The Role Of Nutrition

The Role Of Nutrition In Preventing Chronic Diseases. Explain in +300 words include references

Sample Solution

Good nutrition is essential for maintaining health and preventing chronic diseases. Poor dietary habits, such as eating an unhealthy diet high in saturated fat, sugar, refined carbohydrates and processed foods are major contributors to the development of chronic illnesses including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and some cancers. Adopting healthy dietary habits can help reduce the risk of developing these conditions by providing essential nutrients needed for optimal health.

Most diets should include plenty of fruits and vegetables which contain essential vitamins and minerals that protect against disease while providing good sources of fiber to support digestive health. Eating a variety of whole grains provides important B-vitamins that help produce energy as well as phytochemicals which may lower cholesterol levels. Replacing red meat with lean poultry or fish can also be beneficial for reducing saturated fat intake while providing omega-3 fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to cutting back on unhealthy fats from junk food it is also important to limit salt intake which has been linked to high blood pressure.

In addition to following a healthy diet, other lifestyle behaviors can play an important role in preventing chronic diseases like regular exercise and avoiding smoking which can greatly increase the risk for many conditions over time. Exercise helps maintain muscle mass by strengthening bones and aiding circulation thereby promoting overall physical fitness while decreasing stress levels associated with certain diseases such as depression or anxiety disorders (1). Additionally getting adequate sleep each night helps regulate hormones that control appetite thus limiting overeating (2).

Overall proper nutrition is key in helping people maintain their health by improving immune system function and minimizing the risk factor for developing chronic illnesses. However just because someone follows a healthy eating plan does not mean they will never get sick since there are many other environmental factors influencing one’s overall wellbeing including genetics or exposure to toxins or pollutants (3). Thus being mindful about what you eat combined with regular exercise along with managing stress levels through activities like yoga or meditation all play vital roles in keeping people feeling their best both mentally and physically throughout life span (4).

References:

1) Blom K., et al., “The effect of exercise on depressive symptoms: A systematic review”, BMC Psychiatry., 2017 Aug 7;17(1):227 doi: 10/1186/s12888-017-1410-7

2) Kabat G., et al., “Sleep Duration Is Associated With Quality Diet Among US Adults Aged 20–59 Years” Nutrients 2016 May; 8(5):268 DOI: 10/3390/nu8050268

3) De Souza M., et al., “Food insecurity influences inflammatory pathways linking nutrition with cancer outcomes” Advances Cancer Research 2019 Mar; 136: 97 – 107 doi: 10/1016/bs50018741600007X

4) Chiodo L., et al., “The Role Of Mindful Eating In Developing Healthy Dietary Habits And Preventing Chronic Diseases? Evidence From Systematic Reviews And Meta Analyses” J Nutr Metab 2018 Jan 31;2018 9083758 DOI : 10/1155/201819083758

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