The old adage is that we are what we eat. This holds true especially since the state of our health is largely determined by what we consume and put into our bodies. A nutritious diet promotes good health, while a poor diet makes you more susceptible to disease and other medical conditions.
Due to numerous factors, it may be a little difficult to get foods that would constitute a good diet. However, this is very much worth it a proper diet will be able to promote long term health and improve your quality of life.
Otherwise, maintaining a poor diet will make you susceptible to a host of conditions like the ones mentioned below.
Medical Conditions Caused by Not Eating Healthily
While a poor diet is one of the factors to being more susceptible to the diseases mentioned below, not incorporating proper nutrition and portioning in your meals will definitely play a part. Here are some of the health issues caused by having a poor diet.
Obesity
Obesity remains one of the top health issues caused by a poor diet. Overeating and a diet full of fats and sugars are the main culprits for obesity, although some are predisposed to this condition as well. Around a quarter of the world’s population, aged 18 years or older are considered as obese.
Obesity causes a number of complications ranging from diabetes and certain types of cancers. It also makes you more susceptible to breathing difficulties and higher chances of suffering from heart attacks or strokes.
Malnutrition
Malnutrition is a condition wherein the body lacks one or more nutrients that it needs to function properly. Surprisingly enough, there have been cases of obese people who are still malnourished, as it is not a matter of how much you eat, but rather what vitamins and minerals are actually contained within those foods.
Conditions that may arise due to malnutrition caused by a poor diet include anemia, which is characterized by a deficiency in iron in the blood. Marasmus and Kwashiorkor, on the other hand, pertain to deficiencies in quality protein and calories in the diet.
Malnutrition can also cause vision or skin problems, fatigue, a weaker immune system, as well as a higher risk of having mental disorders. As such, malnutrition poses a real threat to your health and must be prevented by consuming the recommended amount of nutrients every day via balanced meals.
Cancer
A poor diet can expose you to harmful chemicals and preservatives that can do damage to the body at a cellular level. Researchers have proven that compounds used in several processed foods and beverages can cause cancer especially if eaten in excess.
Refined flours and sugars, heavily processed foods and beverages, and produce or animals that have been treated with chemicals and pesticides may contain carcinogens or cancer-causing compounds which would, in turn, lead to higher risks of contracting cancer.
Doctors recommend controlled consumption of these foods or, whenever possible, removal from their diet completely and substituting more healthy alternatives to drastically reduce the risk of cancer.
Heart Disease
A diet that is full of unhealthy fats will cause cholesterol levels to soar. It can also cause plaque to build up in the arteries. These blockages will highly increase the risk of chronic heart diseases as well as strokes. This applies to both those who are underweight as well as for those who are classified as obese.
Controlling your cholesterol levels is a must in order to promote good heart health. However, not all fats are bad, as those coming from fish or nuts are considered to be essential to the body. Fats coming from dairy and some oils such as olives or avocado are also considered as healthy.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common types of lifestyle diseases that are caused by a poor diet. If you consume too much sugar, your body may have some trouble processing these into energy. As such, this will remain in your blood and wreak havoc in several ways.
Type 2 diabetes causes many complications such as skin or vision problems, increased risk for heart disease, strokes, and respiratory problems, as well as kidney or liver damage. Wounds may be more common and would take a longer time to heal. Type 2 diabetes is highly avoidable by eating a healthy diet as well as getting some exercise.
Acne
A poor diet consisting mainly of oily or greasy foods can cause acne. Those who are prone to acne can greatly reduce breakouts by improving their diet. Acne can also be a complication of other conditions such as diabetes.
Tooth Decay
A poor diet, when combined with poor hygiene, can lead to tooth decay. Food particles can get stuck in between teeth and can cause damage to the teeth. Sugary foods contribute largely to the problem as they can easily cut through the enamel of the teeth and cause cavities.
Tooth decay can lead to tooth loss, infection, gum disease, and bad breath. Aside from eating healthier meals that are gentler to the teeth, regular brushing and flossing, as well as frequent visits to the dentist, are advised.
How to Eat a Healthier Diet
You do not have to starve yourself in order to eat healthily. However, the proper balance on the types of food as well as the portions that you eat per meal are important. These two factors will indicate the amount of nutrients that you are putting into your body, as well as the number of calories that you consume.
There is a specific amount of nutrients and calories that you should consume depending on your age, gender, weight, and level of physical activity. For more information, you may visit a dietician so that you may be guided on what a healthy meal plan looks like.
A good diet will not only help prevent the health issues mentioned above, but you will also notice very positive changes in. Your skin and hair will look healthier, and you will not be sick as often. You will have more energy throughout the day and have more focus to lead a productive and healthy life.