Undernutrition, which is when a person consumes too little food overall and lacks nutrients as a result, can occur when a person receives too little or too much of certain nutrients, and malnutrition, which is when a person receives too much or too little of certain nutrients.
Malnutrition can lead to:
- Health issues that are both immediate and long-term
- Taking a long time to get better after getting hurt or sick
- a greater chance of infection
- inability to concentrate at work or school
Specific health issues may be brought on by certain deficiencies, such as:
A lack of vitamin A
Children who don’t get enough vitamin A may experience vision issues.
A lack of vitamin C
Older adults, kids, people who drink a lot of alcohol, and some people with specific mental health conditions may be particularly at risk for developing scurvy, which can be caused by a lack of vitamin C. It can develop if a person does not have a varied diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
An overall deficiency
A distended abdomen is one sign of the severe form of malnutrition known as kwashiorkor, which can result from a complete lack of nutrients.
Another possible outcome of severe nutritional deficiency is marasmus, which manifests as a lack of body fat or muscle.
SYMPTOMS OF MALNUTRITION :
- lack of desire for food or drink or an absence of appetite
- Tiredness and irritability
- An inability to concentrate
- Always feeling cold
- Depression
- a reduction in body tissue, muscle, and fat
- increased likelihood of illness and longer recovery times
- increased wound healing time
- a greater potential for complications following surgery
A person may eventually also experience heart failure and breathing issues.
In children :
- body weight is low and there is little growth.
- energy deficit and exhaustion.
- Irritability and anxiety.
- slow behavioral and intellectual growth, which could lead to learning challenges
CAUSES OF MALNUTRITION
There are a number of causes of malnutrition:
A low intake of food
Malnutrition can happen to some people for a variety of reasons, including a lack of food or a problem with eating or nutrient absorption.
These things may lead to this:
- Cancer
- Liver disease
- illnesses that make it uncomfortable to eat or swallow, or that cause nausea
- taking drugs that cause nausea and make eating challenging, for instance
Malnutrition may also be facilitated by dental issues like loose dentures.
Mental health conditions
People who are undernourished or malnourished may experience:
- Depression
- Dementia
- Schizophrenia
- Anorexia nervosa
Social and mobility problems
A person’s eating patterns may be impacted by a number of variables, which may result in malnutrition:
- not being able to go outside or get to a store to buy food
- the physical demands of meal preparation are too great
- The influence of living alone on one’s desire to prepare and consume food
- Having limited cooking skills
- lack of funds for purchasing food
Digestive disorders and stomach conditions
Even a nutritious diet may not be able to stop malnutrition if the body is not able to absorb nutrients effectively.
This may be brought on by, for instance, various digestive and stomach disorders like:
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Celiac disease
- vomiting or diarrhea that is persistent.
Alcohol use disorder
It can be challenging to digest food, absorb vitamins, and produce hormones that control metabolism if you drink a lot of alcohol because it can cause gastritis or long-term damage to the pancreas.
A person may not feel hungry after consuming alcohol because it also has calories, which makes it more likely that they will not consume enough nutritious food to give their bodies the nutrients they need.
DIAGNOSIS OF MALNUTRITION
- blood tests for general monitoring and screening
- tests for specific vitamins or minerals, like iron
- Prealbumin tests, as inadequate dietary intake frequently lowers this protein’s levels
tests that measure albumin may reveal liver or kidney disease.
HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR MALNUTRITION
NATRUM MURIATICUM :Useful for cross and irritable children who cry easily. There is great weakness and tiredness and get easily exhausted. Useful when child is anemic as well. Suitable for thin children with dry skin, earthy complexion, and noticeably thin neck.
SILICEA :There is a tendency to excessive sweating on the scalp and feet. Given when patient is having poor stamina with a tendency to get easily exhausted. Also given when patient has weak muscles and bones. Especially suitable for weak, malnourished children who are thin and have emaciated bodies but with large heads and pale waxy faces.
ABROTANUM :Given for malnutrition and having poor assimilation of food with decreased in muscle strength. Well indicated where emaciation of the legs is prominent. Suited to pale, old-looking faces that are wrinkled and have blue rings around the eyes.
CALCAREA PHOS :Useful for weak digestion. There is anemia, as well as weak, thin, and brittle bones. Emaciated children with large abdomens, thin necks, and cold limbs are most likely to benefit from this treatment.
SUPER SEVEN:Health Tonic
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