Poor diet can lead to physical, psychological, and cognitive health problems, particularly for those with limited access to nutritious foods. Chronic diseases such as diabetes can also be worsened by poor nutrition, and recovery time from illnesses and injuries can be increased.
A poor diet can have a significant number of health effects, ranging from loss of bone density to increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Members of the lower classes are particularly at risk of poor nutrition, as they may lack access to foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains, making it more difficult to obtain proper nutrition. It is possible to consume well above the recommended daily caloric allowance and still not get the necessary nutrients, a particular concern in areas where populations may rely heavily on high-fat, low-nutrition foods.
Health complications of a poor diet include physical illnesses, psychological problems, and cognitive problems. Physically, not getting the right assortment of nutrients can lead to bone loss, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and conditions like gout, kidney stones, and gallstones, where mineral deposits build up due to dietary imbalances. Patients with poor diets are more likely to be obese and may experience problems such as tooth decay, fractures and muscle strains more commonly than people who eat well. Hunger may also be associated with obesity, as patients may crave nutrients they are not getting from their regular diet while gaining weight from high caloric intake.
Psychologically, a poor diet has a link to depression and anxiety. Some patients have eating disorders that cause them to eat poorly and create a cumulative psychological effect, where eating disorder feedback can cause depression and anxiety while poor diet exacerbates it. Eating disorders can also lead to serious physiological problems such as damage to the esophagus from vomiting associated with bulimia nervosa or long-term heart complications associated with anorexia nervosa.
The cognitive effects of poor nutrition are also a concern, particularly in young children. Infants and children who do not receive adequate nutrition will experience cognitive delays and may be disadvantaged among their peers. They may have difficulty gaining skills and knowledge and may also have neurological problems such as poor motor control or difficulty walking. In adults, limited access to good nutrition can be associated with memory loss and other cognitive complications. This damage can be permanent.
Poor diet can also be associated with a number of chronic diseases, such as diabetes. Patients can get sick because they don’t get enough nutrients or an illness can get worse because the patient eats poorly. Poor eating habits can also increase recovery time from acute illnesses, surgeries, and injuries. Fracture patients, for example, heal faster and more evenly when they get enough calcium and other nutrients their bodies need to rebuild bone.
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