A poor diet is high in processed foods, fast foods and refined products. It often lacks fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Because of this, these types of diets are often missing many vitamins, minerals and other nutrients needed for good health. Excess weight can also stem from a combination of a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet habits. Consuming more calories than the body needs leads to weight gain. Those who consume a diet that lacks key nutrients leave themselves open to certain diseases and conditions.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty deposits collect in the body's arteries. The deposits harden and thicken, and can eventually restrict or block blood flow. Atherosclerosis leads to cardiovascular disease or stroke. High blood cholesterol, high blood pressure and increased levels of sugar in the blood are all conditions related to a poor diet that can lead to atherosclerosis. The condition causes stroke, heart disease and artery disease. Its progression can be slowed or decreased through positive dietary changes.
Mental Effects
The brain depends on essential vitamins and minerals to function at its optimum level. The Mental Health Association reports that deficiencies in essential fatty acids may lead to depression, concentration and memory problems. Diets deficient in certain vitamins and minerals may memory and occurrence of certain conditions, such as dementia.
Inflammation
A poor diet and lack of physical activity lead to a generalized, systemic inflammation that negatively affects the body and aids in the progression of chronic disease. Normally, inflammation is a response to an infection, bacteria or virus. High blood pressure, increased blood lipids and hyperglycemia, results of a poor diet and lack of activity, also cause inflammation. Inflammation occurring in the arteries increases the rate at which atherosclerosis occurs. There are very few symptoms from systemic inflammation, but certain blood tests can measure inflammation and associated risks.
Diabetes
Diabetes is characterized by too much glucose circulating in the blood. The body loses its ability to make or respond to insulin, the hormone responsible for allowing sugars to enter cells. Type 2 diabetes is the type of diabetes caused partially by a poor diet. Exactly why this occurs is unknown, but increased weight and lack of activity are directly related to the disease.
Nutritional Deficiency
Eating a poor diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies. A person can be malnourished even when overweight, due to a lack of variety and whole foods in a diet. Deficiency risk increases as a person ages.
Cancer
The American Cancer Society reports that about one-third of cancers are linked to a poor diet and lack of physical activity. Certain cancers and diseases are linked directly to a poor diet. Breast, colon, endometrium, esophageal, kidney and other organ cancers all have links to being overweight. A diet that includes more fruits and vegetables, whole grains and limits on red and processed meats can decrease cancer risk.
Immunity
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is an important part of the immune system, and a poor diet leads to troubles in that area. As an exposed organ, the GI tract is open to external contaminants such as bacteria. The body protects this organ with cells that fight foreign invaders called macrophages and lymphocytes. A poor diet and lack of antioxidants, found mainly in fruits and vegetables, puts these immune cells at risk for damage. Damaged immune cells decrease the body's ability to fight disease and infection.
