Optimal health is the main capital for living a quality life. One important factor that affects health is adequate nutrition. Malnutrition can trigger various serious diseases that can affect various aspects of life. You can ask a functional nutritionist about it.
Malnutrition occurs when the body does not get enough nutrition to carry out its important functions. This nutrition involves vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that are needed to maintain overall body health.
There are several factors that cause malnutrition, including an unbalanced diet, lack of access to nutritious food, problems with nutrient absorption, and certain health conditions that require higher nutrient intake.
Malnutrition can have serious impacts on body health, causing various types of diseases that can affect various organ systems. Here is a complete explanation of 12 types of diseases caused by malnutrition:
- Marasmus
Marasmus is a condition of severe calorie and protein deficiency. Mainly occurs in children who experience chronic starvation. Symptoms include drastic weight loss, muscle weakness, and decreased growth.
- Kwashiorkor
Kwashiorkor occurs due to protein deficiency, especially in children who consume low-protein foods. Symptoms include abdominal swelling, dry, scaly skin, and stunted growth.
- Xerophthalmia
Xerophthalmia is a dry eye condition caused by vitamin A deficiency. Symptoms include dry eyes, changes in the cornea, and can lead to blindness if left untreated.
- Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia occurs when the body lacks the iron needed to form red blood cells. Symptoms include fatigue, pale skin, and difficulty breathing.
- Beriberi
Beriberi is caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1 or thiamine. Symptoms involve disorders of the nervous system, heart problems, and paralysis in severe cases.
- Tooth Decay
Lack of calcium and vitamin D can cause tooth decay. This can result in brittle teeth and damage to tooth structure.
- Cretinism
Cretinism occurs due to iodine deficiency during development. Symptoms include mental retardation, growth retardation, and nervous system disorders.
- Goiter
A goiter is a swelling of the thyroid gland due to iodine deficiency. This can affect thyroid function and cause serious health problems.
- Rickets
Rickets is a bone disease that occurs due to a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphorus. It can cause bones to become weak, brittle, and prone to fracture.
- Scurvy
Scurvy is caused by a deficiency of vitamin C. Symptoms include bleeding gums, dry, scaly skin, and a weakened immune system.
- Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis occurs due to a deficiency of calcium and vitamin D, causing decreased bone density and an increased risk of fractures.
- Iodine Deficiency
Iodine deficiency can cause disorders of the thyroid gland, resulting in metabolic problems and abnormal growth.
Optimal health can be maintained through simple yet effective preventive measures. Here is a complete explanation of how to prevent diseases caused by malnutrition:
- Consume Nutritious Food
Food is the main source of nutrition needed by the body. Make sure to consume foods rich in vitamins, minerals, protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Balance your daily nutritional intake by including various types of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and quality protein sources.
- Pay Attention to Body Fluid Intake
Body fluids are very important for maintaining optimal body function. Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to prevent dehydration. Water helps transport nutrients to body cells, maintains body temperature, and removes metabolic waste.
- Do Not Consume Foods Containing Hazardous Chemicals
Avoid foods that contain hazardous chemicals, such as dyes, preservatives, and artificial sweeteners. Choose natural and organic foods to reduce the risk of exposure to chemicals that can be detrimental to body health.
- Avoid Alcohol Consumption and Smoking
Alcohol and smoking can damage overall body health, including effective nutrient absorption. Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking to maintain optimal digestive and respiratory systems.
- Pay Attention to Nutritional Needs at Every Stage of Life
Every stage of life has different nutritional needs. From babies to the elderly, make sure to meet nutritional needs according to your body’s condition and development. Consult a nutritionist or doctor for proper guidance.
- Exercise Regularly
Exercise not only helps maintain weight but also improves nutrient absorption. Choose physical activities that suit your body’s condition, such as walking, cycling, or swimming. Exercise regularly to support heart, bone, and muscle health.
- Get Regular Health Checks
It is important to undergo regular health checks. These checks can help detect malnutrition or other health problems early on. Consult a doctor or health expert to create a check-up schedule that suits your individual needs.
- Minimize bad habits
Some unhealthy habits such as a strict diet or smoking must be minimized strictly because activities like this do not bring any good benefits to the body and are actually very dangerous, it is better to do activities that have a more positive impact on the body because if allowed to continue, it is inevitable that various health problems will lurk in the future so try to always be wise in choosing your lifestyle for your health until the future.
- Maximizing economic balance
For this one, the government as the main and broad holder of power should also take part in real terms in order to maintain balance so that economic improvements can also be felt by the lower class, and the habit of encouraging empathy for others is also worthy of being an alternative to pay attention to our fellow human beings who are on the edge of poverty, targeted basic food and food assistance can hopefully be a real step that can reduce the spread of malnutrition among the lower classes.
Lack of nutritional intake can make people with symptoms of malnutrition become very weak, so that their daily activities are very less than productive, on the other hand, brain activity in concentrating will also begin to be disturbed and not optimal, cand omplaints of fainting will also be common in sufferers with complaints of malnutrition.
Preventing diseases caused by malnutrition is the main foundation in maintaining body health. With a deep understanding of the types of diseases that can arise from malnutrition and effective preventive measures, we can ensure that the body gets enough nutrition to function optimally. Awareness of the importance of nutrition can be the key to preventing various serious diseases that can threaten health.
