The Main Effects Of An Unhealthy Diet

The Main Effects Of An Unhealthy Diet.

An unhealthy diet does more than a pack on extra pounds around your waistline. Eating habits that do not focus on lean sources of protein, healthy fats, whole grains, vegetables and fruits may compromise your health and increase your risk of developing chronic health conditions. Improving your eating habits may help your health in the long run. It is no secret that diet plays a major role in health and disease. As obesity rates continue to increase, so does the likelihood of diet-related illness. Consuming a diet loaded with processed foods, fat and sodium and devoid of nutrients for long enough will cause serious and even life-threatening health consequences.

Ø Obesity:

When your body mass index exceeds 30 you are categorized as obese. This means that your body contains an unhealthy amount of fat. Obesity places you at higher risk for heart disease, diabetes and suffering a stroke. Medline Plus, a National Institutes of Health resource, reports that losing 5 to 10 percent of your body weight may prevent or delay the onset of such health conditions. Making a transition to a healthy diet may accelerate and promote your weight loss.

Ø Cancer:

Diet-related cancers can include colon, breast, cervix, gall bladder, ovary, thyroid, kidney, prostate and esophagus, according to the American Cancer Society. Consuming too much fat, sugar, sodium and additives creates a perfect breeding ground for cancer to grow inside your body. Poor diets typically contain very few antioxidants and other key nutrients for cancer prevention, and very little fiber. The American Caner Society recommends eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day and limiting your intake of red meat and refined grains.

Ø High Cholesterol:

Your body contains two different types of cholesterol: Good cholesterol that is also called HDL, and the bad cholesterol also called LDL. While your genetic makeup may render you susceptible to high cholesterol, some food choices do increase your risk of developing it. Foods high in trans fat, dietary cholesterol and saturated fat may increase your LDL levels, which can lead to clogged arteries and heart disease. Saturated fat is commonly found in beef, lamb, pork, lard and whole milk products. A healthy diet should contain less than 300 mg of cholesterol daily.

Ø Hypertension:

Hypertension is also known as high blood pressure. Hypertension can be caused by smoking and lack of exercise, but diet is also a major factor. Foods with high amounts of sodium and fat will contribute to elevated blood pressure levels. Hypertension that is left without treatment may lead to heart attack, stroke or kidney failure.

Ø Osteoporosis:

Osteoporosis is a bone-weakening condition that results in many fractures sustained by older people. Too much protein or fat in the diet can interfere with the absorption of calcium, which is a key nutrient to avoiding osteoporosis. Vitamin C and lactose from milk will help improve calcium absorption. Other ways to avoid osteoporosis include getting adequate levels of vitamin D and exercise.

Ø Heart Disease:

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the whole world and along with smoking and lack of exercise. An unhealthy diet is to blame. Arteriosclerosis refers to an accumulation of cholesterol and other fatty deposits in your arteries. These deposits narrow the opening of the artery until blood can no longer flow through properly, which can result in the death of the heart muscle, or damage in the form of a heart attack.

Ø Diabetes:

An unhealthy diet typically consists of higher levels of refined flours and sugars, which will stress your pancreas and elevate blood sugar, which in turn may result in Type 2 diabetes. The National Diabetes Education Program recommends keeping healthy snacks that contain fiber on hand to keep blood sugar levels stable and reduce your risk. These include whole grains, fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy products. Diabetes can lead to heart disease, vision loss, stroke, kidney disease and nerve damage.

Ø Type 2 Diabetes:

An unhealthy diet may lead to excess body fat, which diminishes your body's ability to use insulin appropriately and increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body is unable to use insulin efficiently to transport glucose into your cells. As a result, sugar accumulates in your blood stream and causes high blood sugar, preventing the cells from using the sugar for energy. If you already have type 2 diabetes, an unhealthy diet may cause peaks and drops in your blood sugar levels. Treatment for diabetes includes eating healthy, balanced and well-timed meals throughout the day to maximize energy levels and prevent high or low blood sugar.