Dietary and Environmental Diseases
Section 1: Understanding Dietary and Environmental Diseases
- Dietary diseases are those that arise due to poor nutritional habits, obesity or malnutrition.
- Certain lifestyle habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to onset of these diseases.
- Environmental diseases are caused by exposure to harmful elements in the environment like pollutants, radiation, or harmful microorganisms.
Section 2: Examples of Dietary Diseases
- Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat accumulates to the point it may impact health negatively.
- Diseases like heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and certain forms of cancer can originate from obesity.
- Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are psychological conditions characterized by an unhealthy focus on body weight and food, often resulting in serious physical harm.
Section 3: Examples of Environmental Diseases
- Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by episodes of severe breathlessness, coughing, and wheezing, often triggered by environmental factors such as air pollutants or allergens.
- Lead poisoning can result from exposure to lead in the environment, leading to intellectual and behavioural problems.
- Skin cancer can result from excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation, a harmful environmental factor.
Section 4: Managing and Preventing Dietary and Environmental Diseases
- A balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy body weight are key to preventing dietary diseases.
- Avoidance or reduction of exposure to harmful environmental elements can aid in preventing environmental diseases.
- Regular medical check-ups can help in early detection and management of both dietary and environmental diseases.
- Public health campaigns and policies can play a crucial role in promoting healthy habits and safe environmental practices.
Remember, gaining a thorough appreciation for the wide impact of diet and environment on health is fundamental to tackling questions on these topics.