According to the Department of Health (DOH), six (6) out of ten (10) leading causes of mortality in the Philippines are due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) specifically cardiovascular diseases, pneumonia, cancers, all forms of tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus and nephritis. Non-communicable diseases are developed due to the poor eating habits and inactive lifestyle of a person. The brighter side is that these diseases are modifiable, meaning, it can be managed if proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle are observed.
There are three (3) guides to attain proper and good nutrition. The first nutritional guide is the 10 Kumainments developed by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) composed of ten (10) recommendations to be easily remembered by the Filipinos. It is the popular version of the Revised Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos. It was launched to improve the nutritional status and eating habits of Filipinos and help combat malnutrition and diet-associated illnesses. The ten messages are 1) Kumain ng iba’t-ibang pagkain, 2) Sa unang anim na buwan ni baby, breastfeeding lamang; mula anim na buwan, bigyan din siya ng ibang angkop na pagkain, 3) Kumain ng gulat at prutas araw-araw, 4) Kumain ng isda, karne at ibang pagkaing may protina, 5) Uminom ng gatas; kumain ng pagkaing mayaman sa calcium, 6) Tiyaking malinis at ligtas ang ating pagkain at tubig, 7) Gumamit ng iodized salt, 8) Hinay-hinay sa maaalat, mamantika at matatamis, 9) Panatilihin ang tamang timbang, and 10) Maging aktibo. Iwasan ang alak at huwag manigarilyo.
The second nutritional guide is the Pinggang Pinoy developed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is a new, easy to understand food guide that uses a familiar food plate model to convey the right food group proportions on a per meal basis to meet the body’s energy and nutrient needs of an adult. This is a visual tool to guide Filipinos in consuming the right amount of food in every meal. Also, Pinggang Pinoy of five population groups namely, kids, teens, adults, elderly, pregnant and lactating women vary from each other.
The last nutritional guide is the Nutritional Guide Pyramid by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to guide on how much 1) fats and oils, 2) sugar, 3) meat and poultry, 4) milk and milk products, 5) vegetables, 6) fruits, 7) rice and rice products and 8) water or beverages should a Filipino eat in one day. Aside from that, this guide encourages Filipinos to exercise and practice personal and environmental hygiene for a healthy living. Note that pyramids differ in seven population groups - toddlers, kids, teens, adults, elderly, pregnant women and lactating women.
As early as now, challenge yourself by practicing good nutrition through 10 Kumainments, Pinggang Pinoy and Nutritional Guide Pyramid. Proper nutrition coupled with healthy lifestyle is an investment you can provide for yourself. Imagine yourself years from now, still strong and mobile without experiencing any complications and pain. Imagine yourself being free from these non-communicable diseases because you nourished yourself with the right kind and amount of food during your younger years. Take care of your health, your body will thank you in the future! (NKSLoyola)
Sources:
https://www.doh.gov.ph/node/1058
https://www.nnc.gov.ph/40-10-kumainments/195-10-kumainments-collaterals
https://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph/index.php/116-pinggang-pinoy
https://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph/index.php/tools-and-standard/nutritional-guide-pyramid
