Analyze the connection Between diet and health

Diet is defined as the foods that one consumes. Diet includes foods eaten and drinks
consumed. Diet and health have a complex relationship (Bleich et al., 2015). Human beings need
food to live. However, too little food or too much food can have various adverse consequences.
In addition, eating the wrong type of food can also result in negative health consequences (Sizer
& Whitney, 2017). A healthy diet can help optimize one’s health both in the long term and in
the short-term (Bleich et al., 2015). Through proper nutrition, the risk of various health
conditions and diseases can be brought down. Poor nutrition is the leading cause of various
diseases globally. In the United States, about half of the adults have a health condition that is
related to poor nutrition. The global morbidity is mainly attributed to poor nutrition (Bleich et al.,
2015). More than one in every four deaths reported in the United States can be attributed to poor
nutrition. To this end, one can conclude that food can help people to live longer and can also
result in an individual dying prematurely.
The choice of one’s diet has an effect on health both in the short run and in the long run.
Some of the leading causes of death in the United States include heart disease, cancers, lung
diseases, dental disease, strokes, and adult bone loss (Sizer & Whitney, 2017). While these
diseases cannot be prevented by a good diet alone, one’s daily choices may increase the
possibility of getting these diseases. Many people in the United States get nutrition-related
diseases that can be prevented. In the United States, food is generally abundant (Bleich et al.,
2015). However, overconsumption of calories is one of the major determinants of obesity. Other
Diet-related diseases can also be attributed to the overconsumption of calories. Not all foods can
be accessed by all citizens in the United States. Healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables are
typically very expensive compared to energy-dense, high sugar, high-sodium, and high-fat

options. The implication is that poor households may not be able to access healthy food options.
Individuals who are trying to lose weight often find it difficult to purchase healthy food items.
One’s eating behavior is overly complicated and is compounded by the fact that food is critical
for survival. People lack full control over what they eat, and this makes it difficult to adopt
healthy eating behavior. Food-related diseases have been increasing over the years. Both adults
and children are still having a hard time adjusting to a healthy diet that would help them live
healthy lives. This has resulted in a high disease burden and high costs associated with
healthcare.
Select two nutrients which can positively affect our health and well-being. Why are these
nutrients crucial to our health?
The two nutrients I selected are proteins and carbohydrates. Carbohydrates have several
crucial roles in the human body. Carbohydrates provide the body with the relevant energy
requirements (Sizer & Whitney, 2017). After one consumes carbohydrates, they are broken down
into small units of sugar. These small units of sugar are then transported to various organs of the
body. The small units of sugar help organs such as the brain, kidney, and heart muscles perform
their normal functions. Various body systems, including the digestive system, can only be fueled
through the consumption and digestion of carbohydrates. The excess energy is stored in reserves
to be used later.
Proteins are important because they help in the rebuilding and repairing of broken tissues.
The growth and maintenance of tissues constantly need proteins. The body breaks down and
requires proteins to ensure that the tissues are constantly repaired. In addition, proteins aid in
biochemical reactions in the body. Enzymes that play a central role in the body are made of
proteins. Bodily functions such as digestion rely on enzymes. Proteins also aid in the formation

of hormones. Hormones are chemical messengers that help the organs in the body to
communicate. Protein is a macronutrient, which means that the body needs high amounts of
proteins.
Explain two consequences on our health, resulting from inadequate or improper nutrition. 
In your response, be sure to include information on malnutrition and chronic disease.
One consequence of improper nutrition is malnutrition diseases such as kwashiorkor.
When one fails to take a diet that has sufficient levels of proteins, one may get nutrition-related
diseases (Borji et al., 2018). Kwashiorkor is common in areas that witness famine or poor food
supply. Another health consequence is the development of chronic diseases, such as high blood
pressure (Borji et al., 2018). Eating foods that have high proportions of sodium can result in a
spike in the blood pressure. Management of high blood pressure might be a difficult process
owing to the chronic nature of the disease.

References

Bleich, S. N., Jones-Smith, J., Wolfson, J. A., Zhu, X., & Story, M. (2015). The complex
relationship between diet and health. Health Affairs, 34(11), 1813-1820.
Borji, M., Moradi, M., Otaghi, M., & Tartjoman, A. (2018). Relationship between nutritional
status, food insecurity, and causes of hospitalization of children with infectious
diseases. Journal of Comprehensive Pediatrics, 9(2).
Sizer, F. & Whitney, E. (2017). Nutrition: Concepts and controversies (14th ed.). Mason, OH:
Cengage Learning.