MALNUTRITION: CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND EFFECTS ON BOTH CHILDREN AND ADULTS
Malnutrition has its effects on both children and adults. Often times, when you hear or see the word, “malnutrition”, what comes to mind is a child who looks unhealthy. We never think or imagine that an adult could suffer same. Malnutrition, an absence of necessary nutrients in the body occurs when you have too little food, an incomplete diet or an illness that stops your body from procuring the right balance of nutrients. In addition, malnutrition is also when you get too much or too little of certain nutrients. Malnutrition, otherwise known as malnourishment, can have serious effects on your health, which could be life threatening. I’m sure you don’t want this for yourself and loved ones.
Types of malnutrition
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Undernutrition: This type of malnourishment results from not getting enough protein, calories or micronutrients.
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Overnutrition: This is the overconsumption of certain nutrients, such as protein, calories or fat, which usually results in overweight or obesity.
To avoid being undernourished or over nourished, make sure you and those around you get to eat healthy meals every day. Another thing is a healthy meal doesn’t have to be expensive, you know?
General effects of malnutrition
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Some health problems suchas diabetes, heart problems.
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Slow recovery from wounds and illnesses.
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Higher risk of infection.
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Difficulty focusing at work or school.
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In children, kwashiorkor, which is a severe form of malnutrition. One symptom of this condition is an inflated abdomen.
Causes of malnutrition
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Low income. This is a major causal factor in Nigeria.
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Inappropriate dietary choices. You just want to fill the stomach, so you combine all sorts of food sharing same nutrients.
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Physical and mental health conditions. Depression and other health conditions can increase malnourishment risks. People who are depressed tend to eat anything available. Attention isn’t given to anything talk more of food contents.
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Digestive problems and issues with nutrient absorption. Conditions that cause malabsorption, such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease and bacterial overgrowth can cause malnourishment.
Symptoms of malnutrition
In children,
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Malnutrition among children leads to impairment in the child’s development and academic achievement. Children with severe malnourishment are very vulnerable to infections. Once malnourishment is treated, adequate growth is an indication of health and recovery.
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Tiredness and lack of energy.
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Irritability and anxiety.
In adults
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Lack of appetite or interest in food or drink.
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Tiredness and irritability.
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An inability to concentrate.
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Depression.
Those most at risk of malnutrition include:
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Older adults who have one health issue on or the other.
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People with low income.
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Persons living with serious health condition.
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People with chronic eating disorders.
In conclusion, malnutrition affects both the young and the old. The ways our bodies portray this might be slightly different though. Malnourishment can be when you take less of some nutrients or more of certain nutrients. Moderation is important when it comes to nutrients intake. Causes of malnutrition include poverty, depression, health conditions and wrong dietary choices among others. Symptoms include tiredness, irritability and lack of concentration in school or at work.
You can help prevent malnutrition by eating diet with variety of foods that include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water. If you believe that you or someone you know may be malnourished, especially undernourished, talk to a doctor as soon as possible.
Also, to find out if you have nutrients deficiencies, consider discussing your dietary habits with your doctor. He or she might ask you to go through some tests or prescribe dietary supplements. If your doctor then prescribes dietary supplements, be sure we have you covered at pharm.com.ng. We really care about your health.
