What role does nutrition play in an illness and maintaining health?Common Questions ?
In order to maintain good health, the body must have the right nutrients. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can lead to a variety of illnesses, including pernicious anemia. If we eat a balanced diet, we get all the ingredients we need for our bodies to function efficiently. Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, proteins, sugars, fats, and fiber are all needed in specific amounts.
If the diet is lacking in one or more of the main nutrients, our body must compensate by using other means. For instance, if we do not eat enough carbohydrates to the fuel the body’s many processes, it will begin to pull protein from muscle tissue. This reduces our muscle mass and also causes fatigue. It can also lead to injury if it happens for long periods of time.
Vitamins and minerals boost our immune system and keep it strong. A healthy immune system can fight off many types of infection and prevernt illness. Fiber also works to prevent illness. It moves through the digestive tract like a sweeper, removing debris that can lead to infection and illness. It also absorbs and removes toxins.
If you are sick with a cold or virus, nutrition provides the means for the body to rejuvenate itself. Illnesses will deplete stores of vitamins and minerals. Proper nutrition restocks the nutrients as they are used and provides extra to fight off the illness.
