Poor eating habits can be characterized as overeating, undereating, and unhealthy eating. Our body needs certain essential nutrients in order to properly function. These include water, complex carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. When we don’t get enough of these nutrients, we may experience deficiencies and other problems. We can also experience problems when we consume too much sugar, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats.
#1: Obesity
Obesity is usually a result of overeating, but it can also be an effect of an underlying medical condition. A BMI (body mass index) of 30 or higher is considered obese, while 25-29 is considered overweight. Being both overweight and obese can lead to numerous other health issues (diabetes, heart disease, etc.), and the rates of children and adults becoming either one is rising all over the world. Around 4 million people die each year due to health issues stemming from being obese.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and even reverse obesity. One of the main ways is a diet change that promotes weight loss. Some diets include intermittent fasting, the Mediterranean diet, plant-based diets, the paleo diet, and the keto diet.
#2: Cancer
A poor diet has also been linked to certain cancers, although this is likely the result of being obese. At least 13 different types of cancer can be traced back to a poor diet. Some of these include:
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Liver cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Uterine cancer
Excessive alcohol consumption can also be linked to some of these cancers. Although diet is only a part of this and many cancers are indeed genetic, it’s important to know that you can still decrease your risk of cancer by eating a healthy diet. This means eating a variety of different vegetables and fruits instead of added sugars, whole grains instead of refined carbs, unsaturated fats instead of saturated fats, and by drinking more water.
#3: Digestive Issues
Several digestive issues are a result of many things, and your diet can be one of them. Certain foods can cause heartburn, acid reflux, chronic diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues. This can either be due to the unhealthy nature of the food, or a person having a certain food sensitivity. There are OTC (over the counter) medications that can help relieve the temporary symptoms that come with these issues, but some of these medications have either worsened symptoms or lead to its users developing cancer, resulting in seeking financial compensation.
If you’re having minor digestive problems, it could be due to something in your diet. Making minor changes by choosing healthier options can potentially alleviate these issues. If you’re having more serious or chronic digestive problems, you should consult your doctor.
#4: Anxiety
Many things can cause anxiety, and while a poor diet may not be a direct cause, practicing healthier eating habits can help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with anxiety. Research suggests that certain nutrients found in different foods can be effective in those experiencing anxiety. The biggest example of this would probably be vitamin D. Vitamin D is known to improve mood in those experiencing anxiety and depression. The best sources of vitamin D are from exposure to sunlight (while still protecting skin) and dairy products.
Zinc and magnesium are examples of minerals that help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety. Zinc helps regulate emotions and is essential to brain development, while magnesium may help to reduce symptoms of depression. Consuming different nuts and seeds is a good way to increase your magnesium and zinc intake.
While eating healthy can help prevent, treat, and even reverse some of these issues, it’s still important to consult with a healthcare professional when dealing with severe issues. A proper diet is a good start and should always be practiced, but only a medical professional can properly diagnose and treat more serious illnesses.