It is no secret that diet plays a major role in health and disease. As obesity rates continue to increase, so does the likelihood of diet-related illness. Consuming a diet loaded with processed foods, fat and sodium and devoid of nutrients for long enough will cause serious, even life-threatening health consequences.
Cancer
Diet-related cancers can include colon, breast, cervix, gall bladder, ovary, thyroid, kidney, prostate and esophagus, according to the American Cancer Society. Consuming too much fat, sugar, sodium and additives creates a perfect breeding ground for cancer to grow inside your body. Poor diets typically contain very few antioxidants and other key nutrients for cancer prevention, and very little fiber. The American Caner Society recommends eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day and limiting your intake of red meat and refined grains.
Hypertension
Hypertension is also known as high blood pressure. It is estimated that 40 to 50 percent of the American adult population are at risk for developing hypertension, according to Purdue University. Hypertension can be caused by smoking and lack of exercise, but diet is also a major factor. Foods with high amounts of sodium and fat will contribute to elevated blood pressure levels. Hypertension that is left without treatment may lead to heart attack, stroke or kidney failure.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a bone-weakening condition that results in many fractures sustained by older people, says Purdue University. Too much protein or fat in the diet can interfere with the absorption of calcium, which is a key nutrient to avoiding osteoporosis. Vitamin C and lactose from milk will help improve calcium absorption. Other ways to avoid osteoporosis include getting adequate levels of vitamin D and exercise.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and along with smoking and lack of exercise, an unhealthy diet is to blame. Arteriosclorosis refers to an accumulation of cholesterol and other fatty deposits in your arteries. These deposits narrow the opening of the artery until blood can no longer flow through properly, which can result in the death of the heart muscle, or damage in the form of a heart attack.
Diabetes
An unhealthy diet typically consists of higher levels of refined flours and sugars, which will stress your pancreas and elevate blood sugar, which in turn may result in Type 2 diabetes. The National Diabetes Education Program recommends keeping healthy snacks that contain fiber on hand to keep blood sugar levels stable and reduce your risk. These include whole grains, fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy products. Diabetes can lead to heart disease, vision loss, stroke, kidney disease and nerve damage.
References
- Purdue University: Diet-Related Diseases
- American Cancer Society: American Cancer Society Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention
- National Diabetes Education Program: Lose Weight & Lower Your Risk for Type 2 Diabetes
- National Diabetes Education Program: Small Steps. Big Rewards. Your Game Plan to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes--Information for Patients
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