Nutrition and Disease  

Is there a relationship between disease and lack of nutrition?

Research shows that good nutrition can help to lower people’s risk for many chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, some cancers, diabetes, and osteoporosis.

However, a large gap remains between healthy dietary patterns and what Americans actually eat. In 2005, only one-fourth of U.S. adults ate five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

Good nutrition begins in infancy. Children who were not breastfed are at increased risk for overweight, asthma, and some childhood infections. Of concern for both children and adults, particularly in underdeveloped countries, is micronutrient malnutrition, which can negatively affect survival and growth for children, health and pregnancy outcomes for women, and resistance to illness for both.

Chronic diseases accounted for 5 of the leading 6 causes of death in 2002 in the United States. The prolonged illness and disability associated with many chronic diseases also decreases the quality of life for millions of Americans. Much of the chronic disease burden is preventable. Physical inactivity and unhealthy eating contribute to obesity and a number of chronic diseases, including some cancers, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

In the past 30 years, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased sharply for both adults and children. Between 1976–1980 and 2003–2004, the prevalence of obesity among adults aged 20–74 years increased from 15.0% to 32.9%. Among young people, the prevalence of overweight increased from 5.0% to 13.9% for those aged 2–5 years, 6.5% to 18.8% for those aged 6–11 years, and 5.0% to 17.4% for those aged 12–19 years.

People who are obese are at increased risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis-related disabilities, and some cancers. The estimated total cost of obesity in the United States in 2000 was about $117 billion. Promoting regular physical activity and healthy eating and creating an environment that supports these behaviors are essential to addressing the problem.

“Changing the culture from one of treating sickness to staying healthy calls for small steps and good choices to be made each and every day.”
Michael O. Leavitt (Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)

The Department Of Health And Human Services, Centers For Disease Control And Prevention tells us:

“Eat your fruits and vegetables.” You’ve likely heard this statement since childhood. Research shows why it is good advice. Healthy diets rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. Fruits and vegetables also provide essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, and other substances that are important for good health. Most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories and are filling.

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For disease to start and then worsen, it must outmaneuver the many mechanisms of one of the most highly advanced systems ever designed....the human immune system.
The immune system remains as both your first and last defense against disease.

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On a more personal note...

In June of 2004, my wife  LaDonna    was diagnosed with  autoimmune hepatitis after blood tests, a liver scan, and a liver biopsy revealed 85% damage. Her doctor recommended that she should consider a liver transplant as soon as possible.

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