Turn it Up

Over the years, as processed food became an integral part of our diet, the occurrence of deficiency diseases also increased. Developing a balanced and healthy diet is one of the best ways to deal with deficiency diseases. Our Aesthetician IVY MULUKA advices on ways to boost health, energy and restore body deficiencies

Deficiency diseases have become more than just deficiencies. They are now lifestyle diseases which are more dependent on the kind of diet one adopts. Making sure that one gets a balanced diet containing all the necessary vitamins and supplements is the best possible way to ensure these diseases stay at bay.

As people age, their nutrition requirements also change. Nutrition requirements change with age and lifestyle, it is important to know what your body needs and when so as to offset the chances of contracting deficiency diseases.

The human body gets most of the vitamins and minerals it needs from food. Whole foods and fresh fruits and vegetables are great carriers of many essential vitamins and minerals needed by the human body. A steady diet of sugar, salt, carbohydrates and fats contribute to artery disease, cardiovascular disease, and strokes. This also makes the body feel hungry all the time as the nutritional requirements of the body is not being met.

Deficiency of iodine can cause hypothyroidism, goiter, cretinism and even impaired mental abilities.  Including regular doses of seafood helps you balance out your iodine levels. Raw seafood retains most of its iodine content. Fish and crustaceans rank the highest.

Deficiency of vitamin B12 can lead to many grave health problems like neurological deterioration, megaloblastic anemia and possible impaired immune functions.  To prevent this deficiency Liver, sardines, and salmon rank highest with liver taking the top prize. Supplements are also a good idea if you find that you may be deficient.

Iron deficiency or anemia is one of the most common deficiencies observed. Iron is an integral part of our cellular structure, the protein haemoglobin which carries oxygen from our lungs to the rest of the body has iron as its core component.  Its inadequacy causes internal bleeding and heavy menstrual bleeding among women.  Meat and other iron-rich, plant-based foods help to enhance the body’s vitamin C consumption.

Watch what you eat and make it a habit.