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Right from our early years, we have been taught about good nutrition and the importance of aiming to maintain a balanced diet. However, according to a publication by the CDC on poor nutrition, only 1 in 4 babies are exclusively breastfed for 6 months.
Even more, fewer than 1 in 10 adults have adequate fruit and vegetable intake, and about half of the American adult population consume sugary drinks daily. This means a great population of society is putting their health at risk.
If you are looking for reasons why you should maintain a healthy diet, perhaps you should know the consequences of a bad one. Don’t get flustered, simply use this as a source of motivation to have a salad and some fruit more often.
1. Tooth Decay
The teeth are the first primary contact your food encounters and this means that your choice of food and beverage will eventually have an impact on your teeth. Cavities are a common tooth disease faced by people within the age range of 6 to 19 years old. For the most part, they are caused by the buildup of plaque which is basically a film filled with bacteria.
The consumption of foods high in carbohydrates and sugar causes these bacteria to release acids that are harmful to the teeth. This, in turn, leads to the breakdown of the enamel, and as such, cavities are developed.
2. PH Imbalance
Every part of the human system, including the blood, has a certain PH level that should be maintained. When it goes beyond or below the required PH level, you are exposed to the effects of acid-based disturbances. A good example is Bacterial Vaginosis which affects the Vagina when there is an imbalance in the PH level.
This can be treated using BV gels but first, ask your doctor important questions like, “can you use BV gel on your period?” as there are certain restrictions that come with some treatment plans. Some major contributing factors of PH imbalance include alcohol and excessive protein from meat, fish, eggs, and cheese when broken down.
3. High Cholesterol and Heart Diseases
High blood pressure and high cholesterol are the two main causes of heart diseases, and high cholesterol can be triggered by poor nutrition. The excessive consumption of sodium increases blood pressure and puts the human body at the risk of heart diseases.
In some western countries, the average person consumes over 3,400mg which is about 900mg above the recommended 2300 mg. Along with regular physical exercises, eating foods that are low in sodium and saturated fats can help reduce your risk of heart diseases and stroke.
4. Gout Arthritis
Often regarded as a disease of kings, gout is a chronic form of arthritis characterized by swelling, tenderness, and pain in the joints. It is caused by the formation of crystals in the joint due to the build-up of uric acids.
Foods that can cause gout include some seafood like sardines and oysters, red meat, butter, and cheese. They are high in cholesterol and as such, promote an increase in uric acids.
Behavioral modifications can also help reduce pain and attacks as a whole. These modifications can come in the form of an improved diet, exercise, and a reduction in alcohol intake.
When it comes to the risk of poor nutrition, it is important to realize that there is no need to completely cut off the foods that cause these ailments, except professionally advised. Instead, focus on taking them in moderation. Too much of just about any food, including water, will have an adverse side effect, so maintain a balanced diet and watch what you ea