There are very few aspects of day-to-day life that haven’t been impacted by advancements in technology. Human nutrition is no exception. Before the introduction of the Internet and smart technology, individuals had to rely on their own knowledge regarding health and nutrition. However, today, information is readily available and can be accessed at the touch of a button. But how has technology and the ease of access to health and fitness information changed human nutrition?

As a clinical pharmacist, Trupti Sarang is familiar with the impact of technology on human nutrition. Trupti lives in Austin, Texas, and works as a pharmacist in a hospital setting. Due to unforeseen health problems as a child, which required several surgeries, Trupti developed a lifelong interest in nutrition, herbs, fitness, and natural medicine. It was this passion for natural alternatives that led her to seek a career in medicine. Although she believes that pharmaceuticals, hospital care, and surgeries, play a role in health care, she also believes that nutrition and other alternative medicines and techniques can play a significant role in health and disease prevention. She discusses how technology has impacted human nutrition.

Shining a Spotlight on Human Nutrition

With the help of social media and food-inspired influencers, technology has brought food and nutrition to the forefront of our attention. Pharmacist Trupti Sarang believes that it is this newfound attention that has been brought to food that has promoted a movement towards better health and nutrition.

Impacting What We Eat

Scrolling through a news feed full of food posts every day can have a considerable impact on what people eat. While the inspiration might be to order a greasy burger and fries for some, in many cases it leads to a healthier diet. Influencers continue to post images of beautiful, delicious, and healthy food, encouraging their followers to try these nourishing meals. As a result, many are inspired to cook new, delicious, and nutritious food or to order from restaurants that provide healthier options. Not only are social foodies inspiring people to eat better, but they are also bringing awareness to many about what they are eating. As a pharmacist, Trupti Sarang notes that when you are more aware of what you put in your body, you typically develop better habits.

The ease with which food can be ordered and delivered has also impacted what we eat. Again, while this can lead to unhealthy behavior in some cases, it is also helpful in improving nutrition. For those with hectic lives, technology has made it possible to order healthy groceries and even recipe boxes right to your door. Smart appliances have also made cooking healthy meals at home, even with a busy schedule, fast and easy.

Changing How We View Food

For many, technology has changed the way food is viewed. Prior to the interconnectedness of the world via technology, most people saw food only as a means of survival. Now, the social aspect of eating and the way food reflects one’s image has been highlighted. Unfortunately, in some cases, this can result in a negative relationship with food. When people become too fixated on comparing themselves to others online, negative outcomes like eating disorders can develop. However, in most cases, the outcome is positive, with technology giving people the chance to see food in a different light and encouraging them to develop healthier eating habits. Pharmacist Trupti Sarang suggests that from a young age, children should be taught to have a healthy relationship with food and a realistic view of technology. This will ensure that they develop healthy habits and maintain them throughout their lifetime.

Trupti Sarang on Encouraging Lifelong Learning and Healthy Lifestyles

Thanks to technology, it has never been easier to access new recipes, food facts, and healthy eating guidelines. This simplicity encourages people to learn about food and nutrition. In addition, the development of apps that provide nutritional details about various foods and meals, as well as lifestyle applications that track nutrition and fitness, have helped people to live healthier and happier lifestyles.