Discussion 1

The Connection Between Nutrition and Disease

     Nutrition is a branch of science that involves studying “how food nourishes the body” (Sizer & Whitney, 2012, p. 2).  It truly is one of the most important of the human sciences, and continues to develop in ways that can benefit human beings all over the world.  Although the science of nutrition is a young discipline, there have been many discoveries with regard to how diet influences health (Sizer & Whitney, 2012).  Most of us know that our bodies need food for energy and sustenance, but food is also a major influencer of health – both positively and negatively.  Boyle and Roth (2010) rightly state that, “the foods you select can have a profound effect on the quality, and perhaps, even the length of your life” (p. 31).

     In this article we are focusing on the unwanted implications of diet, and how poor nutrition is connected to the development of some serious chronic diseases.  Although diet is the single largest influencer of health, it is important to note that genetics, lifestyle choices, and physical activity levels also play major roles in health and the prevention, or development of chronic diseases (Boyle & Roth, 2010).  In Nutrition: Concepts and controversies, Sizer and Whitney highlight that a poor diet can result in heart disease, hypertension, cancers, stroke, diabetes, and overweight and obesity among other conditions (2012).  In America, the prevalence of diet-related chronic diseases is staggering.  Government surveys on American citizens have revealed that, “44% of Americans have a chronic condition,” and that “13% have three or more of these conditions” (cited in Brown, 2011, Section 2-4).  You may be wondering though, how exactly food plays such a crucial role in the development of serious health problems.  Below are some brief explanations on these connections pertaining to specific diseases.

Heart Disease / Cardiovascular Disease:

A diet high in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium; and low in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is the primary type of diet associated with the development of cardiovascular disease (Brown, 2011).  Trans fats (man-made fats) change the way the body uses fats, and higher amounts of fats and cholesterol (plaque) build up in the blood arteries (Brown, 2011).  Prolonged plaque build-up can result in completely clogged arteries, severely restricting blood flow and can result in a heart attack, stroke, or death (Sizer & Whitney, 2012). Low fat foods and foods that help to promote good cardiovascular health are often consumed very less in the high heart disease risk types of diets. 

Cancers:

Every American can contest to the perturbing growing trend of cancers throughout the country.  In fact, it is the second leading cause of death in America (Sizer & Whitney, 2012).  Yet, few really ever consider how our diets can put us at risk for our own cancer case.  Again, the cancer risk diet is typically low in fruits and vegetables, which naturally provide antioxidants, phytochemicals, and other natural cancer preventative qualities (Brown, 2011).  A growing amount of evidence also suggests that the consumption of processed foods (particularly processed meats) and foods grown with hazardous chemicals are linked with the development of cancers (Brown, 2011).  Smoking, alcohol consumption, and chronic obesity are also influencers of cancer (Sizer & Whitney, 2012). 

Diabetes:

A diet high in saturated and trans fats, added sugars and calories, and low in whole foods like whole grains, fruits and vegetables is the primary type of diet associated with diabetes (Brown, 2011).  Chronic overweight and obesity associated with an unhealthy diet is also a major contributor to the development of diabetes (Brown, 2011).

     While specific chronic diseases appear to have a variety of individual influencers, the scientific evidence shows indications of some connection between all of these chronic conditions.  It is a diet high in fats and cholesterol, sugars, and sodium, and low in whole foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, legumes, and nuts.  Diets that influence serious diseases are also low in the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are associated with healthy benefits such as lower cholesterol, better heart health, and a healthy weight.  The common disease provoking diet is also lacking in fiber, which directly influences the health of the digestive system, lowers cholesterol, and improves heart health.  My point here is that adopting a naturally healthy diet of whole foods, fiber, proteins, and carbohydrates, with some good fats can help prevent a wide variety of chronic health conditions.  Although only a few of the major chronic conditions are discussed briefly here, keep in mind that the numbers of health problems influenced by diet are numerous.  We may not have control over our genetics, but our diet is within our control.  It truly is our best weapon against disease, and can promote a long and healthy life. 

 

References

Boyle, M. A., & Roth, S. L. (2010). Personal nutrition (7^th ed.). Belmont, CA:
      Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

Brown, J. E. (2011). Nutrition now (6^th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
       (12^th ed). Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning.

Sizer, F. S., & Whitney, E. N. (2012). Nutrition: Concepts and controversies (12^th ed).
       Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning.