Nutritional Implications
Resource
The Importance of Food
In Australia there is an abidance of food, and advancements in technology have meant that our lifestyles are less active than those of past generations. Increasingly, Australians are suffering diet-related disorders that indicate over nutrition or undernutrition. Over-nutrition results from consumption of an excess of nutrients, while under-nutrition is the result of nutrient deficiency.
Every living creature needs food in some form or another to survive. Plants, insects, reptiles, mammals and fish all need food. Some foods are liquid and some are solid, but they all contain nutrients. These are important chemical substances that work together and interact with body chemicals to perform important functions in the body.
Nutrition is the study of food. When we learn about nutrition we are learning about the different types of food, what makes up these foods, and how our body uses these foods to maximum advantage.
Wrong information about food and changes to our food supply have created a need for nutrition education in the whole community. Developing sound eating habits from an early age is a vital ingredient for good health and the prevention of disease. Unfortunately, many illnesses result from poor nutrition habits. The following facts highlight some nutritional problems in Australia:
Too much high-kilojoule food, too much fat (particularly saturated fat) and a lack of complex carbohydrates and fibre are the main dietary factors that lead to ill health in Australia. The following tables illustrate the problems associated with overeating and with the lack of certain foods.
The Importance of Food
In Australia there is an abidance of food, and advancements in technology have meant that our lifestyles are less active than those of past generations. Increasingly, Australians are suffering diet-related disorders that indicate over nutrition or undernutrition. Over-nutrition results from consumption of an excess of nutrients, while under-nutrition is the result of nutrient deficiency.
Every living creature needs food in some form or another to survive. Plants, insects, reptiles, mammals and fish all need food. Some foods are liquid and some are solid, but they all contain nutrients. These are important chemical substances that work together and interact with body chemicals to perform important functions in the body.
Nutrition is the study of food. When we learn about nutrition we are learning about the different types of food, what makes up these foods, and how our body uses these foods to maximum advantage.
Wrong information about food and changes to our food supply have created a need for nutrition education in the whole community. Developing sound eating habits from an early age is a vital ingredient for good health and the prevention of disease. Unfortunately, many illnesses result from poor nutrition habits. The following facts highlight some nutritional problems in Australia:
- 43 % of men and 35 % of women aged 25 to 64 years are overweight or obese.
- 19 % of men and 21 % of women aged 25 to 64 years have elevated blood cholesterol levels.
- There are significant levels of both overweight and underweight Australian children.
- There is a problem with under-nutrition in some population groups.
- 3 % of adults suffer from diabetes.
Too much high-kilojoule food, too much fat (particularly saturated fat) and a lack of complex carbohydrates and fibre are the main dietary factors that lead to ill health in Australia. The following tables illustrate the problems associated with overeating and with the lack of certain foods.
Diseases Associated With Over-Nutrition
Diabetes
A person who has type 2 diabetes has too much glucose in their blood. This occurs because the person does not produce enough of the hormone insulin, or the insulin does not work well. Insulin removes glucose from the body into the body cells, where the glucose is converted to energy. Therfore diabetes can be life threatening and can contribute to other problems, such as heart disease, kidney disease, eye disease and infections.
About 10% of diabetics have type 1 diabetes, whereby for some unknown reason, the pancreas stops making insulin. Type 1 diabetes usually affects young people. They need daily insulin injections in addition to regular blood glucose tests and a controlled eating and exercise plan.
The most common form of diabetes in Australia is type 2 diabetes. It occurs generally in people over the age of 40 but is now increasingly affecting younger people. The pancreas produces less insulin or the insulin is blocked because of excess fat. Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 can be avoided. A healthy body weight, regular meals, and a balanced diet help. It is also best to chose low GI Foods that slowly release energy, such as wholegrain breads and cereals, fruit, vegetables, legumes and pulses, and limit sugary foods that release glucose quickly into the blood.
A person who has type 2 diabetes has too much glucose in their blood. This occurs because the person does not produce enough of the hormone insulin, or the insulin does not work well. Insulin removes glucose from the body into the body cells, where the glucose is converted to energy. Therfore diabetes can be life threatening and can contribute to other problems, such as heart disease, kidney disease, eye disease and infections.
About 10% of diabetics have type 1 diabetes, whereby for some unknown reason, the pancreas stops making insulin. Type 1 diabetes usually affects young people. They need daily insulin injections in addition to regular blood glucose tests and a controlled eating and exercise plan.
The most common form of diabetes in Australia is type 2 diabetes. It occurs generally in people over the age of 40 but is now increasingly affecting younger people. The pancreas produces less insulin or the insulin is blocked because of excess fat. Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 can be avoided. A healthy body weight, regular meals, and a balanced diet help. It is also best to chose low GI Foods that slowly release energy, such as wholegrain breads and cereals, fruit, vegetables, legumes and pulses, and limit sugary foods that release glucose quickly into the blood.
Coeliac Disease
People who suffer coeliac disease are sensitive to the protein gluten found in wheat. The gluten damages the lining of the small intestines, making it harder to absorb nutrients from food and commonly causing stomach pains.
A person with Coeliac disease needs to avoid foods containing wheat and often rye, barley, and oats as well. This can be difficult, as gluten is present in many products, such as bread, biscuits, cakes, pastries, breakfast cereals, pasta, sausages, soups, sauces and puddings. Potato, rice and soy bean and some corn flours are good substitutes for wheat flour. These are commonly used in the gluten-free products that are available commercially.
People who suffer coeliac disease are sensitive to the protein gluten found in wheat. The gluten damages the lining of the small intestines, making it harder to absorb nutrients from food and commonly causing stomach pains.
A person with Coeliac disease needs to avoid foods containing wheat and often rye, barley, and oats as well. This can be difficult, as gluten is present in many products, such as bread, biscuits, cakes, pastries, breakfast cereals, pasta, sausages, soups, sauces and puddings. Potato, rice and soy bean and some corn flours are good substitutes for wheat flour. These are commonly used in the gluten-free products that are available commercially.
Obesity
A person can be considered obese when their body weight is 20 percent over its ideal weight. Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder in Australia and can contribute to other conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and gall bladder disease.
While there can be medical and genetic reasons for obesity, it usually results from consuming more energy from food than the body needs. The extra energy is converted to fat and stored on the body, resulting in weight gain. In order to loose weight, the body needs to take in fewer kilojoules than it uses for energy.
To prevent obesity it is best to:
A person can be considered obese when their body weight is 20 percent over its ideal weight. Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder in Australia and can contribute to other conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and gall bladder disease.
While there can be medical and genetic reasons for obesity, it usually results from consuming more energy from food than the body needs. The extra energy is converted to fat and stored on the body, resulting in weight gain. In order to loose weight, the body needs to take in fewer kilojoules than it uses for energy.
To prevent obesity it is best to:
- eat more fresh fruit and vegetables, as they are low in energy and filling
- cut down on foods rich in sugar and fat, as they are high in kilojoules
- drink more water as it has no kilojoules
- eat more wholegrain and high fibre products, as they make you feel full
- keep active to use up energy
Anaemia
In red blood cells, iron combines with protein to form haemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. A lack of iron, therefore, reduces the amount of oxygen carried in the blood. A chronic (constant, continuing for a long time) shortage of iron in the diet can lead to anaemia.
The symptoms include:
Anaemia is more common in women, particularly those between 11 and 50 years of age , because of menstruation, and because women often restrict their food intake of iron rich foods such as red meat when dieting or when too busy to eat a balanced diet. Demand for iron increases during pregnancy, growth stages and participation in endurance sports.
In red blood cells, iron combines with protein to form haemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. A lack of iron, therefore, reduces the amount of oxygen carried in the blood. A chronic (constant, continuing for a long time) shortage of iron in the diet can lead to anaemia.
