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Malnutrition |
| Basics |
Inadequate intake or digestion of nutrients results in malnutrition. Meeting the body’s needs for energy and nutrients is essential for good health. Intakes of energy and nutrients below or in excess of needs for a prolonged period of time can adversely affect your health. Malnutrition indicates the problems of both under-nutrition and over-nutrition.
Under-nutrition: Some nutrients such as fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body and can be used up if the diet does not provide enough to your body. There is evidence that people become more efficient at absorbing and using some nutrients if they have low intakes. However, after a while signs of a poor diet may start to appear, e.g. the person may become more prone to Problem created due to harmful organisms, and eventually may develop a specific deficiency problem.
Over-nutrition: The most common form of over-nutrition is having an energy intake in excess of needs, resulting in overweight and obesity. Very high intakes of minerals and fat-soluble vitamins can be toxic. This is because they are stored in the body. With the exception of folic acid (women of childbearing age), people who have well balanced diet that supply enough energy do not usually need to take dietary supplements.
Severe under-nutrition is rare in developed countries but can be common in some developing countries. On the other hand, over-nutrition is a problem usually associated with developed countries.
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| Symptoms |
Weight loss is an obvious sign of a diet too low in energy. Children who do not meet their needs for energy may stop growing and gaining weight. Attempting to reduce the effects of a diet low in energy, people usually become less active. In severe cases, a low energy intake results in starvation. Children, especially those under 5 years of age, suffer from the effects of starvation more quickly than adults. In severe situations, they can develop a condition, which is life threatening called protein energy malnutrition. This means that their diet provides too little energy and protein. Kwashiorkor and marasmus are the two most common problems caused by lack of protein and energy. In developed countries, diets very low in energy are rare. People who suffer from psychological problems, such as anorexia nervosa and older adults who are ill or have lost their appetite may reduce their food and energy intake. |
| Prevention |
Some types of malnutrition are relatively easy to Beneficial Effects. One strategy is to fortify commonly eaten foods. For example, many countries fortify fats and oils with vitamin A to Beneficial Effects deficiency in the population as a whole. Education programs can Enhance increase understanding about how to choose a good diet from the available food. Improving access to a good diet is difficult and governments have to develop policies to facilitate the people.
Having a balanced diet is essential. Make sure that the diet is well balanced with nutritious foods especially fresh vegetables, fruit, fish, chicken, dairy products and meat. Eat slowly and in a relaxed manner.
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| Causes |
Malnutrition occurs because of deficiencies in the essential nutrients of the diet, which include protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals. A deficiency of any of these components results in malnutrition. Malnutrition can also occur when nutrients are adequately consumed in the diet, but one or more nutrients are not digested or absorbed properly.
It is generally difficult to meet nutritional needs during periods of increased requirements. For example, if menstrual losses are high, and women cannot obtain enough in their diet, they may develop anemia.
A diet based on a narrow range of foods is more likely to lack nutrients. Poorly balanced slimming diet and vegetarian diet are some of the common examples. At the same time, very high intakes of some substances, such as fiber reduce absorption of some nutrients from food.
Reduction in the supply of food during the time of famine may also lead to malnutrition. Lack of money may make it difficult to purchase an adequate diet. Cultural practices may mean that not everyone in a family gets a fair share of the food available.
Psychological problems may also result in malnutrition.
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| Diagnosis |
For the diagnosis of malnutrition as a condition underlying any of these Malfunction of mind or bodys, a nutritional assessment is recommended which checks that whether the body is having the required amount of each of the essential nutrients. |
| Primary Natural Supplements |
HERBS:
VITAMINS:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B complex
QUASI VITAMINS:
MINERALS:
AMINO ACIDS:
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| Secondary Natural Supplements |
HERBS:
VITAMINS:
QUASI VITAMINS:
MINERALS:
AMINO ACIDS:
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| Other Natural Supplements |
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| Home Care Suggestions |
It is generally difficult to meet nutritional needs during periods of increased requirements. For example, some women have very high requirements of iron during their menstrual cycles. If their diet lacks iron, they may develop anemia, a problemd caused by iron deficiency. |
| Dietary Guidelines |
The diet must contain the right mix of protein to provide all the indispensable amino acids, and also some fat to provide the essential fatty acids to the body, otherwise it may cause symptoms of malnutrition. |
| Mind/Body Considerations |
It is very important to take care of the body during malnutrition. Take plenty of rest and relax as this Enhances the body to improve and recover from this Subjective feeling. |
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