Illness related to dietary foods and supplements occurs in conjunction with an imbalance that is out of line with your body's needs. Undernutrition, or deficiency of one or more vitamins, minerals or other nutrients, can harm your health in the short term, while the effects of overnutrition, or too much of one or more elements, might come on suddenly or more gradually. Either condition places strain on your metabolism, weakening your body systems and potentially leading to an early end to your life.
Types
Anemia and osteoporosis stem from undernutrition of essential nutrients. Vitamin toxicity and hyperkalemia, or elevated potassium electrolyte levels, are two examples of overnutrition of normally beneficial nutrients. High blood pressure and clogged arteries are indicative of excessive sodium and solid fat consumption, respectively. Long-term dietary imbalances might lead to heart disease, type 2 diabetes or cancer of the colon, kidney, gallbladder, prostate, uterus or breast.
Causes
While these illnesses are linked to what you do and don't eat, your risk for developing diet-related diseases rises along with your weight. According to the Office of the Surgeon General, overweight conditions make you more likely to suffer incurable heart, diabetes and cancer conditions, along with their complications. Anemic conditions are caused by low intake of iron or vitamin B, while osteoporosis, or a decrease in bone density, comes from a chronically low intake of calcium over your lifetime.
Effects
Overconsumption of nutrients such as vitamin A or potassium can create vision problems or life-threatening arrhythmias. The development of high blood pressure or clogged arteries can generate blood clots, heart attacks, strokes and heart failure, while cancer conditions can become painful and deadly. Type 2 diabetes requires daily medical treatment, and patients might also develop vision and hearing loss, nerve damage and kidney disease. The Office of the Surgeon General reports that people who become overweight or obese from poor dietary habits are more likely to develop arthritis, asthma, reproductive problems and poor surgical outcomes.
Significance
All of these diet-generated effects cost you, your insurance company or government health care entities money in medical management and lost time from work. In children, especially, they might signify a lifetime of ill health and a greater likelihood of premature death. The USDA counsels consumers to eat nutritious foods and exercise regularly to control weight and balance nutrient intakes. Taking these steps will greatly increase your chances of avoiding diet-related illness and enjoying a healthy and long life.
