Assignment task:
Nutrition plays a vital role in a person's overall health and well-being. Not getting enough of the recommended nutrients over the long-term can lead to malnutrition which often results in disease and illness.
In a 3-page paper, written in APA format using proper spelling/grammar, address the following:
1. Define malnutrition and identify a specific disease that can result from it.
2. Perform library research about the selected disease, and explain its physiological effects on a person's body.
3. Describe the relationship between specific foods/nutrients and the disease. Use the questions below to guide your response.
4. Does research indicate that a lack of specific foods/nutrients increase a person's chance of contracting the disease?
5. Are there specific foods/nutrients that should be avoided by an individual afflicted with the disease?
6. How do specific foods/nutrients work physiologically within the body to help combat the disease?
7. Evaluate nutritional recommendations to help combat the disease.
Cite at least 3 credible references and present the resources in APA format on the References page.
Nutrition and Disease:
Malnutrition is an imbalance of nutrients caused by a lack of certain foods and an inadequate intake of nutrients. It can range from mild to severe and can lead to various diseases such as anemia, scurvy, beriberi, and kwashiorkor. One specific disease that can result from malnutrition is iron deficiency anemia. "Malnutrition is an umbrella term used to describe an individual's inadequate intake of nutrients, such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fats, which are essential for healthy growth, development, and overall well-being. Iron deficiency anemia is a type of malnutrition caused by a lack of iron in the body. It is the most common type of anemia, affecting both children and adults. Iron deficiency anemia can reduce the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells and cause fatigue, paleness, poor appetite, and other symptoms" (Gonzalez & Aranda-Regules, 2018).
Iron deficiency anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells because it lacks iron. It is the most common type of anemia and affects people of all ages, but it is more common in infants, young children, and women. Physiologically, iron deficiency anemia causes the body to produce fewer and smaller red blood cells than normal, reducing the amount of oxygen that can be carried in the blood; this can cause a wide range of symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, pale skin, and chest pain. Without enough red blood cells, the body cannot get enough oxygen to its organs. This lack of oxygen causes fatigue, pale skin, and other symptoms. Iron deficiency anemia can also cause anemia-related complications, such as an increased risk of infection, impaired physical and cognitive development, and an increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2019). Iron deficiency anemia is most common in pregnant women, infants, and young children, and it can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
There is a strong connection between specific foods and iron deficiency anemia. Iron is found in many foods, including red meats, poultry, shellfish, beans, lentils, spinach, and other green leafy vegetables. Eating a balanced diet that includes these foods is essential for maintaining a healthy level of iron in the body. Research indicates that a lack of these foods can increase a person's risk of developing iron deficiency anemia. Additionally, certain foods should be avoided by someone with iron deficiency anemia. These include high-fiber foods such as wheat bran, oatmeal, legumes, dairy products, tea, and coffee, which can inhibit the body's absorption of iron.
Specific foods and nutrients work physiologically within the body to help combat iron deficiency anemia. Iron is absorbed in the small intestine, which is transported to the bone marrow and used to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Eating iron-rich foods helps replenish the body's iron stores and maintains a healthy hemoglobin level in the blood. Vitamin C can help the body absorb iron more efficiently, so eating foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and bell peppers, can help increase iron absorption.
Nutritional recommendations to help combat iron deficiency anemia include eating foods high in iron, such as red meats, poultry, shellfish, beans, lentils, spinach, and other green leafy vegetables. Vitamin C can help the body absorb iron more efficiently, so eating foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and bell peppers, can help increase iron absorption. Avoiding high-fiber foods, dairy products, tea, and coffee can also help improve iron absorption. (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2019).
The key to preventing and treating iron deficiency anemia is maintaining a healthy diet rich in iron and other essential nutrients. Eating a balanced diet that includes iron-rich foods such as red meats, poultry, shellfish, beans, lentils, spinach, and other green leafy vegetables, as well as foods high in vitamin C, can help the body maintain healthy iron levels and prevent iron deficiency anemia. Avoiding high-fiber foods, dairy products, tea, and coffee can also help improve iron absorption.
It is important to note that iron deficiency anemia is a serious condition and can have long-term health effects if left untreated. Suppose you suspect that you or someone you know may suffer from iron deficiency anemia. In that case, it is important to speak to a doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.
In conclusion, iron deficiency anemia is a serious condition that can have long-term health effects if left untreated. Eating a balanced diet that includes iron-rich foods and foods high in vitamin C can help the body maintain healthy iron levels and prevent iron deficiency anemia. Avoiding high-fiber foods, dairy products, tea, and coffee can also help improve iron absorption.
Here is my question I'm stuck on making it 3 pages. Is there anything that I am missing that you can think I can add to make it longer?? Please, any information or guidance would really help.