Malnutrition is a major danger affecting billions of people worldwide. It is defined as malnutrition or malnutrition. It means taking too little or too much of certain nutrients. It can cause serious health problems such as developmental problems, eye problems, diabetes and heart disease. It can even lead to death. Let's continue reading the article to learn more about what malnutrition is, its causes and effects.
What is Malnutrition?
Nutritional disorder that occurs as a result of the body not receiving enough nutrients is called malnutrition. In this case, the body cannot get enough of the necessary vitamins, minerals and other nutrients and cannot develop in a healthy way. Malnutrition usually occurs due to poor eating habits, malnutrition or chronic diseases. People with malnutrition experience symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, and weakened immune system. Therefore, having healthy and balanced eating habits is important to protect from malnutrition.
Types of Malnutrition
Malnutrition can cause various health problems in the body. It can cause serious diseases. Types of malnutrition are:
Protein deficiency: Protein is necessary for growth, development and cell renewal in the body. Enough protein If not taken, problems such as muscle weakness, immune system problems and growth retardation may occur.
Iron deficiency: Iron is necessary for the formation of red blood cells in the body. iron deficiency In this case, anemia may develop and symptoms such as fatigue, paleness and weakness may occur.
Vitamin A deficiency: Vitamin A is important for eye health, immune system and skin health in the body. Vitamin A deficiency In this case, the risk of night blindness, skin problems and infection increases.
Vitamin C deficiency: Vitamin C has immune system strengthening and antioxidant effects in the body. In case of vitamin C deficiency, the immune system weakens and the risk of infection increases.
Vitamin D deficiency: Vitamin D is necessary for bone health. Vitamin D deficiency In this case, the risk of osteoporosis increases and bones weaken.
There are many more nutritional deficiency conditions among the types of malnutrition. Obtaining regular and balanced eating habits plays an important role in getting the nutrients the body needs.
Causes of Malnutrition
There are many factors that cause malnutrition. Some of these are:
Inadequate and unbalanced eating habits: Eating habits such as fast food consumption, excessive consumption of ready-made foods, and turning to unhealthy snacks can cause malnutrition.
Economic conditions: It may be difficult for individuals with low income to ensure adequate and balanced nutrition. This situation increases the risk of malnutrition.
Chronic diseases: Special diets may be required for the treatment of some chronic diseases. Inadequate or unbalanced diets increase the risk of malnutrition.
Digestive problems: Digestive system problems can prevent adequate absorption of nutrients and therefore increase the risk of malnutrition.
Food intolerance or allergies: Individuals with intolerance or allergies to certain foods may not get enough nutrients from these foods and malnutrition may occur.
Malnutrition is a condition that usually occurs as a result of inadequate and unbalanced nutrition. Although this condition is mostly seen in developing countries, it can also be seen in some groups in developed countries. Especially children, the elderly, pregnant and breastfeeding women, those with chronic diseases and individuals with eating disorders are more prone to malnutrition. Nutritionists try to prevent malnutrition by creating nutrition plans suitable for these at-risk groups. Because malnutrition can have serious negative effects on physical and mental health, it is of great importance to prevent and treat this condition.
Malnutrition Symptoms
Symptoms that occur as a result of malnutrition may include:
Chronic fatigue and weakness
Loss of appetite and weight
Thin hair or hair loss
Dryness and cracks in the skin
Muscle weakness and muscle wasting
Weakened immune system and tendency to get sick frequently
Anemia (anemia)
Color changes and bruises on the skin
Weakening of bones and breaking easily
If you notice these symptoms, it is important to contact a healthcare professional and review your eating habits.
Malnutrition Treatment
Malnutrition is a condition that occurs as a result of nutritional deficiency and can lead to serious health problems. Therefore, malnutrition treatment is very important and should be done by a professional dietitian or nutritionist. During the treatment process, special nutrition plans are created for the patient and efforts are made to eliminate malnutrition. Vitamin, mineral and protein supplements may also be required.
During malnutrition treatment, regular medical check-ups should be performed and necessary clinical tests should be performed. With changes in diet and treatment, the patient's condition usually improves and he or she can gain a healthy eating habit.
Malnutrition is associated with problems such as protein deficiency or obesity. Treatment of malnutrition focuses on correcting the individual's eating habits and maintaining nutrient balance in the body.
Nutritional therapy is very important to combat malnutrition. For this purpose, first of all, the individual's daily nutritional habits are reviewed and an appropriate nutrition program is created. This program includes a balanced diet and vitamin and mineral supplements if necessary. In addition, some supportive treatments can be applied to increase protein intake and ensure nutrient absorption in the body.
Nutritional therapy is a very effective method to eliminate the causes of malnutrition and support the body with the right nutrients. Therefore, in case of malnutrition, it is important to consult a nutritionist and create a personalized nutrition program.
Protein Energy Malnutrition
Protein energy malnutrition is a nutritional disorder that occurs when the human body cannot get enough protein and energy it needs. This situation is usually caused by inadequate and unbalanced eating habits.
Protein energy malnutrition can lead to serious health problems because the body cannot get the essential nutrients it needs. It can negatively affect growth and development, especially in children, and reduce resistance to infections by weakening the immune system. In adults, it can reduce energy levels and cause muscle and tissue weakness.
Protein Energy Malnutrition Treatment
Protein energy malnutrition usually occurs as a result of inadequate and unbalanced nutrition. Treatment of this condition is possible by gaining healthy eating habits and implementing the treatment plan.
The first step in treating protein energy malnutrition is to evaluate the individual's nutritional status by a qualified nutritionist. A personalized nutrition plan is prepared to ensure adequate protein and energy intake. Vitamin and mineral supplements can also be used in this process.
Additionally, weight monitoring of the individual is also important in the treatment of protein energy malnutrition. The aim is to gain weight in a healthy way and replenish the body's protein and energy stores. However, during this period, excessive weight gain should be avoided and a balanced nutrition program should be implemented.
One of the most important factors in the treatment of protein energy malnutrition is changing the individual's eating habits. Acquiring healthy eating habits and implementing them together with a regular exercise program plays an important role in the treatment of the disease.
Malnutrition is a condition that develops in the body as a result of inadequate and unbalanced nutrition. It is very important to acquire conscious and correct eating habits in preventing this situation. Here are some precautions that can be taken to prevent malnutrition:
Regular and balanced nutrition: It should be ensured that sufficient amounts of the basic food groups needed by the body are taken at each meal. A diet rich in protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals should be created.
Adequate water consumption: Water is very important for body functions. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day is necessary to moisturize the body and purify it from toxins.
Avoiding fast food and prepared foods: Consumption of unhealthy foods such as fast food, chips, and junk food should be avoided as they may cause malnutrition.
Healthy food choice: Healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes should be preferred. These foods strengthen the immune system by providing the body with the necessary vitamins, minerals and fiber.
Regular exercise: Exercising regularly regulates body functions and accelerates metabolism. In this way, it ensures that nutrients are used more effectively in the body.
To prevent malnutrition, it is necessary to pay attention to the above-mentioned precautions and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Remember, a healthy and balanced diet can prevent malnutrition by keeping the body functioning at its best.
As a result;
Malnutrition is a condition that can cause serious effects on health and reduce the quality of life. It is very important to establish healthy eating habits and raise awareness about balanced nutrition. Nutritional deficiencies and poor eating habits can cause the body not to get enough nutrients it needs. Therefore, care should be taken to maintain a balanced and varied diet in order to live a healthy life and avoid malnutrition.