The symptoms include:
- pale skin
- fatigue
- breathlessness
- irritability
- always feeling cold
- lower attention span
Anaemia is more common in women, particularly those between 11 and 50 years of age , because of menstruation, and because women often restrict their food intake of iron rich foods such as red meat when dieting or when too busy to eat a balanced diet. Demand for iron increases during pregnancy, growth stages and participation in endurance sports.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is the loss of calcium from the bone resulting in:
In Australia, osteoporosis affects one in two females and one in three males over the age of 60. The greater the bone mass achieved during childhood and adolescence when the body id building bones, the better the chance of preventing osteoporosis later in life. But eating enough calcium is essential throughout life to maintain strong bones and to help slow down the bone loss that occurs with ageing. regular physical activity throughout life also helps to keep bones strong and healthy, as do adequate supplies of vitamin D and phosphorus, which help calcium to work.
Dairy foods , particularly milk, cheese and yoghurt, are the best diary source of calcium. Canned fish eaten with the bones, green leafy vegetables (except spinach), almonds, cereals, and legumes also contribute some calcium to the diet.
Osteoporosis is the loss of calcium from the bone resulting in:
- fragile bones
- loss of height
- pain
- curvature of the spine
In Australia, osteoporosis affects one in two females and one in three males over the age of 60. The greater the bone mass achieved during childhood and adolescence when the body id building bones, the better the chance of preventing osteoporosis later in life. But eating enough calcium is essential throughout life to maintain strong bones and to help slow down the bone loss that occurs with ageing. regular physical activity throughout life also helps to keep bones strong and healthy, as do adequate supplies of vitamin D and phosphorus, which help calcium to work.
Dairy foods , particularly milk, cheese and yoghurt, are the best diary source of calcium. Canned fish eaten with the bones, green leafy vegetables (except spinach), almonds, cereals, and legumes also contribute some calcium to the diet.
Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease occurs when the arteries become narrow from fatty deposits (cholesterol) that cling to the artery walls. This can trigger a blood clot in the artery, which may cause a heart attack. Hardened cholesterol deposits in the arteries limit blood flow to the heart. A blood clot could seal off the artery and cause a heart attack.
The following factors increase the risk of heart disease:
As saturated fats are linked to the disease, it is best to limit the foods that contain this type of fat, as well as limit the total fat content in the diet. Therefore it is recommended to:
avoid fried foods and high fat foods such as pastries and chocolate
switch to low fat products
chose lean meats and remove the skin from chicken
read labels for their fat content
cut down on butter and subsitute vegetable oils when cooking
eat more plant foods, particularly fibre rich plants
eat oily fish at least once per week- for example sardines, tuna and salmon- as the omega 3 fatty acids present can help lower the levels of fat in the blood.
Coronary heart disease occurs when the arteries become narrow from fatty deposits (cholesterol) that cling to the artery walls. This can trigger a blood clot in the artery, which may cause a heart attack. Hardened cholesterol deposits in the arteries limit blood flow to the heart. A blood clot could seal off the artery and cause a heart attack.
The following factors increase the risk of heart disease:
- cigarette smoking
- a sedentary (involving little exercise, a lot of sitting)
- family history of the disease
- a diet high in saturated fat
- obesity
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
As saturated fats are linked to the disease, it is best to limit the foods that contain this type of fat, as well as limit the total fat content in the diet. Therefore it is recommended to:
avoid fried foods and high fat foods such as pastries and chocolate
switch to low fat products
chose lean meats and remove the skin from chicken
read labels for their fat content
cut down on butter and subsitute vegetable oils when cooking
eat more plant foods, particularly fibre rich plants
eat oily fish at least once per week- for example sardines, tuna and salmon- as the omega 3 fatty acids present can help lower the levels of fat in the blood.
Hypertension
High blood pressure or hypertension, means that the blood pumps harder than normal through the arteries. This is a risk factor for kidney failure, heart attacks and strokes.
Too much salt in the diet, as well as family history of the disease, can contribute to hypertension. So can obesity and smoking. A low salt and low fat diet, as well as regular exercise, is recommended to avoid hypertension.
To avoid a high salt intake, it is best to:
High blood pressure or hypertension, means that the blood pumps harder than normal through the arteries. This is a risk factor for kidney failure, heart attacks and strokes.
