Having a balanced diet implies consuming the adequate amount, as well as the right types, of food and drinks, as described in Medline Plus, a website supported by the National Institutes of Health. A balanced diet provides the energy and nutrition necessary for maintaining the body's cells, tissues and internal organs. This diet also provides the essential substances that support optimum growth and development in children and adults. An unbalanced diet occurs when the body does not receive enough nutrition. This unhealthy practice can cause a few adverse medical conditions.
Malnutrition
According to Medline Plus, one of the medical conditions related to an unbalanced diet is malnutrition. This condition happens to people who are not getting enough nutrients. Malnutrition can also be caused by medical problems with digestion and absorption. This condition can manifest various symptoms depending on the degree of malnutrition. In most cases, mild to moderate malnutrition doesn't exhibit any symptoms aside from body weakness, fatigue, dizziness and weight loss. Severe malnutrition can cause irreversible complications, physical disability and even death. Malnutrition is treated by replacing the missing and deficient nutrients. Most deficiencies can be corrected but if a medical condition is the reason for malnutrition, it needs to be treated first.
Muscle Wasting
Muscle wasting, also called muscle atrophy, is a possible medical condition related to an unbalanced diet, as mentioned by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, an organization supported by the National Institutes of Health. The loss of muscle tissue occurs because of lack of physical exercise, nerve injury and severe undernourishment. Muscle atrophy is managed with an exercise program under the supervision of a therapist or medical specialist. People who are physically disabled use support braces and splints when exercising. To compensate for the lack of protein and muscle building nutrients, supplements and replacements are given in large doses.
Bone Weakness
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and supported by the National Institutes of Health, bone weakness is a potential medical condition related to an unbalanced diet. Bone weakness is characterized by bone thinning and loss of strength. In severe cases, bones can become brittle and break easily. This can become very dangerous, most especially to elderly patients. Calcium and vitamin D are among the essential nutrients that maintain healthy bones; with an unbalanced diet; the body might not be getting sufficient amounts of these vitamins.
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