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As we age, a healthy approach to adult nutrition becomes much more important to maintain overall well-being. Chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, hypertension and diabetes have continued to increase over the years among adults. Studies have shown that about one half of U.S. adults currently have one of the 10 chronic conditions: hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, hepatitis, weak or failing kidneys, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
HOW DIET PLAYS A ROLE
For many of the chronic conditions which affect adults, similar risk factors play a role in their development, specifically when it comes to nutrition. Poor dietary habits as it relates to adult nutrition have been linked to short term and chronic illnesses. As it relates to heart disease and diabetes, obesity is a contributing risk factor for both. As we may suspect, a lack of physical activity ties into each. A diet that is low in whole grains links to atherosclerosis and can also be related to diabetes, as whole grains reduce blood glucose levels and may also reduce diabetes risk. Low levels of antioxidants have been related to hypertension, stroke, atherosclerosis, cancer and heart disease. This indicates that a diet high in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of their development.
Poor dietary habits as it relates to adult nutrition have been linked to short term and chronic illnesses.
The occurrence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia and elevated glucose levels seen together is known as the metabolic syndrome. Although they can be seen with or without obesity, a growing number of obese or overweight adults have been seen to have them at the same time. Increased intake of cholesterol, high dietary intake, and high saturated fat intake have all been linked to atherosclerosis, hypertension, and diabetes.
STEPS TO TAKE
Lifestyle modifications play a significant role in the reduction of each of these chronic illnesses. Increased physical activity can reduce the risk of obesity, which heightens the possibility of developing atherosclerosis, cancer, and diabetes. Implementation of a plant-based diet may also be beneficial as it provides a higher number of antioxidants that may be beneficial in preventing atherosclerosis, hypertension and stroke. Increased fiber intake helps to lower blood glucose levels. So, increasing the consumption of whole grains, fruits and vegetables may help adults to not only meet their daily fiber recommendations. It can also reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
When it comes to adult nutrition, changing overall food patterns may also be advantageous. Making a switch to food choices that are more nutrient-dense rather than calorie-dense is key. Additionally, focusing on total amount of food rather than on number of servings may also help to decrease the intake of dietary sodium, fat, and excess sugar. This can help to benefit overall health, reduce the risk of chronic disease development, and improve overall quality of life.
SOURCES
Brown,J., (2020) Nutrition Through the Lifecycle. Belmont, CA. Cengage Learning
Mahan, Raymond (2017) Food and the Nutrition Care Process. St. Louis MO. Elsevier.
Rashida A. Marshall, MS is the creator of AFIYA Magazine, a digital health and lifestyle publication for Black women. This creative venture grew out of her love for learning, teaching, and sharing valuable wellness information to help improve the quality of life. Rashida is also a Pilates and dance instructor specializing in women’s health.
