Nutrition and Disease

There are so many things that happen in this life that we cannot control.  Car accidents, house fires, and natural disasters are just a few that come to mind.  However, we have a lot of control when it comes to our health.  Even if we do all the right things and still succumb to a disease, trying does absolutely no harm and will always increase our quality of life in terms of how we feel.  Let's review some chronic diseases that can be managed or prevented via nutrition.

("Chronic Disease and Food," n.d.)


Cardiovascular Disease
Consumption of trans fats and saturated fats cause plaque to build up in the arteries in a condition called atherosclerosis.  The plaque causes inflammation which triggers an immune response by the body.  The immune response leads to further plaque formation and constricted arteries.  The heart does not receive adequate blood flow and this can cause heart attack or stroke.  Unhealthy fats like saturated and trans fats increase LDL cholesterol and decrease HDL cholesterol.  These should be avoided.  A heart healthy diet consists of lean meats, low-fat dairy, whole grains, fruits,  and vegetables.  In addition, excess salt or sodium intake increases blood pressure which is another risk factor for CVD.

Diabetes
A healthy weight, balanced diet, and physical activity can  prevent type 2 diabetes.  Obesity leads to insulin resistance and high levels of blood glucose triggering diabetes.  Nutrition plays an important role in controlling blood glucose levels if you do have diabetes.  Carbohydrate consumption should stay in a healthy range and be spaced out throughout the day.  Added sugar and sugar substitutes should be avoided.  Diabetes can increase cardiovascular disease risk so saturated fat and trans fat consumption should be avoided.

Cancer
Studies show that excess calorie intake in the presence of a carcinogen will cause cancer to occur. This is good incentive to not overeat which will also help to maintain a healthy weight.  Obesity impacts hormone production and excess hormones can trigger certain cancers like breast cancer.  Alcohol consumption increases risk of esophageal and liver cancer.  Calcium, Vitamin D, Folate, and other nutrients may prevent cancer. 

In the above chronic diseases, over nutrition or improper nutrition cause or worsen symptoms.  Malnutrition also impacts our health.  It weakens our immune system and worsens disease.  Without proper nutrition, recovery is next to impossible (Sizer & Whitney, 2012).

Chronic diseases account for 70% of deaths in the United States (The Nutrition Source Team, n.d.).  If our diet and activity even have a 1% chance of saving our lives, then change IS worth it!

References

Chronic disease and food [Digital image]. (n.d.). Retrieved January 18, 2016, from   http://rawforbeauty.com/blog/today-more-than-95-of-all-chronic-disease-is-caused-by-food-choice-toxic-food-ingredients-nutritional-deficiencies-and-lack-of-physical-exercise.html
                  

The Nutrition Source Team. (n.d.). Disease prevention. Retrieved January 18, 2016, from     http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/disease-prevention/
                  

Sizer, F. S., & Whitney, E. N. (2012). Nutrition: Concepts and controversies (13th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.