The Connection Between Nutrition and Disease

By: Jessica Hudson

There is a crucial link between nutrition and disease. As Sizer and Whitney (2013) explain, “Your choice of diet profoundly affects your health, both today and in the future” (p. 3). The foods that are consumed today will directly affect an individual's health in the future. Unhealthy food choices will begin to make an individual sluggish and lack motivation. A lack of motivation more than likely will lead to weight issues and eventually obesity.

 

Our health status is impacted by the foods that are chosen and the amount of physical activity that is endured. Poor food choices, such as sugary or processed foods, can negatively affect an individual’s health by depriving the body of the good nutrients and calories. As Sizer and Whitney (2013) tell us, “The best food for you, then, is the kind that supports the growth and maintenance of strong muscles, sound bones, healthy skin, and sufficient blood to cleanse and nourish all parts of your body” (p. 3). Exercise, along with healthy food choices, can positively improve an individual’s overall health.

                                                                                                                          

Over time, these unhealthy habits increase the risk of obesity and other chronic diseases. Chronic diseases can be life threatening.  As Sizer and Whitney (2013) describe, “The chronic diseases—heart diseases, diabetes, some kinds of cancer, and adult bone loss—all have a connection to poor diet” (p. 4). In addition, improper nutrition can lead to a number of consequences, such as malnutrition. Malnutrition is serious and should not be taken lightly. 

For example, a teenage girl who believes she is fat decides to skip meals. The teenage girl is not eating enough food to provide her body with nutrients. Therefore, she will become malnourished. One Symptom might include lack of energy due to the deficiency in carbohydrates, proteins, etc. Some examples of carbs include: brown rice, sweet potatoes, or beans. Some examples of proteins include: meat, fish, and eggs.  The body requires six different types of nutrients, and if the teenage girl is not eating during the day, she is robbing her body of the essentials nutrients needed to maintain a healthy diet.

Reference

Photos Retrieved from Google.

Sizer, F. & Whitney, E. (2013).  Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies (13th ed.).  Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.