Hi) Nutrition More Reasons For Breakfast Eaters To Smile by Mindy Hermann, R.D. (NAPSA)—I was raised to be a breakfast eater. Even in those very hectic high school days, my mom madesure that I didn’t leave the house without eating some- thing. Mom wasright; breakfast is vital for jump-starting your day and helping you perform better in the morning. Also, women whose breakfast includes ready-to-eat break- fast cereal are less likely to be over- weight than women | is Mindy Hermann who don’t eat breakfast cereal. And here’s something Mom didn’t know— breakfast is an ideal time to take care of your teeth. At breakfast, “include tooth- friendly dairy products like yogurt and milk that supply cal- cium, a mineral that helps build and maintain strong teeth and healthy gums, with your morning breakfast cereal,” says Riva Touger-Decker, R.D., Ph.D., Asso- ciate Professor and Director of the Division of Nutrition at the New Jersey Dental School in Newark. Dr. Touger-Decker ex- plains that dairy products are alkaline in nature and important for oral health, particularly since cavity-forming bacteria thrive in an acidic environment. Dr. Touger-Decker encourages breakfast eaters to add toothbrushing to their morning routine. “Brushing teeth removes particles of food from the teeth, taking away the food that decay-causing Note to Editors: This is Series V-22 of 26. Preventing Tooth Decay* e Eat a variety of foods e Limit snacking e Brush twice a day Clean daily with floss e Visit your dentist regularly * Source: American Dental Association @ bacteria need. It also helps remove the potentially harmful bacteria that develop on the teeth overnight.” Some studies suggest that periodontal disease is associ- ated with increased risk of osteoporosis in women, another good reason to brush after your daily breakfast. Breakfast provides the oppor- tunity to eat nutrient-dense foods like Whole Grain al, that sup- ply calcium and other vitamins and minerals the body needs to be at its best. “Breakfast eating is linked to overall health, and if you choose the right foods, that includes dental health,” notes Touger-Decker. Ask Mindy Q: What should I do if ’m not hungry in the morning? A: You may not feel hungry if you eat a large or late dinner. Try to eat less at night and finish your last bite at least two hours before you go to sleep. It may take a few days for your morning appetite to return. Also, give your body a bit of time to wake up. If you can’t eat before leaving for work, take breakfast with you.
