Modern Diet And Its Impact On Human Health

The modern diet has been deemed unhealthy in many ways. In fact, many in the medical community believe it is the reason for the obesity epidemic. Many people today rely on fast food, which is filled with unhealthy ingredients. This type of food, along with snacks make up a big portion of many people’s diet. While everyone has the right to eat what they want, there are repercussions for eating so unhealthily. What are these repercussions and how are they affecting your health.

High Cholesterol

arterial-blood-pressure-checking-conceptMore people today are living with high cholesterol because of a sedentary lifestyle and the modern diet. Cholesterol is the waxy substance found in lipids or fats. Some cholesterol is necessary, too much can put an individual at risk of heart disease and stroke. When fatty deposits build up in the blood vessels, it restricts blood flow, which will eventually lead to a stroke.

Diabetes

glucometer-for-measurement-sugar-levelAnother complication of the modern diet is diabetes, a disease characterized by high blood glucose. There are several types of diabetes, Type I, Type II and prediabetes. Type I diabetes is also known as juvenile diabetes because onset is generally during early childhood. Type II diabetes is much more common than Type I. In fact, the cases being reported each year are skyrocketing in the United States.

Type II diabetes also has complications. These complications include heart and kidney disease, blindness, tooth decay and gum disease. The most common causes of Type II diabetes include sedentary lifestyle and eating unhealthy foods. Another cause is heredity, which basically means you have a family history of the disease.

Overweight And Obesity

closeup-of-obese-elderly-womanPeople who stick with the modern diet oftentimes find themselves overweight or obese. The modern diet consists of highly processed food and little to no fruits and veggies. People who are obese are at a higher risk of developing coronary artery disease, stroke, Type II diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure) and high cholesterol.

Heart Disease

nurse-programming-heart-monitor-machineAnother complication of the modern diet is atherosclerosis, more commonly referred to as heart disease. This condition is caused by the buildup of plaque in the arteries. When this happens, the blood flow becomes restricted. If a piece of the plaque breaks off, it will travel through the bloodstream to the heart, resulting in a heart attack.

Dealing With Acid Reflux

senior-woman-suffering-from-heartache-at-homeYou know that burning feeling you get in your chest after engorging in a huge unhealthy meal? Well, that is known as heartburn and acid reflux. You might think of this as a common condition where the symptoms should be shrugged off. Sure, this is a common condition that can be associated with eating certain foods, but it can damage your body. When you feel this burning in your chest it is because the stomach juices are washing back up. Over time this stomach acid can damage your esophagus, teeth and throat. If you are looking how to get rid of acid reflux permanently there are a number of ways that you can do so.

Depression

depressed-hispanic-girl-with-sad-emotionsWhile many people who struggle with obesity claim to be happy, they quietly struggle with depression. There are some foods in the modern diet that are associated with depression. These foods include high-fat dairy products, fried food, sweets and refined cereals. People who eat these foods are at a higher risk of depression. A simple diet change is the only solution to decreasing these risks. However, it today’s society many people rather spend their money on junk and fast food than fruits and vegetables. Some of these individuals blame their choice on cost, because they believe junk food is more affordable than the healthier alternative.

Mobility Problems

doctor-in-consultation-with-depressed-femaleThe modern diet is also blamed for mobility problems, especially in individuals who are morbidly obese. Many of these individuals must rely on assistive devices, such as canes and walkers, just to get around. However, some are not so lucky, so they are either chairfast or bedfast.

Rising Health Care Costs

cash-secured-by-ball-and-chainAccording to statistics, the modern diet is one of the reasons for rising health care costs in the United States. With more and more cases of diabetes being reported throughout the nation, the cost of health care is soaring. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetics account for one in four health care dollars in America.