Your diet is about more than just your weight, although a healthy weight is important. What you eat affects your overall health, from the functioning of your insulin levels to your mental health status. The meals, snacks and beverages you choose every day can make a difference in your quality and length of life.
Constipation
One of the main contributing factors to constipation is a lack of fiber in your diet and eating a diet rich in constipating foods, such as dairy products. Fiber is necessary to add bulk to your stool and to help move along the digestive process. A healthy amount of daily fiber ranges between 20 g and 35 g. Eating less fiber than this as a part of a poor diet can increase your risk of constipation.
A diet lacking in adequate fluid intake can worsen the symptoms of constipation. A poor diet with too much sugary soda or alcohol will not provide you with enough hydration. Stick with water or 100 percent fruit juice drinks.
Diabetes
A poor diet can contribute to the development of Type 2 diabetes and it can worsen both the symptoms and effects of Type 1 diabetes. A diet rich in fats, sugars and calories can increase your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. A poor diet can cause your body to no longer recognize your insulin or use it ineffectively, resulting in insulin resistance. Also, a poor diet can contribute to weight gain, which increases your risk of Type 2 diabetes and makes it harder to manage your blood sugar levels with either type of diabetes. Lack of proper blood sugar management can lead to more serious health problems, such as kidney failure or hypertension.
Depression
A poor diet can contribute to the development of depression symptoms or the worsening of symptoms if you are already experiencing depression. A poor diet can lead to nutritionally deficiencies such as vitamin B-12, which can cause feelings of depression.
Also, when you eat sugars and refined grains, they can cause rapid spikes and dips in blood sugar that can cause symptoms of depression or trigger symptoms, such as fatigue and irritability. A poor diet that includes alcohol can worsen the symptoms of depression. Alcohol is a depressant and can increase feelings of helplessness or sadness.
Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, eating a poor diet is a key contributing factor in your risk of cancer. One-third of the 570,000 American annual cancer deaths can be linked to a poor diet, being overweight and leading a sedentary lifestyle. Having a body mass index greater than 25 puts you at greater risk of cancer and a poor diet can contribute to excessive weight, which causes your BMI to rise.
Also, diets lacking in healthy amount of fruits, vegetables and whole grains can leave you without the nutrients, such as fiber and antioxidants, which can help protect against cancer. Too much saturated fat in your diet can also put you at increased risk for cancer.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Constipation; July 2007
- HelpGuide.org; Depression in Older Adults and the Elderly: Signs, Symptoms, Causes and Treatments; Melinda Smith, M.A; et. al.; May 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Type 2 Diabetes: What You Should Know
- American Cancer Society: Diet and Physical Activity: What's the Cancer Connection?
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