Unbalanced diet and diseases

Under nutrition

A lack of protein in the diet is called protein-calorie malnutrition. This is commonly found in the developing world in poorer countries.
Conditions caused by lack of protein:

Marasmus- malnutrition caused by a diet low in protein and energy/carbohydrates. Also caused by early weaning off breast milk. Suffers are grossly underweight, they have thin arms and legs, no body fat and muscle is wasting away.

Kwashiorkor- malnutrition caused by low protein only. usually occurs in slightly later age than marasmus. Suffers have oedema (swelling) in the feet and lower legs, pale thin hair, muscle wasting and a moon face.

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are malnutrition due to psychological issues.

Two examples of Under-Nutrition are Anorexia nervosa and Bulimia nervosa.
These are examples of poor dieting, resulting in a lack of essential nutrients. They are eating disorders and the under-nutrition is self induced.
Anorexia nervosa usually starts in the teenage years, mainly affecting women and girls but boys can be affected.
The disease is characterised by a list of symptoms:
1. Body weight is maintained at 15% below that expected for a persons height.
2.Self induced weight loss, from forced vomiting, taking laxatives, avoiding fatty foods and excessive exercise.
3. Fear of putting on weight, obsessed with the size of their body.
4. Pursue a very low ideal weight.
5. Can cause hormonal differences and women can stop having periods.

Normally seen in the western world, from social and biological factors, peer pressure, media and stress can cause Anorexia nervosa.

6. Delayed development of puberty.
7. Feel bloated after a small meal.
8. loose interest of socializing with friends
9. They feel tired
10. Constipation
11. Feeling cold
12. Low blood pressure

Can lead to:
1.Chronic illness
2. Death
3. Osteoporosis
4. Damage to heart, kidneys, liver and brain.
5. Difficulties in concentration
6. Mental health problems

Bulimia nervosa

This is another eating disorder which involves an irresistible urge to 'binge' eat on food, followed immediately by self induced vomiting. laxatives etc are used as well to prevent weight gain.
Vomiting can lead to loss of potassium, chloride and hydrogen ions.

symptoms:
1. Dental erosion
2. Sore throat
3. Swollen salivary glands
4. Fatigue
5. Constipation
6. loss of voice
7. dry skin, brittle nails
8. Anemia
9. Infertility
10. Liver failure


people who suffer from Bulimia nervosa do not show the symptoms of extreme weight loss.
The person will be of normal or higher weight, the person is less likely to drop significant amounts of weight.
This is less to do with food but more with psychological issues.

Vitamin A
retinol is found in dairy products and fish liver oils. It is needed to keep lining tissues healthy.(epithelium). Deficiency leads to night blindness.

Vitamin C
Ascorbic acid is found in citrus fruits, green vegetables etc. it is needed for hydroxylase to work. It maintains collagen fibres in connective tissue. Deficiency is scurvy as the connective tissue weakens.

Calcium
Found in dairy products, bread and flour. calcium is absorbed through the small intestines by carrier proteins. The carrier can only be made with vitamin D. lack of vitamin D can lead to calcium deficiency. This leads to rickets, muscle spasms and osteomalacia.

Iron
found in both meat and plants. its needed for haemoglobin in red blood cells. deficiency leads to anaemia