Too much salt in the diet, as well as family history of the disease, can contribute to hypertension. So can obesity and smoking. A low salt and low fat diet, as well as regular exercise, is recommended to avoid hypertension.
To avoid a high salt intake, it is best to:
- read food labels to establish their sodium content
- limit the intake of salty foods such as takeaways, snack foods and packet soups
- substitute herbs and spices for salt
- remove the salt shaker from the table
Colon Cancer
Bowel or colon cancer is a common cancer primarily affecting adults. Abnormal cells on the wall of the large intestines (colon) multiply to form a tumour, which can spread to other parts of the body.
High intakes of alcohol and red meat appear to increase the risk of colon cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight and consuming a diet which includes a variety of vegetables, fruit, legumes, grains and some oily fish with omega 3 fatty acids appears to protect against colon cancer.
Bowel or colon cancer is a common cancer primarily affecting adults. Abnormal cells on the wall of the large intestines (colon) multiply to form a tumour, which can spread to other parts of the body.
High intakes of alcohol and red meat appear to increase the risk of colon cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight and consuming a diet which includes a variety of vegetables, fruit, legumes, grains and some oily fish with omega 3 fatty acids appears to protect against colon cancer.
Bulimia
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder and a severe mental illness. Because people with bulimia nervosa often have body weight close to the healthy range, the condition can go undetected for a long time. People with bulimia nervosa will binge eat and then make up for the excess energy intake by using techniques like vomiting or excessive exercise.
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder and a severe mental illness. Because people with bulimia nervosa often have body weight close to the healthy range, the condition can go undetected for a long time. People with bulimia nervosa will binge eat and then make up for the excess energy intake by using techniques like vomiting or excessive exercise.
Anorexia
There is societal pressure for people to be slim. For some people, dieting can get out of control and lead to eating disorders.
Anorexia nervosa is a phycological disorder whereby people become very under weight due to deliberately limiting their intake of food. It is common in teenage girls, but does occur in teenage boys and adults.
The condition places strain on the body organs, which can lead to life threatening conditions such as kidney failure, dehydration and seizures. Many girls also stop menstruating and experience an increase in body hair, as their hormone levels are effected.
Behaviours associated with anorexia include:
Why some people are anorexic is hard to say. It may result from a stressful situation, from losing control after some initial weight loss or from low self esteem. People with anorexia are often perfectionists. Therefore, treatment for anorexia involves counselling and family support, and hospitalisation is commonly required.
There is societal pressure for people to be slim. For some people, dieting can get out of control and lead to eating disorders.
Anorexia nervosa is a phycological disorder whereby people become very under weight due to deliberately limiting their intake of food. It is common in teenage girls, but does occur in teenage boys and adults.
The condition places strain on the body organs, which can lead to life threatening conditions such as kidney failure, dehydration and seizures. Many girls also stop menstruating and experience an increase in body hair, as their hormone levels are effected.
Behaviours associated with anorexia include:
- excessive exercising
- obsession with food and calories
- excuses for not eating
- a belief that they are too fat even though they appear thin
- frequent weighing
- use of laxatives and diet pills
- irritability or mood swings
- wearing baggy clothes to hide weight loss
Why some people are anorexic is hard to say. It may result from a stressful situation, from losing control after some initial weight loss or from low self esteem. People with anorexia are often perfectionists. Therefore, treatment for anorexia involves counselling and family support, and hospitalisation is commonly required.
Research Links
1. Click on the link below to access information for your research into diet related disorders such as obesity, anorexia and Bulimia.
Click on the pictures within the page to access information on types of eating disorders and their consequences
Diet disorders
2. Osteoporosis
3. Diabetes
4. Other diet related diseases include:
Anaemia
Cholesterol
Hypertension
Dental disease
Medicine Net
Formula for Life
Click on the pictures within the page to access information on types of eating disorders and their consequences
Diet disorders
2. Osteoporosis
3. Diabetes
4. Other diet related diseases include:
Anaemia
Cholesterol
Hypertension
Dental disease
Medicine Net
Formula for Life