Nutrition and Disease

There is a huge connection between diet and health. Have you ever noticed that we eat whatever is put in front of us? Sometimes, without even thinking about it. When someone is on a ‘diet’, they are limiting what foods they put in their mouths. That, combined with exercise, is essentially how you lose weight. However, when you eat just to eat, you’re not thinking about what goes into your mouth or what it’s doing to your body. Soon, one Oreo turns into the whole package. I think what is important to note is that dieting isn’t just a one time deal, or something that will be done within three months. It’s a lifestyle change that continues forever, depending on how healthy you want to be. According to Levine and Labuzat, “what is available on the shelf will have an impact on the choices consumers make, thereby affecting their health.” (Levine & Labuzat, 1990). Health is choosing, and being specific about the foods that we eat, why we eat them, and the exercise we do each day, where diet usually changes with time. What you eat will always have an impact on the state of your overall health and wellness.

What are some of the health consequences of inadequate or improper nutrition, you might wonder? Well, the health consequences of inadequate or improper nutrition are numerous. Your immune system will be affected, increasing your chances of illness and disease. We see this often in countries where water is dirty or sparse. We see this in areas where healthy foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, are too expensive, so the majority of the people can’t buy them. Some of the health consequences include, “Coronary Heart Disease, high blood pressure, non-insulin dependent diabetes, constipation, joint pain, being out of breath. Your risks multiply if you eat too much animal fat, smoke, drink alcohol and take very little exercise.” (BBC, n.d.) The phrase “An apple a day, keeps the doctor away” really is true. But it’s not just apples anymore, it’s all fruits and vegetables, healthy lean meats and whole grains. When combined in correct amounts and mixed with proper exercise, you’re giving yourself more of a chance to be healthier for a longer life. “Nutritious food is fundamental to good health and disease prevention. The significant health risks associated with poor nutrition include chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. Poor nutrition also contributes to a variety of other health risk factors such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and overweight and obesity.” (Australian Government, 2010).

If that wasn't enough, according to the Center for Diesase Control and Prevention, "Research has shown that as weight increases to reach the levels referred to as "overweight" and "obesity, the risks for the following conditions also increases:
• Coronary heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
• Stroke
• Liver and Gallbladder disease
• Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
• Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)
• Gynecological problems (abnormal menses, infertility)
(Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011).

References:

Australian Government, Measure Up. (2010). About Chronic Diseases. Retrieved from http://www.health.gov.au/internet/abhi/publishing.nsf/Content/factsheet-chronic-disease

Levine A. S. and Labuzat T. P., 1990. Environmental Health Perspectives, Vol. 86. Food Systems: The Relationship between Health and Food Science/Technology. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1567729/pdf/envhper00419-0223.pdf

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011., Healthy Weight, it's not a diet, it's a lifestyle. The Health effects of overweight and obesity. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/effects/index.html