Who Can Benefit From Health Nutrition?

Healthy eating helps people feel their best and can reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, and some types of cancer. Eating a wide variety of foods can also supply the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Nutrients are substances that provide energy, such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. People who have special dietary needs, such as those with food allergies or intolerances, may need additional nutritional support.

Heart disease and high blood pressure

Heart disease and high blood pressure are among the leading causes of death in America. But they can be prevented through health nutrition.

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against your artery walls as your heart beats and pumps. A normal reading on a blood pressure cuff or monitor is 120 over 80 (systolic blood pressure). When untreated, high blood pressure can damage arteries and cause many other health problems, including coronary artery disease, heart valve diseases, enlargement of the left ventricle and arrhythmias.

Healthy arteries are flexible, strong and elastic so that blood flows easily, delivering nutrients and oxygen to all parts of the body. In contrast, arteries that are damaged by high blood pressure can lead to narrowing and blockages, which reduces or stops blood flow, resulting in heart disease and stroke. Many of the risk factors for heart disease are out of a person's control, such as age, family history and smoking, but eating a heart-healthy diet can lower your risk and help prevent or treat existing health problems.

Obesity

Obesity is a condition characterized by excess body fat. Excess weight increases the risk for many health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, asthma, high cholesterol and osteoarthritis. It can also lead to feelings of depression and lower self-esteem. Obesity can be caused by genetics and environmental factors, which include the availability of foods with high calories and fat and a lack of physical activity.

People who have obesity may benefit from a diet low in sugar, salt and saturated fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein and good-quality fats such as those found in olive, canola and deep-sea fish oils. They should also get regular exercise and avoid excessive amounts of alcohol, soda and sleep deprivation. They should also seek support from healthcare providers who understand that obesity is a disease and don't stigmatize patients.

Cancer

Cancer is a disease that occurs when cells in the body grow out of control and develop into malignant tumors that cannot be removed or defeated by the body's natural defenses. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help reduce the risk of developing cancer, as well as decrease the chance that it will recur after treatment.

Cancer arises from abnormal growth of cells that make up tissue, such as in the breast and other parts of the body. The cells grow too quickly and do not die when they are supposed to, causing an accumulation of cells that may form a lump or growth called a tumor.

There are many different types of cancer. Some of these are caused by hereditary genes, while others occur spontaneously in the body. The occurrence of cancer can also be influenced by environmental factors such as smoking, radiation and certain foods and beverages. Studies show that drinking alcohol increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, larynx and lungs, while eating too much red meat is linked to colorectal cancer.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a long-term disease that happens when too much blood sugar -- also called glucose -- circulates in the body. It causes serious damage to the heart, blood vessels and nerves over time. Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease with chest pain (angina), stroke, heart attack and narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis).

There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. People with type 2 diabetes usually need insulin injections. The disease can be caused by being overweight, being inactive and some genetic factors. Certain races and ethnicities are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Most importantly, choose whole grains, low-fat dairy and fresh fruits and vegetables over soft drinks, candy, baked goods and other sugary snacks. Talk to your doctor or dietitian for more information about eating a healthy diet if you have diabetes. They may recommend foods that contain carbohydrates, such as fruit, vegetables, yogurt and beans, but they might advise against limiting fat and salt.

Sports nutrition

Whether you’re an elite athlete or just getting started, your body requires nutrition to perform at its best. In addition to whole foods and proper hydration, sports nutrition may include vitamin and mineral supplements, as well as ergogenic aids like creatine.

Depending on the level and intensity of activity, your body will use carbohydrates or fats as the main energy source. The amount of each type of food and their timing is critical to performance. Carbohydrates should be primarily from complex sources such as grains, fruits, and vegetables. High-fat foods, such as biscuits, cakes, pastries, and chips should be minimised. Healthy sources of protein include poultry, fish, eggs, nuts and legumes.

Conclusion

Providing the right nutrition is especially important for young athletes. Athletes who are not eating enough protein or consuming too much sugar may lose muscle mass and experience impaired athletic performance. It’s also important that young athletes learn the importance of eating a balanced diet and drinking enough fluids to prevent dehydration. A registered dietitian can help youth athletes understand the food choices that will help them succeed in their chosen sport.