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Various Diseases Due to Malnutrition

Hungry edema is not the only disease caused by a lack of nutrition. Malnutrition is called malnutrition, and is considered a serious medical condition. There are various diseases that can arise due to malnutrition. A person can still experience malnutrition despite consuming a lot of food. This is because these foods do not contain macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) that are sufficient to meet daily nutritional needs. In addition, malnutrition can also be caused by a health condition of the body that cannot absorb nutrients, problems with mental health, and addiction to narcotics or alcohol, and poverty. Without improved nutrition and proper treatment, malnutrition can cause health problems.

Health Disorders Caused by Malnutrition

Malnutrition triggers growth disturbance in children, low body weight, decreased learning ability, difficulty concentrating, and susceptible to illness due to the immune system is not optimal. Here are some diseases that are caused by malnutrition:
  • Kwashiorkor

  • Kwashiorkor occurs because of insufficient intake of protein in food that enters the body. Protein is needed to repair cells, make new cells, and is important for growth during childhood and pregnancy. Malnutrition is most common in children and occurs in many developing countries. Symptoms of kwashiorkor's disease include fatigue, skin and hair color turning reddish orange, yellow or even white, damaged immune system, loss of muscle mass, swelling under the skin (edema), irritability, difficulty gaining weight and height, distended abdomen, skin rashes, to shock. Kwashiorkor can be prevented and treated by consuming foods that contain protein, such as meat, milk, cheese, fish, eggs, soybeans, beans, and seeds.
  • Marasmus

  • Marasmus is caused by a lack of almost all nutrients and calorie intake, especially calories from protein and carbohydrates. Marasmus can afflict children and adults, and cause death if left untreated. The characteristics of a person affected by marasmus include thin body only skin and prominent bones (prominent ribs and shoulders, upper arm skin, thighs, and sagging buttocks), face like an old person. Marasmus and kwashiorkor are types of energy-protein malnutrition.
  • Beri-beri

  • Beriberi occurs because the body lacks vitamin B1 (thiamine). Vitamin B1 is involved in the functioning of the nervous system and muscles, the flow of electrolytes into and out of nerve and muscle cells, digestion, and carbohydrate metabolism. There are two types of beriberi, wet beriberi and dry beriberi. Characteristics of wet beriberi include waking up at night with shortness of breath, increased heart rate, shortness of breath during activity, and swollen lower legs. Wet beriberi can affect the cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels). Whereas dried berries affect the nervous system. The signs are difficulty walking, leg and hand numbness or tingling, decreased leg muscle function, pain, speech difficulties, vomiting, and nystagmus. To prevent beriberi, consume foods rich in vitamin B1, such as milk, grains, wheat, oranges, beef, yeast, beans, rice, and cereals from whole grains.
  • Skorbut (scurvy)

  • Skorbut is a malnutrition due to the body's lack of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Vitamin C is important for the body to make collagen (a type of protein found in skin, muscle, blood vessels, bone and cartilage). The characteristics of scurvy are muscle and joint pain, fatigue, appearance of red spots on the skin, bleeding and swelling of the gums, loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, nausea, and fever. Vitamin C can be obtained from vegetables and fruits, such as potatoes, broccoli, tomatoes, kiwi, strawberries, lemons, oranges, lime, cabbage, paprika, pineapple, papaya, mango, cantaloupe, cauliflower, spinach, and other green vegetables.
  • Anemia

  • Anemia is a condition due to iron deficiency. Iron is used to produce red blood cells, which help store and carry oxygen in the blood to body tissues. If there are few red blood cells, the organs and tissues will not get enough oxygen. Symptoms of anemia due to iron deficiency include a weak and lethargic body, feeling very tired, tingling in the legs, lack of appetite, rapid heartbeat, brittle nails, pain and inflammation of the tongue, cold hands and feet, dizziness or headaches, infections, chest pain, shortness of breath, insomnia and pale skin. Anemia can be overcome by taking iron supplements or foods that are rich in iron, such as raisins, eggs, meat, fish, tofu, nuts, seeds, brown rice, seafood, and dark green leafy vegetables.
Most problems caused by malnutrition will stop after the lack of nutrition is overcome. However, there are also those that cause prolonged side effects. This usually happens when malnutrition is severe and lasts a long time. Prevent malnutrition by consuming a variety of food intake with various nutritional content. If you, your family, or close relatives experience this condition, then consult a nutritionist, to get the treatment needed.

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