The Impact of Diet and Nutrition on Health
Hello, Future Physicians!
This newsletter is about the impact of diet and nutrition and health. Food is fuel for the body, but our body needs ample nutrients to operate at its best. The foods that we choose to put into our bodies have an effect on them. Some are high in nutrients, and others can be considered as a treat that has little nutrients. It is important to have a balanced diet. Having too much or too little nutrients or types of food can lead to health complications. It is important to supply our body with what it needs. Overeating or eating too little can cause health issues as well. It is important for doctors to promote healthy eating and proper nutrition in order for patients to have the healthiest lifestyle possible.
Unhealthy Weight Gain: Eating large amounts of processed foods and foods high in fat and sugar can lead to unhealthy weight gain. Especially when coupled with a sedentary lifestyle, this can lead to obesity and loss of mobility. Carrying this type of additional weight can lead to heart disease and respiratory issues, which can make daily activities and even exercising more difficult. It can also lead to things like diabetes. This type of weight gain can have some effects on mental health, such as contributing to anxiety and depression. Anxiety and depression both play a part in one’s ability to take care of themselves physically. It is important for doctors and patients to work together to try and find where the cause of this weight gain may be coming from. If it is because of diet and/or lifestyle, some changes may be able to be made to promote healthier living. If it is another disease, such as hypothyroidism, they can work toward another treatment plan. Overall, it is important to be cautious about what food goes into the body. It is fine to be able to have highly processed foods and foods full of fat and sugar in moderation, but for a healthy lifestyle, it cannot be the main source of food and fuel for the body.
Overeating/Undereating: Different individuals and body types will need to follow different eating habits in order to do what suits their body best. For example, a professional football player will likely need to consume far more calories than someone who is not as active. It is very important that the body has enough fuel in order to do what it needs to do. Even in activities like doing schoolwork, eating a sufficient amount of food can allow you to focus more than if you were hungry or had not had enough to eat. Overeating can lead to an unhealthy amount of weight gain. Many have the tendency to overeat when they are stressed or bored. It is important for patients to be aware of their habits and daily activities so that they can recognize (alongside their doctor) where certain tendencies, behaviors, and pains may be coming from. It is also important for patients to recognize their bodies’ needs. On the other hand, not eating enough or undereating can impact the amount of energy that someone has and their weight. Someone who eats too little may be underweight. Since food is fuel for the body, undereating can cause fatigue since the body does not have enough to fully operate with. It can also contribute to a weakened immune system, which can make someone more susceptible to getting sick. For young people, it can impair growth and bone development.
High Blood Sugar/High Cholesterol: Consuming a large amount of processed foods can lead to high blood sugar and high cholesterol, which can cause many other health issues. High blood sugar can lead to diabetes. Diabetes affects how the body is able to use and process sugar. In addition, eating these types of foods can also cause high cholesterol, which can lead to cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, clogged arteries, an increased risk of stroke, and more. If left unchecked, this can quickly become a serious matter since the heart pumps blood throughout the body. Recovering from a heart attack or stroke can take months to years, and in some cases, aspects of someone’s life, such as speech and heart health, may never be the same.
Some Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Include:
Recognizing when you are hungry or full
Limiting sugar intake
Limiting the amount of processed foods you consume
Consuming a healthy amount of whole foods
Consuming a healthy amount of protein
Eat a sufficient amount of food
Avoid eating out of boredom or stress
Drink enough water
Pair healthy eating with exercise and physical activity
What could happen when someone begins to have a healthier diet with a sufficient amount of food?:
Weight loss or weight gain
Reduced risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, etc.
Increased energy
Improved condition of the skin
Improved digestion
What does this mean for doctors and patients?:
In conclusion, it is important for patients to routinely visit the doctor so that they can discuss their diet and activity with their doctor. Diet can have a large impact on someone’s weight, and having accurate medical records can allow both the patient and the doctor to see any significant weight gain, weight loss, or if the patient has remained around the same weight for a while. If necessary, a doctor and patient can work together to make changes to a patient’s diet and/or lifestyle in order to better support overall health. This is one area of many where it is very important for patients to be honest with their doctor. When patients are honest about their eating habits, it can be easier for the doctor and patient to identify where some health issues may be coming from. This is crucial in coming up with a plan to promote a healthier lifestyle.
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Keep learning!
The Future Physicians Newsletter Team
(Made with the help of Healthline and Medical News Today)