Illnesses From Not Eating Healthy

An unhealthy diet can increase your risk of illnesses, particularly chronic diseases. Fast and processed foods are high in calories, sodium and unhealthy fats, such as saturated fatty acids and trans fats. Your diet should include sufficient amounts of nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains and fish. Consult your nutritionist about your health and the foods you should eat for a healthy diet.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Eating an unhealthy diet -- particularly insufficient amounts of fruits, vegetables and foods with essential fatty acids, such as olive oil, avocado, nuts and fish -- can increase your risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the membranes lining your joints. The disease is characterized by swelling, pain, stiffness and loss of joint function, primarily affecting the fingers, wrists, elbows, knees and ankles. Research by scientists at the Arthritis Research Campaign Epidemiology Unit at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom and published in "Proceedings of the Nutrition Society," in 2004 reports that diet plays a role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. The research highlights that lower intakes of fruit, vegetables and vitamin C are associated with an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. The study also found that the illness is less severe among people in Greece and Italy who consume greater amounts of fruit, vegetables, olive oil and fatty fish.

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease occurs when plaque made from cholesterol and saturated fat builds up in your arteries and blocks the flow of oxygenated blood to the heart. This condition can lead to a heart attack. A diet that is high in unhealthy fats, such as saturated fat and trans fat, may increase your risk of coronary artery disease. Saturated fat is found in meat, poultry and dairy. Food manufacturers and restaurants may use trans fat in processed and fried foods, such as margarine, breads, cookies, doughnuts, potato chips and french fries. Research by scientists at the National Institute of Public Health and the Environment in The Netherlands published in "Lancet" in 2001 discovered that a high intake of trans fatty acids contributes to the risk of coronary heart disease.

Stroke

Sodium and potassium are minerals you need to regulate blood pressure. Consuming too much sodium and too little potassium increases your risk of high blood pressure and stroke. High amounts of sodium are found in processed foods, including breads, salad dressings, sauces, processed meats and cheese. Potassium is found primarily in fresh fruits and vegetables.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by narrowing of your airways and difficulty breathing. Consuming fast foods may increase your risk of asthma. Research by scientists at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada, published in "Clinical and Experimental Allergy," in 2009 linked fast food consumption with asthma in children.