In this post , we will look at the effects of poor nutrition. We’ll begin by defining what poor nutrition entails, distinguish the various conditions that signify it and then examine its effects.
Poor Nutrition
Poor nutrition involves a divergence from proper recommended nutrition habits. Anythying that goes against what is good nutrition, falls under poor nutrition. It is such a broad terminology inferring the divergence from good nutrition either quantitavely by how much nutrients are consumed or qualitatively by the type of food/nutrient consumed. It presents as either extreme form of eating i.e. over-eating or under-eating , and it also accounts for what you’re consuming in addition to the quantity whereby if you intake more junk foods than nutritious foods , you can be presumed to have poor nutrition. Having poor nutrition can also be linked to having an unhealthy relationship with food such that you may have the tendency to skip meals or just have a form of disordered eating. Basically, if you have poor nutrition , you are undermining the intake of nutritious foods , and nutrition principles such as moderation.
An indiviual’s eating habits are generally influenced by factors such as income, the availability and accessiblility of foods, nutrition knowledge, culture, education level etc . Individuals within areas that have a scarcity of food are likely to be under-nourished. They are unable to acquire adequate nutrients or likely obtain only nutrients from a particular food group. Their diet lacks variety. On the other hand, others with better access to food may be bombarded with constant marketing that promotes the intake of processed foods. For such , their predisposition to poor nutrition habits will include they type of nutrients consumed other than the lack of those nutrients. These individuals may lack awareness on nutrition or have limited financial capacity to consistently purchase nutritious foods. In both these cases, the individuals may be considered to have poor nutrition even though one group lacks sufficient food and the other can obtain the food.
Effects Of Poor Nutrition
The excessive consumption of certain nutrients especially those with calories like proteins, and fats can lead to increased incidences of overweight and obesity. Conversely, leading to the likelihood of developing chronic diseases such as cardio-vascular conditions, diabetes, hypertension, digestive conditions i.e. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Alternatively, the inadequate intake of various nutrients predisposes one to nutrient deficiencies and under-nutrition , and therefore a high susceptibility to infections and reduced immunity. Persons with poor nutrition may additionally experience mental challenges that may manifest with anxiety and depression, poor sleeping patterns , and cognitive impairment.
Poor nutrition effects further extend to the community and national levels by positing such intense burden on the fiscal, social and environmental systems. Governments experience additional costs in instigating measures to counter the widespread poor nutrition consequences. They are forced to improvise advanced health facilities to accommodate the great number of affected persons while also having to budget for medications and treatment options for those impacted populations.
The health outcomes resulting from poor nutrition are profound and its indirect effects are impactive not only to the individual but to the society as well. Nutrition awareness and education become imperative for the various communities, to tackle the consequences of poor nutrition. Individuals must pursue nutrition knowledge to promote an understanding on what proper nutrition entails and to make informed dietary choices that preserve their health. Along with this, they should seek support from trained nutritionists for personalized nutrition guidance and advice.