Although many people understand the importance of nutrition in their health and well-being, not all individuals apply this crucial aspect in their lives that has contributed to an increase in chronic diseases that could have been prevented. In health promotion programs, nutrition is a critical part of health due to its role in disease prevention. Ninety percent of chronic illnesses currently experienced are a result of poor diets that affect the body in various forms. However, good nutrition is important in preventing the development of these diseases. Good nutrition involves controlling food and nutrient intake as an excessive or limited intake may affect the body physically, emotionally, and psychologically. It is important for nurse educators to educate individuals about healthy lifestyles to ensure that they give their bodies the necessary and adequate nutrients.
Emerging populations may face certain nutritional challenges such as malnutrition that may negatively affect their health. Malnutrition may involve undernutrition, being overweight, and obesity. Undernutrition, which is a deficiency of essential nutrients due to a poor diet may lead to diverse health problems. Emerging populations are likely to suffer from malnutrition due to limited financial resources that prevent them from accessing important and adequate food items. Due to changes in climate and low economic status, emerging populations are unable to access clean drinking water and adequate food leading to the adoption of unsafe food products that increase the risk of developing food and water-related diseases.
Most of these populations have also limited access to healthcare services due to the unequal distribution of healthcare resources in the nation. This prevents them from accessing healthcare services to address their nutritional challenges. Nutritional deficiency and nutritional excess play diverse roles in the development of diseases. A nutritional deficiency occurs when the body lacks important nutrients leading to a weak immune system. This leaves the body unable to fight certain diseases increasing its susceptibility to infections. On the other hand, nutritional excess occurs when the body has more than the required amount of nutrients. These nutrients are stored as fats in the body that contributes to excess weight as well as obesity. Excessive fats around the body increase the risk associated with cardiovascular, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
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- Denise, R., Floor, K., Catharine, E., Marieke, A., & Marleen, G. (2017). Healthy diet: Health impact, prevalence, correlates, and interventions. Psychology & Health, 32(8), 907-941.
- McNaughton, S. A. (2015). Advancing nutrition promotion research and practice. Nutrition & Dietetics, 72(4), 305–308.
