Overnutrition
Overnutrition is a state in which healthy components are eaten excessively, so much so that it becomes a medical issue. Nutrients are required in certain amounts, but as the adage goes, everything in moderation; carbohydrates and fats can become dangerous to well-being after a certain point. Overnutrition and overeating are often confused with one another, and this is a misconception since overeating can have a psychological basis while overnutrition is a conscious choice made by the individual. The effects of overnutrition depend upon what is being consumed excessively. 'Fad' diets are extremely limited diets that are said to promote and concentrate one particular component of your body. These diets, as well as excessive eating and limited choice due to income are just some of the reasons people might suffer from overnutrition. Yes - suffer. Overnutrition's most prominent sign is obesity, which brings on dangerous complications in blood pressure and disease. Another common ailment is micronutrient poisoning, which is a diet that concentrates on a particular nutrient. As seen below, micronutrients in excessive amounts can cause complications.
OVERNUTRITION AND UNDERNUTRITION CAN BE SEEN AS TYPES OF MALNUTRITION: Malnutrition is the state in which, for some reason, the human body does not receive the nutrients it needs. Literally, a malnourished person is badly nourished. Overnutrition and Undernutrition can be seen as types of malnourishment. An important aspect to keep in mind is that over-nourished people can be malnourished as well, if they do not consume adequate nutrients. |
Undernutrition or Malnourishment
Undernutrition is a condition in which sufficient nutrients are not available to the body. This definition can also be applied to malnourishment. This condition affects the way the human body grows and develops, particularly for children in nations affected by acute poverty. When the body first encounters starvation, it begins to eat away at the glycogen, or the stored carbohydrates and fats. Body weight then decreases to dangerous levels. Undernutrition manifests itself most strongly when there is a dearth of carbohydrates and fats. The following are examples of diseases borne of malnutrition.
Diseases and Disorders
Goiter is caused by a deficiency in iodine. This is dangerous to pregnant women because the child might be physically and developmentally stunted. Otherwise, goiter distends the thyroid gland, which affects the natural functioning of thyroid in the body.
Marasmus is a protein deficiency and caloric deficiency that results in a loss of energy due to emaciation and starvation. The nations that suffer from this disease are usually Third-World countries. The symptoms include scaly and dry skin, muscle wasting, low immunity, and ravenous hunger. Marasmus is common in children and usually leaves them susceptible to death by small illnesses such as flu or common colds. Low blood pressure and loose skin are also symptoms.
Kwashiorkor is yet another protein deficiency. When a child is weaned off of breast-feeding, they are not provided with enough nutrients from a regular diet. The word 'kwashiorkor' is literally derived from 'the rejected one.' Kwashiorkor is different because it is primarily a protein-deficiency rather than a caloric deficiency; it also includes edema, which differentiates it from marasmus. Loss of hair pigmentation and swollen abdomen is a symptom, as is thin hair, anorexia, and unhealthy teeth.
Anaemia is a lack of iron and/or vitamin B12 in the body. It is characterized by weakness and insufficient or weak red-blood cells.
Beriberi: This disease is a lack of vitamin B, for the most part, and is commonplace in Asian countries. In some parts of Asia, rice is cosumed by removing the thiamine, or vitamin B part of it. This causes a deficiency which can lead to damage to the nervous system (heart problems forma part of dry beriberi) or the cardiovascular system (wet beriberi).
Pellagra is also caused by a lack of vitamin B, particularly in nations where maize is the staple food. The three deadly D's of pellagra are diarrhea, dementia, and dermatitis.
Rickets is caused by a lack of calcium and minerals that are absorbed with the help of calcium such as phohohours. It results in soft bones that are prone to fracture and breakage, and could cause weakness, pain, and deformity in the bones. Rickets is English in origin.
Scurvy is caused by a deficiency in vitamin C. Spotty skin, aching joints, sore and bloody gums, less teeth and hair, easy bruises, and bleeding are some of the symptoms. People with scurvy are rare in the world today because very little vitamin C is required to prevent this disease.
For more information about various diseases and disorders, see here: http://www.ivy-rose.co.uk/HumanBiology/Nutrition/Undernutrition-Diseases.php
Marasmus is a protein deficiency and caloric deficiency that results in a loss of energy due to emaciation and starvation. The nations that suffer from this disease are usually Third-World countries. The symptoms include scaly and dry skin, muscle wasting, low immunity, and ravenous hunger. Marasmus is common in children and usually leaves them susceptible to death by small illnesses such as flu or common colds. Low blood pressure and loose skin are also symptoms.
Kwashiorkor is yet another protein deficiency. When a child is weaned off of breast-feeding, they are not provided with enough nutrients from a regular diet. The word 'kwashiorkor' is literally derived from 'the rejected one.' Kwashiorkor is different because it is primarily a protein-deficiency rather than a caloric deficiency; it also includes edema, which differentiates it from marasmus. Loss of hair pigmentation and swollen abdomen is a symptom, as is thin hair, anorexia, and unhealthy teeth.
Anaemia is a lack of iron and/or vitamin B12 in the body. It is characterized by weakness and insufficient or weak red-blood cells.
Beriberi: This disease is a lack of vitamin B, for the most part, and is commonplace in Asian countries. In some parts of Asia, rice is cosumed by removing the thiamine, or vitamin B part of it. This causes a deficiency which can lead to damage to the nervous system (heart problems forma part of dry beriberi) or the cardiovascular system (wet beriberi).
Pellagra is also caused by a lack of vitamin B, particularly in nations where maize is the staple food. The three deadly D's of pellagra are diarrhea, dementia, and dermatitis.
Rickets is caused by a lack of calcium and minerals that are absorbed with the help of calcium such as phohohours. It results in soft bones that are prone to fracture and breakage, and could cause weakness, pain, and deformity in the bones. Rickets is English in origin.
Scurvy is caused by a deficiency in vitamin C. Spotty skin, aching joints, sore and bloody gums, less teeth and hair, easy bruises, and bleeding are some of the symptoms. People with scurvy are rare in the world today because very little vitamin C is required to prevent this disease.
For more information about various diseases and disorders, see here: http://www.ivy-rose.co.uk/HumanBiology/Nutrition/Undernutrition-Diseases.php
Gallery of Food Diseases and Disorders
EATING DISORDERS VS. NUTRITIONAL STATES
Eating disorders are NOT synonymous with undernutrition and overnutrition, since the latter are conscious choices made by individuals while the former are due to psychological issues. Eating disorders are ailments that can be cured by actual treatment; they cause disturbances to the diet. An obsession with weight and appearance characterizes many eating disorders. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, girls are “two and a half more times as likely as boys” to suffer from an eating disorder. However, adults and teenagers alike are susceptible to eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, binge-eating, and bulimia; people with eating disorders have also been known to show anxiety disorders, drug abuse, and chronic depression. Doctors classify the majority of eating disorders as EDNOS, or Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. Eating disorders can be caused by life-scarring events, frustration and self-loathing, strained relationships, abuse, or obsessive personality and anxiety disorders.