Good Nutrition, Good Health

The relationship between nutrition and health is simple—good nutrition promotes good health. We all want to protect ourselves, stay healthy, and stay free of chronic disease and illnesses. Most of the time, we turn to medications and supplements to promote health within our bodies. But what about food choices dictating our health? To our bodies, proper nutrition is both a maintenance and a medicine. Our bodies are designed to work on six main nutrients: water, protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals (Sizer, 2014). How we consume these nutrients have a direct impact on our health. Good nutrition can helps us look, feel and perform better, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce fatigue and increase energy. 

http://vaccinealliance.org/why-good-nutrition-is-important/

As a counter to that, poor nutrition can result in malnutrition and chronic diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. A high sodium intake is believed to increase the risk of having hypertension (WHO, 2016). 

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death worldwide. Risk of the main forms of cardiovascular disease, heart disease and stroke, is reduced by eating less saturated and trans fats, and sufficient amounts of (n-3 and n-6) polyunsaturated fats, fruits and vegetables and less salt (WHO, 2016). Excessive weight gain and obesity account for the escalating rates of type 2 diabetes (WHO, 2016). Developing type 2 diabetes increases risk of stroke and heart disease, creating yet another potential nutrition-related cause of death. Reducing intakes of foods and drinks that are high in fat and high in sugars, can prevent unhealthy weight gain that leads to diabetes. 

http://cleanlifequest.blogspot.com

Malnutrition occurs when the body doesn't get enough nutrients. Malnutrition, in terms of starvation, is rare in the United States. However, malnutrition in terms of unbalanced nutrients is very common. You may develop malnutrition if you lack a single vitamin in your diet. Malnutrition is particularly dangerous in combination with diseases. Malnutrition magnifies the effect of diseases and are harder to fight off. This leads to a vicious cycle of infections, reduced immunity, and deteriorating nutritional status (Sizer, 2014). 

http://www.emilysstomach.com/2013/06/information-about-malnutrition.html

Other complications associated with poor nutrition are some cancers, such as brea cancer, osteoporosis, and dental issues. 

References

Sizer, F. & Whitney, E. (2014). Nutrition: Concepts and controversies (13th ed.). Mason, OH: Cengage Learning. ISBN: 9781133603184

WHO. (2016). WHO | Diet, nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases Report of the joint WHO/FAO expert consultation. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/publications/trs916/summary/en/