Nutrition and Disease

There is a direct link between our diet and our health.  Bio-active food can manipulate the body’s metabolic process and influence disease risk (Sizer & Whitney, 2014). Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancers, strokes, and diabetes mellitus are leading causes of death that are directly connected to a person’s diet (Sizer & Whitney, 2014). Foods are made up of chemicals and complex food can have an effect on a person’s health (Sizer & Whitney, 2014).  A poor diet often leads to obesity and there is a direct link between obesity and mental health diseases. The latest U.S. statistics confirm that one third of adults are obese and more than one in four adults have mental health issues (Jung & Chang, 2015).  Researchers are finding evidence that obesity and mental health have direct connections (Jung & Chang, 2015).  Malnutrition due to inadequate nutrition can result in hospitalization, decline in muscle function, decreased muscle mass, and loss of muscle strength/mobility (Fletcher, 2015). Other consequences of inadequate nutrition are respiratory issues and impaired immune function (Fletcher, 2015). In order to prevent and manage chronic disease, people must have adequate nutrition (Ball, L., Johnson, C., Desbrow, B., & Leveritt, M. (2013).  

How Knowledge is Power in Nutrition