Diet, exercise, and your mental health are all integral components to your overall health. However, your diet is more than just counting calories when it comes to your health. The nutritional density of the food you eat, and any supplements you take, are crucial components of your health. The effective management of food intake and nutrition are essential to your health. Proper nutrition can help keep you strong and aid in disease prevention. However, there are serious consequences if you don’t focus on nutrition. Below are the risks of poor nutrition on health.
Risks of Poor Nutrition on Health
Poor eating habits can contribute to serious issues with your health. This includes overeating, undereating, or consuming food that isn’t nutrient-dense. Foods that have too much salt, sugar, or fat can be detrimental to your health. Below are the common risks to your health associated with poor nutrition.
Overweight or Obese:
Research has shown that being overweight or obese carries certain risks. Excess weight can increase your risk for diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. For those who are pregnant, or plan on getting pregnant, it can impact the health of your child in utero and throughout their life. Losing weight is not just about reducing your calories, but about getting the proper nutritional benefits from the foods and supplements you consume.
Diabetes:
A diet that is high in fat, cholesterol, and calories can lead to diabetes. Poor diet can lead to obesity which often comes with other health problems, including diabetes. A diabetes diagnosis is serious and can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular issues and nerve damage. Eating a healthy diet filled with nutrient-dense foods can help you maintain your weight and health.
High Blood Pressure:
Poor diet can lead to high blood pressure. Without the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants necessary to protect your health, high blood pressure is a serious risk. If left untreated it can also lead to heart attacks, hardening of your arteries, kidney failure, and worse. Getting the necessary nutrients to help your body function at an optimal level is necessary for your overall health.
Depression:
Your diet can impact your mental health in a variety of ways. In fact, it has been found that diets low in carbohydrates can lead to depression. An inadequate diet can lead to fatigue, slow down your reaction time, and impair your decision-making skills. Eating a nutritious diet can help fuel your mind and body in a positive way.
Certain Cancers:
Poor nutrition and obesity can lead to certain cancers, including breast, colon, endometrial, esophageal, and kidney cancer. While you may not experience such a serious consequence right away, these serious conditions can develop over time. The impact of cancer can be drastic so it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, from an early age.
Tips for Proper Nutrition
Getting started on your health journey doesn’t have to be drastic. You can make incremental changes to improve your health and wellness for the long-term. In fact, it’s the most successful way to create long-term habits that become a part of your everyday life. Consider the following tips to improve your health.
- Consult with a nutritionist in Seattle so they can assess your current diet and supplements.
- Eat a variety of foods from each of the five food groups, including at least two servings of fruit and five servings of vegetables each day.
- Eat processed foods that are high in sugar, fat, or salt in moderation (and in small amounts).
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water (8 ounces each) each day.
If you need help with any nutritional questions, contact the community pharmacy in Seattle. They have an effective nutrition program that can help you get your health in order. Contact their team today for more information!