Poor Nutrition - What Are the Consequences?
 It is a sad fact that many people in the United States suffer from poor nutrition. With overscheduled or sedentary lifestyles, many rely on fast or convenience foods for most meals, or overindulge at restaurants. Even when we try to eat healthier, we tend to make poor choices because few really understand how balanced nutrition works or what their recommended nutritional guidelines are.
Even fewer people understand the consequences of poor nutrition. Especially when we are in hard times, many are just happy to be able to provide sufficient food for their families. However, even on tight budgets, it is important to take good nutrition into account so that permanent damage isn't done to your family's bodies.
People with poor nutrition are at a much higher risk of developing conditions such as:
- Becoming overweight or obese - Even if you don't eat a lot, eating the wrong things can result in unhealthy weight gain.
- Hypertension - Eating foods high in fat and calories can lead to high blood pressure and increase your risk of suffering from heart conditions.
- Diabetes - The easiest way to avoid developing type 2 diabetes is by eating healthy and maintaining a healthy weight.
- High cholesterol - Much like hypertension, having poor nutrition can easily raise your cholesterol levels into dangerous levels.
- Gout - It is believed that this painful, chronic condition can be caused by an overload of uric acid, which can be the result of overconsumption of alcohol, red meat, seafood, and sugary drinks.
- Osteoporosis and bone loss - Very few people get enough calcium in their diets, which can result in the development of bone conditions.
If you are afraid that you or your family are suffering from or are at risk for poor nutrition, consulting with an experienced nutritionist or dietitian, or even your primary care provider, can aid in creating a healthy eating plan that will benefit every member if you family and provide you with the tools needed to live a happier, healthier life. |
