Diet plays a vital role in the body, from providing the raw materials for tissue production to energy creation to support for system function. Problems can occur with both dietary deficiencies and overconsumption of certain foods. For optimal health you should eat a complete diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, recommends the "Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010."
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that is caused by the body's response to eating gluten-containing foods. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. When a person with celiac disease eats gluten-containing foods, the body responds by attacking it and the villi of the small intestine. The villi are tiny projections that form the inner lining of the intestines. Celiac disease manifests itself in a variety of nutrient deficiencies because of the reduced capacity of the body to absorb them in the small intestine. Eliminating gluten in the diet will reduce the symptoms associated with this disease.
Heart Disease
Your diet can increase your risk of developing heart disease if it includes high amounts of saturated fats. These fats will raise your cholesterol. High cholesterol, in turn, can lead to plaque formation on the inner lining of the blood vessels. The risk of heart attack increases with plaque formation. A clot can break off and impair or stop blood flow. A blockage in a coronary artery leads to a heart attack and heart damage. The American Heart Association strongly urges Americans to limit their consumption of saturated fats, replacing them instead with heart-friendly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats like olive oil.
Hypertension
Your diet can play a direct role in your chances of developing hypertension or high blood pressure formation. Narrowing of the arteries from consumption of saturated fats restricts blood flow and increases pressure within the blood vessels. The result is high blood pressure. High consumption of salt can contribute to this condition by increasing the blood volume from water retention. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that Americans consume over twice as much salt as recommended, contributing to the nearly 400,000 deaths each year caused by high blood pressure.
Scurvy
Scurvy describes a serious health condition caused by inadequate vitamin C intake. Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of this essential nutrient. Your risk increases if you consume less than two servings per day. Early symptoms include red-blue bruises near hair follicles. You may also experience weakness and fatigue. Left untreated, scurvy can produce more serious health consequences, including anemia and low blood pressure. Fortunately, it can be easily treated with vitamin C supplements to restore proper body function. Children and the elderly are among the high-risk groups for developing this preventable condition.
References
- USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion: Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 - Executive Summary
- Celiac Disease Foundation: What Happens With Celiac Disease
- American Heart Association: Fat
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Americans Consume Too Much Sodium (Salt); February 24, 2011
- DermNet NZ; Scurvy; Vanessa Ngan; April 5, 2010
