cognitive disturbances can be caused by diet products. Try to think of it this way, just because it has the word “diet” on it does not mean that it is better for you. A good example would be diet pop, in the medical world pop (soda) is called liquid candy. If you are on a diet, you should be trying to rethink your eating habits, not drink soda just because it has no calories, it still is liquid candy.
4. Balance Protein and Carbohydrates. Balancing these two things will help keep your weight in check with a reasonable calorie intake while not compromising nutritional value. The Akins diet was popular because you were able to lose weight quickly. But NOTHING should be cut out of your diet unless for a medical reason. Carbs are not the enemy, eating too many of them can, but it all depends on how your body breaks them down. This is where you need to consult your doctor to see what your needs are and again, trial and error.
5. Eat food you like. Be reasonable! A good idea is to write down what you eat during the week along with your thoughts and feelings. People on a diet tend to try and avoid that piece of cake, but will continue to eat other foods in excess, even if the food is healthy. You can NOT expect to lose weight and keep it off because your main goal is to lose weight. You have to rethink your behavior in stating that you want to be healthy and that you want your body to work properly. By saying and doing that, you will not be on a diet; you have just changed the way you eat and hence will be able to have that piece of cake.
6. Drink water. When you get dehydrated, you get fatigued. I personally do not like the taste of water, so I use flavored vitamin supplements mixed in.
7. Baseline Multivitamins. Good starting point to micronutrient balance.
8. Consider intravenous and or injection therapy. This can boost your immune system or jump start your nutritional supplementation, plus can give you more energy. Plus this can be an alternative then taking pills if your body does not like to break down vitamins.
9. Have a positive attitude and an open mind. Do not be discouraged if you are doing everything your doctor is telling you and you are not losing weight. The key is, how do you feel? If you feel good, then you are probably going to want to do more things, such as exercise, and exercise does not have to mean you have to go to a gym. Go walk in a park, take your dog for a walk, and dance around like a super star to all your favorite songs. Plus, keep an open mind because you are unique.
So, if you have ever wondered why diets do not work for you, or they work until you go off of them, it is because diets are false. By false I mean that each person is different, each person breaks down food, and handles stress, and whatever else you can think of different then anyone else. If you are serious in trying to lose weight, being healthier, or just a fitness junkie, then you need to see a professional that can help, not one that looks at the food pyramid. Find out what works for you, not what works for anyone else.