Diseases That Can Be Caused By A Diet That Is Poor In Nutrition

A healthy diet emphasizes nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, dairy products and beans. If you do not get the nutrients you need from your diet, you may be at risk for a number of diseases. A balanced diet should provide the nutrients you need to minimize your risk for diseases; a nutritionist can look at your meal plan to determine whether your diet is adequate.

Anemia

Iron is an essential nutrient for healthy red blood cells, and iron-deficiency anemia occurs when you do not get enough iron from your diet. Animal-based food sources provide iron in its heme form, which is easy for your body to absorb. Iron-rich foods include beef and poultry. If you are a vegetarian, and you are relying on plant-based sources of iron to meet your requirements, a diet without adequate nutrition can increase your risk for iron-deficiency anemia. The iron in plants is the non-heme form, and your body needs vitamin C to absorb non-heme iron. A poor diet may not have enough vitamin C to absorb the iron that you need.

High Cholesterol

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and a poor diet, such as one high in saturated fat, trans fat or cholesterol, may raise your cholesterol levels and increase your risk for heart disease. Dietary fiber, which is in nutrient-dense foods such as beans, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and nuts, lowers your cholesterol levels. Another cholesterol-lowering nutrient is alpha-linolenic acid, which can be found in flaxseed, flaxseed oil, walnuts and canola oil.

Hypertension

A poor diet can lead to high blood pressure, or hypertension, a condition that increases your risk for stroke, heart disease and kidney disease. A high intake of potassium, which is found in fruit, vegetables, dairy products, beans and nuts, can lower your blood pressure. Calcium is another essential mineral for a healthy blood pressure, according to the Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center. Too much sodium, which is found in processed and prepared foods, may increase your risk for hypertension.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that develops when your bones are weak, and a diet without adequate nutrition can be a cause. Calcium is a part of your bone mineral, and you need it for building and maintaining strong bones throughout your life. Vitamin D is another essential nutrient for bone health because it helps your body absorb calcium from the diet and use it properly during the bone mineralization process. Good dietary sources of calcium and vitamin D include fortified dairy products and fatty fish, according to the 2010 "Dietary Guidelines for Americans" from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Osteoporosis increases your risk for fractures in the hip, wrist and spine.