Cycle of Malnutrition

Whom does the cycle of malnutrition impact? Children are most likely to suffer from this condition. Women with obstructed growth transfer the condition to their babies. This condition has posed a major health threat all across the globe. Poverty, political issues, natural calamities, and even a war can lead to malnutrition.

Causative Factors

There are a number of causes of undernourishment, such as, lack of eating sufficient food, which is termed as starvation. If a person is devoid of a particular vitamin such as vitamin A or vitamin B in the diet, the person can suffer from malnutrition. Sometimes it becomes so severe that the deterioration done to the body lasts forever and leads to other complications. Digestion disorders and irregularity in eating habits can also lead to malnutrition.

Dietary dearth renders the body incapable of replenishing the cells and tissues that rupture. This results in inability of the body to produce new cells to make up for the loss of damaged or dead ones. Poor absorption of food is the consequence of malnutrition, which arrests the capacity of the body to make up for the loss of damaged tissues. It results in malfunctioning of the small intestine, where absorption of food takes place. This cycle goes on and degenerates overall health. The infection strikes children, thus damaging their health permanently. Child malnutrition results in weight loss, abnormalities in growth and a lower IQ. The damage caused to the body is associated with the incapability of the mind to think and concentrate. More the stunting, higher is the degree of cognitive impairment. Vitamin A deficiency affects the immune system and makes these children more prone to infections. These facts speak up for the degree of severity of this disease.

Symptoms and Treatment

Symptoms depend upon the condition that's causing it. It's important to understand the largely varying symptoms of malnutrition, as treating these symptoms is the best way to break the cycle. Weariness, weight loss and giddiness are the most common symptoms of malnutrition. Symptoms also include inflamed and flaky joints, distended stomach, vision impairment due to vitamin A deficiency, mumps and measles, osteoporosis and enfeebled muscles. Diseases include hypokalemia, vitamin deficiency, anemia, marasmus and goiter. Deficiency of vitamin A results in night blindness, which is considered to be the first symptom of vitamin A deficiency. If it worsens, it may lead to permanent blindness. Vulnerability to infections, anhydrous skin and food aversion are common symptoms of vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin B1 or thiamine deficiency symptoms include appearance of beriberi, weariness and lethargy. Signs of vitamin B2 deficiency are glossitis, cheilosis, redness of the mouth and an inflamed sore throat. Vitamin B3 triggers pellagra, for which the symptoms are insomnia, dementia and photo sensitivity. The most common symptom of hypokalemia is diarrhea. Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms include memory loss, white spots on skin and headache. Vitamin C deficiency symptoms are bleeding gums and increased vulnerability to infections. The most common symptoms of vitamin D deficiency are osteomalacia and impairment in bone production. These nutrient deficiencies hamper the ability of the body to absorb nutrients, in turn leading to malnutrition. Symptoms of anemia include pallor, feebleness and weariness and feeling short of breath. Edema, anhydrous and ruptured skin and irritability are the most prominent symptoms of marasmus. Goiter signs show increased vulnerability to cold, inflammation in the neck, weakness and obstruction in breathing. These medical conditions weaken the body's ability to derive nourishment from the nutrients provided to it.

Blood tests and nutritional evaluation are common ways of diagnosis. The treatment comprises treating any other complications triggered by malnutrition and most significantly, supplying adequate portions of nutrients to the body. Treating the condition by following a well-balanced diet includes exercises, different natural therapies and body cleansing, along with adopting a healthy diet.

As we have discussed, it poses severe threats like permanent damage to health and ailments resulting from poor health. The best way to avoid malnutrition is to follow a well-balanced diet. Remember, 'eat healthy, live healthy!