Numerous diseases are associated with an unhealthy diet. According to the World Health Organization, or WHO, malnutrition is the term for poor nourishment. You can become malnourished if you eat insufficient amounts or excessive amounts of the wrong types of food. Malnourishment may also develop from the inability of your digestive tract to absorb nutrients from foods.
Pellagra
Pellagra is a disease associated with unhealthy eating. According to the MedlinePlus website, pellagra, also known as vitamin B3 deficiency, is a condition that manifests when you do not get enough niacin or tryptophan. Niacin is a B-complex vitamin, and tryptophan is an amino acid. Pellagra has several causes, including an insufficient amount of niacin or tryptophan in the diet, the inability of the body to absorb these nutrients, certain gastrointestinal diseases and alcoholism. Pellagra is common in parts of the world where a large portion of the diet is corn or maize. Common signs and symptoms associated with pellagra are delusions, diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, headache, loss of appetite, inflamed mucus membranes, confusion and scaly skin. Vitamin B3-rich foods include meats, poultry, fish and nuts.
Rickets
Rickets is a disease associated with a poor diet; this condition specifically involves a deficiency in vitamin D, calcium or phosphate. Rickets is the childhood version of osteomalacia, and it leads to bone softening and weakening, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Vitamin D helps your body regulate phosphate and calcium levels. If your blood levels of these minerals are too low, your body will release hormones that cause bone to release phosphate and calcium, leading to weak and soft bones. If you are lactose intolerant, do not consume milk products, do not get enough sunlight and consume only a vegetarian diet, you may have a greater risk of developing rickets or osteomalacia. Common signs and symptoms associated with rickets are bone pain or tenderness, dental deformities, impaired growth, muscle cramps, short stature and skeletal deformities.
Scurvy
Scurvy is associated with unhealthy eating. According to the MedlinePlus website, scurvy is a condition that is caused by a lack of ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, in your diet. Ascorbic acid plays a role in the formation of various biological substances, including collagen, carnitine, certain hormones and amino acids. Ascorbic acid is an antioxidant that supports your immune system and helps your body absorb iron. It is also critical for wound healing and burn recovery. Although scurvy is uncommon in the United States, it sometimes affects older, malnourished adults. Common signs and symptoms associated with scurvy include general weakness, anemia or decreased red blood cells, gingivitis or gum disease and skin hemorrhages. Your need for vitamin C increases if you are a smoker, have recently had surgery or you experience long-term heat or cold stress.
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