Even though most Americans believe that eating a healthy diet can keep you healthy, only half think they actually consume this type of diet, according to the American Dietetic Association. Poor nutritional habits, lifestyle, economic problems or just lack of motivation, can lead to serious health effects on your body. In addition, poor nutrition can impair your ability to think and work, can lead to depression and cause permanent damage to tissues and organs if not addressed. Check with your doctor prior to making significant changes to your diet.
INCREASED RISK OF A CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTAccording to Dr. Gary Plotnick of the University of Maryland Medical Center, three to five hours after a single high-fat meal, the functioning of your blood vessels becomes abnormal. This effect is resolved by your body approximately six hours after consuming the meal, assuming you are relatively healthy person. If, however, you have an increased risk of cardiovascular event, through heredity, obesity, hypertension or pre-existing heart disease, you risk of a stroke or heart attack is increased.
HYPERTENSION
Poor nutrition, especially heavy reliance on highly processed convenience and fast foods, can add a significant amount of sodium to your diet. According to MayoClinic.com, the average American consumes more than 1,000 mg more than the recommended 2,300 mg of dietary sodium daily. Excess sodium in the diet can raise your risk of high blood pressure that puts additional strain on your cardiovascular system. As a result, your risk of a heart attack or stroke is increased and the work of your kidneys is taxed as they attempt to rid your body of the excess salt.
FATIGUE, ANEMIA, DECREASED IMMUNITY
Fatigue can be caused by a number of nutritional deficiencies as well as skipping meals. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention explains that a deficiency of iron can be casued by a diet that is severely restricted such as not eating enough foods that supply this essential nutrient. Additionally, consuming larger quantities of calcium-rich foods together with iron-rich plant foods can impair iron absorption. Iron deficiency can lead to less oxygen in your blood which can cause fatigue and poor endurance. Left untreated, an iron deficiency can become anemia, causing cognitive impairment as well as decreased immunity.
OBESITY AND TYPE 2 DIABETES
The Center for disease Control and Prevention explains that obesity, which affects more than 72 million Americans, is caused in part by consumption of unhealthy foods. These foods, which often provide little nutritional value, can lead to significant weight gain. Several, largely preventable, chronic and acute illnesses are attributed to obesity including cardiovascular disease, cancer and Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes, is a condition in which excess glucose remains in the bloodstream rather than being used as fuel. this can cause neurological damage, loss of vision and circulatory problems.
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