Nutrition and Disease Connection


Nutrition and Disease Connection 


“Nutrition is defined as the science that interprets the interaction of nutrients and other substances in food in relation to maintenance, growth, reproduction, health and disease of an organism.” Nutrition. (n.d.)
The foods we consume on a daily basis can either be healthy for us or they can harm us by causing a number of diseases. Cardiovascular disease is the number killer in America, and this is mainly because of an unbalanced diet, and lack of physical activity. Heart disease and stroke are two of the main forms dealing with cardiovascular disease. Ways to prevent this from occurring is by reducing your intake of saturated and trans fats, and getting enough fruits and vegetables.
Cancer is another disease leading the way to death and disability, and again diet is a big contributor. Prevention of cancers is more preferable than having to beat it. It is important to consume a diet high in fruit and vegetables which can help prevent stomach and colorectal cancer. Limiting alcohol intake would help to lower the risk of developing cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver and breast. Chronic diseases are not contagious and are highly preventable. In 2001 Chronic diseases accounted for about 60% of deaths in the United States, most were because of poor diets and little to no physical activity. Diets high in fat, lacking energy dense nutrients, and ones lacking exercise can lead to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, osteoporosis, and dental diseases are all chronic diseases, and are presenting as early as childhood.
As one continues to eat poorly and pays less attention to their diets one is prone to get hypertension as a result, and either are put on medication, a diet, or both to get control of the issue. As unhealthy eating cause may chronic diseases malnutrition can also cause some of these diseases. Malnutrition  affects 30% percent of the population. Those that have a “lack of appetite, illness, an eating disorder, or desire to lose weight,” are more likely to suffer malnutrition and a weakened immune system. Pregnant women have slow baby growth that causes low birth weight, and health issues in the child or even death. It can also include disability and stunted mental and physical growth.



ttp://www2.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/ltgb/daviswq1_files/image002.gif


Joint WHO/FAO expert report on diet, nutrition and the prevention of chronic disease. (2003). Journal of Advanced Nursing, 43(3), 225-226
Nutrition. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved March 2017, from  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nutrtion
Sizer, F. & Whitney, E. (2017). Nutrition: Concepts and controversies (14th ed.). Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.












Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Nutrition through the Lifecycle

Image
Pregnancy (Nutrition and Dietary Guidelines)- A woman should be well nourished at the very beginning of pregnancy because the embryo grows rapidly. She must increase her nutrients such as energy, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The recommendation of extra calories a woman should get during pregnancy are 340 calories during the second trimester and 450 during the third. If they choose nutrient dense foods from each food group readily available to them then they can meet these extra calorie requirements. Getting about 175 grams of carbs from whole grain breads and cereals and other healthy carbs will help brain and fetal growth. A number of important vitamins are needed to help with cell growth of the fetus. Infancy (Nutrition and Dietary Guidelines)- After the pregnancy is over and the infant arrives it is time to focus on their specific nutrition as well. Since an infant's growth and metabolism rates are rapid then they require an ample amount of nutrients, They requi...
Read more

Macronutrients and Micronutrients

Image
Macronutrients and Micronutrients There are three main macronutrients, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates and we require these nutrients in large amounts to grow, develop, repair and for us to feel good overall. These macronutrients are food in all foods. Let’s say you eat whole eggs you have 62% of fat that is the good fat and the rest being from the protein and carbohydrates. The sources of macronutrients come from nuts, seeds, avocados, olives, beans ,legumes, greens, apples, bananas and brown rice to name a few. Fats help with absorbing vitamins, development of the brain, functioning of the cells, and protects the organs.  Proteins repairs and regenerates the body tissue and cell, it helps with a healthy immune system and process hormones. Carbs are used as our bodies main source of energy. Micronutrients are found in nutrients and can be introduced to the body through different ones. Iron is one nutrient that we get and it helps transport oxygen from our lungs to ...
Read more