Understanding malnutrition: causes, treatments and prevention
Malnutrition affects individuals, nations, and communities worldwide. Malnutrition is caused by a diet that contains too many or not enough nutrients. Malnutrition can be caused by not having enough food or eating the wrong things. Malnutrition can cause physical weakness, increased susceptibility for disease and mental impairment. Malnutrition is a complex issue that requires a thorough understanding of its causes, treatment, and prevention.
What causes malnutrition?
Malnutrition is a term that describes deficiencies, excesses and imbalances of a person’s energy intake or nutrients. Undernutrition, which is stunting and wasting of height and weight in relation to age and vitamin and mineral deficiencies are two of the broad categories of malnutrition.
World Health Organization estimates that 462 millions people are underweight worldwide, and 1.9 billion are obese or overweight. In addition, undernutrition is responsible for 45% of all deaths in children younger than 5 years. The statistics show the global impact of malnutrition and how it affects health and wellbeing.
The Common Causes of malnutrition
Malnutrition can be caused by a number of factors, such as:
- Access to high-nutrient foods is limited, especially in developing countries
- Insufficiency or age-related illness can cause problems with digestion or absorption of nutrients.
- Some medical conditions and treatments can increase the need for nutrients or reduce appetite.
- Eating disorders or extreme dieting
Malnutrition does not only affect developing countries. Malnutrition can occur in developed countries due to a diet that is deficient in nutrients, or if a person has underlying medical conditions.
Common Malnutrition Treatments
The treatment for malnutrition depends on the severity of it and its cause. Treatments include:
- Changes in diet, such as consuming fortified foods and nutrient-rich food
- In severe cases, feeding tubes or intravenous fluids may be required.
- Malnutrition can be treated by treating underlying medical conditions
World Health Organization states that providing children aged between six months and five years with micronutrients (such as Vitamin A or Zinc) can lower mortality by 23 percent .
Experts' Opinions about Malnutrition
Malnutrition is a complex issue that requires an integrated approach, say experts. Global Nutrition Report 2020 states that solutions need to take into account the interplay of health, education and agriculture as well as social protection and water and sanitation. Experts also advocate nutrition-sensitive intervention across all these sectors in order to combat malnutrition.
Prevention and Natural Remedies for Malnutrition
Prevention is more efficient than treatment. Prevention tips are listed below:
- Consume a diet balanced and rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein
- Consume fruits, vegetables and whole grains regularly, as well as lean protein, healthy fats, and lean proteins
- Processed foods that are high in salt, sugar and unhealthy fats should be avoided
- Access to sanitation and clean water is essential to prevent the spread of diseases that can cause malnutrition.
Conclusion
Malnutrition, as a global health problem that demands immediate attention. We can reduce malnutrition's prevalence by implementing prevention and treatment strategies and understanding the causes. Fighting malnutrition does not only mean ensuring that there is enough food. It also means ensuring it contains the necessary nutrients to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
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