Dietary Dangers

Dietary Dangers

Diet is only one of the factors which influence health. Exercise, drugs like nicotine and alcohol, social and psychological factors all play their part. In practice, many people indulge in a diet which is imbalance in favour of fat, sugar and alcohol, with too little fibre. Scientific research has implicated all of these in the incidence of diseases such as coronary heart disease, cancer and tooth decay. A high-fat, high-sugar diet combined with lack of exercise is likely to lead to excessive weight gain, then obesity, which with its related problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes and a raised blood cholesterol level increases the risk of heart disease.

Cholesterol in the blood is mainly manufactured by the body itself; only a proportion arrives via the diet. The amount of cholesterol in an average diet would not in itself raise blood cholesterol to dangerous levels. Saturated fats raise LDL (low-density lipoprotein) blood cholesterol levels; high levels cause cholesterol deposits which harden and block arteries. Blood containing high saturated fat levels clots more readily. Polyunsaturated fats, however, have the opposite effect. There is some evidence that they, and still more so the monounsaturates, can repair damage done by saturated fats. Studies are not conclusive, however, and research continues.

Salt is found in most of the foods in a normal diet, processed and natural, so added salt is unnecessary for health, except when large amounts are lost from the body through sweating. On average we eat 10 times more salt than we need. Many middle-aged people have higher blood pressure than they should , which in turn increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. A reduction in salt intake may produce a beneficial effect for these people, by reducing their blood pressure.

Sugar has been cited as another factor associated with heart disease, though the evidence is not as strong here as it is for fat. That sugar is harmful to teeth is indisputable. Bacteria feed on the sugar and produce acids which start the decay process. A healthy diet avoids sugar and all foods containing it; culprits are cakes, jam, fizzy drinks, canned soups and some breakfast cereals.

Fibre appears to be an important factor in preventing diseases of the large bowel such as appendicitis, cancer and diverticulitis. These diseases are rare in countries where the diet contains less fat, little sugar and more starch and fibre. Fibre may also slow the absorption of sugar and fat which may be beneficial in the management of some diseases such as diabetes and coronary heart disease.

Vitamin overdosing is a possible danger, particularly with fat-soluble vitamins such as A and D which are stored in the body, if taken in excessive amounts over long periods. Vitamin C and those of the B group are water-soluble and in general any excess is excreted without ill effects, though there may be a greater risk of kidney stones occurring in people who take massive doses of vitamin C tablets.

Dietary Problems

Constipation often results from a diet low in fibre or fluid, or from generally poor eating habits. Prunes are often recommended to counteract it as they contain a substance which prompts bowel motion. Pregnant women and the elderly are particularly susceptible to constipation or it can be a side-effect of iron tablets or certain drugs. To relieve it, eat more unprocessed bran, potatoes and their skins, fresh fruits and raw vegetables, drink more water and fruit juices. However, if the problem persists, consult your doctor.
Diarrhoea occurs as a result of infection, defective enzyme production (lactose intolerance, for example), organic disease or a side effect of certain drugs such as antibiotics. It can also be a symptom of niacin (a B group vitamin) deficiency or part of a sunstroke reaction. Take plenty of fluid to guard against dehydration. Extra dietary potassium, sodium and chlorides may be needed to replace losses. if your diarrhoea persists without obvious cause, consult your doctor. If you are taking the pill you should use an additional form of protection.
Malnutrition is not normally found in Western societies, except occasionally among the elderly, and among vegetarians who are not careful to account for the lack of animal animal in their diet. In some Eastern and African countries, long-term malnutrition is a common problem due to carbohydrate and particularly to overall food energy deficiency. There are 2 forms: marasmus results from a chronic lack of protein and carbohydrate in the diet; kwashiorkor results from a diet in which the carbohydrate intake may be sufficient but a simultaneous lack of protein stunts growth.

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