If you don't pay much attention to your diet but know it's not the best, it is important to make changes for healthy eating. Fast food, packaged foods and diets without much variety may not provide all of the nutrients your body needs for energy and fitness. Poor nutrition can prevent you from feeling your best and make you gain weight in the short term. Over the long term, an unhealthy diet raises your risk for many chronic diseases that threaten your mobility and longevity.
For Bone Health
Your body needs calcium and the vitamin D required to absorb the mineral every day. If you don't get these nutrients from foods such as milk and fish, they are drawn for various body functions from the stores in your bones. The National Osteoporosis Foundation reports that diets without enough calcium and vitamin D, or those with too much protein, sodium and caffeine, raise your chances for developing osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones lose density and strength and may fracture. In addition, the bone pain of arthritis becomes more likely when a poor diet results in weight gain.
For Heart Health
Many fast foods and packaged foods are high in sodium, fat and cholesterol. A diet that has too much of these nutrients can cause a number of cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure, atherosclerosis and peripheral vascular disease. Foods high in fat also carry high calories. The Office of the Surgeon General notes that a state of overweight or obesity from an unhealthy diet raises your risk for high blood pressure and heart disease.
To Prevent Diabetes
A steady diet of convenience and fast foods may also have high carbohydrate content, which can make your blood-sugar level rise. When this becomes chronic, you may develop type 2 diabetes, a serious disease in which your cells become resistant to insulin. Weight gain and obesity are also risk factors. The American Diabetes Association suggests consuming less fat and sugar and more fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
To Stay Active
All of the above health problems can restrict your mobility over time. Weakened bones, poor cardiovascular fitness and possible complications from diabetes can keep you from living an active lifestyle or even performing daily tasks or work. People who become overweight or obese due to poor eating habits have a higher incidence of breathing problems such as sleep apnea and asthma, and they have a greater risk of premature death.
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