malnutrition

Question 1

what is undernutrition?

Answer 1

undernutrition occurs when there is a deficiency of calories or one of more of the essential nutrients in one’s diet.

Question 2

undernutrition / diverticular disease

Answer 2

diverticular diseases occurs when small bulges or pockets form on the wall of the large intestine, inflammation of these bulges can result in the development of diverticulitis.

symptoms:
- abdominal pain and bloating
- blood in faeces
- excessive flatulence

prevention:
- drink plenty of water
- eat high fibre foods
- engage in regular exercise

Question 3

undernutrition / anaemia (iron deficiency)

Answer 3

the body needs iron to make haemoglobin, however, an iron deficiency can cause a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the body. However, haemoglobin is essential as it is the substance that moves oxygen throughout the body.

symptoms:
- fatigue
- chest pain
- pale skin
- shortness of breath

prevention:
- eat foods rich in iron (red meat, poultry and dark green leafy vegetables).
- eat and drink foods that help your body absorb iron
- avoid drinking coffee or tea with meals

Question 4

undernutrition / osteoporosis

Answer 4

occurs when bones become more porous and fragile, a low bone density. it is caused by insufficient calcium, phosphorus and nutrients that assists in the absorption of these minerals

prevention:
- have a healthy and varied diet with plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains
- limit caffeine and alcohol consumption
- do regular weight-bearing and strength training activities

Question 5

what is over-nutrition?

Answer 5

over-nutrition arises from excessive intake of nutrients, leading to an accumulation of body fat that impairs health.

Question 6

over-nutrition / obesity

Answer 6

obesity can cause complications such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, cancers and sleeping disorders. in order to avoid obesity it can be suggested that a healthy and balanced diet be maintained and that people engage in daily exercise.

Question 7

over-nutrition / diabetes mellitues (type 2 diabetes)

Answer 7

occurs when the body does not produce enough or respond normally to insulin, causing blood sugar levels to be abnormally high. insulin is vital in helping to control blood glucose levels.

symptoms

• weight loss
• fatigue
• frequent urination

complications

• kidney failure
• nerve damage
• leg amputation

Question 8

over-nutrition / atherosclerosis

Answer 8

occurs when there is a build up of fat, cholesterol and other substances in and on your artery walls, restricting blood flow. The plaque can burst triggering a blood clot.

complications

• coronary artery disease
• angina
• aneurysms

prevention

• maintain a healthy weight
• manage stress
• no smoking and limit alcohol consumption

Question 9

over-nutrition / cardiovascular disease

Answer 9

related to atherosclerosis, when the plaque ruptures and blood clot forms, which can result in a blockage of blood flow, or an aneurysm (weakening of vessel wall that can bulge or burst leading to internal bleeding).

complications

• stroke
• coronary heart disease
• peripheral vascular disease ( legs and feet)

prevention

• healthy diet
• limit smoking and alcohol consumption
• engage in physical activity

Question 10

over-nutrition / hypertension

Answer 10

caused when blood vessels have a persistently raised pressure, indicating that blood is not flowing easily through the arteries.

causes

• smoking
• excessive salt intake
• genetics
• stress

complications

• heart attack or stroke
• heart failure
• dementia
• aneurysm