Health and hygiene

Diseases can be broadly categorized as non communicable and communicable diseases. Communicable diseases are caused by germs can spread from one person to another. Non communicable diseases, on the other hand, do not spread from person to person. They are caused by factory other than germs.

Non communicable diseases

Some non communicable diseases develop due to the deficiency of nutrients in the diet. Others, like diabetes, are caused by the malfunctioning of organs.

Deficiency diseases

You already know that a deficiency disease is caused by the lack of a particular nutrient in the diet. The body con not performs its functions properly unless we take a balanced diet, which contains all the required nutrients in the right proportion. You probably remember that the five types of nutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals.

Generally speaking, a person who does not get enough to eat suffers from malnutrition. In the case of children, malnutrition retards physical and mental growth, and makes them easy prey to infections. Adult too fall ill frequently since malnutrition weakens the body. They are thin and tire easily.

Many of the deficiency diseases occur during childhood as this is a period of growth, when the body requires plenty on nutrients. A child whose diet lacks proteins s well as energy –giving foods can develop a condition called marasmus. The body becomes shrunken, with title or no fat, and the ribs sick out. The skin hangs loose over the bones, making the child look wrinkled and old. Marasmus also causes bouts of diarrhea and loss of hair.

Lack of energy –giving food

An insufficient intake of carbohydrates causes weakness and lethargy. The person runs ut of energy easily and lacks the stamina to work normally or cope with strain. A lack of fats, which too are a source of energy, can also lower one’s stamina.

While carbohydrates are necessary or the body, an excessive intake damages the health. It results in obesity, which can cause heart problems and high blood pressure. Excess weight also puts extra strain on the bones and muscles, and can gradually damage them. Obesity aggravates several other diseases, such as diabetes.

Lack of proteins

An acute deficiency of proteins during infancy and childhood cause a condition called kwashiorkor. The stomach and ankles become swollen, while the rest of the body remains skeletal. Growth is stinted and the liver gets damaged. The child suffers frequently from diarrhea. Some other symptoms are discolored hair and patchy skin.

In general, protein deficiency slows down growth because proteins as you know, are vital or building the body. Loss of muscles, or muscle wasting, is also likely. Since enzymes and hormones re made of proteins, a deficiency of proteins can seriously affect the digestive system and other vital functions.

Patchy skin and brittle or discolored hairs are common signs of protein deficiency.

Vitamin deficiency

We require small quantities f the various vitamins for power growth and metabolism. Vitamins help to maintain the body as well as fight off infections. The body does not produce these nutrients. We obtain them through our diet. The lack of different vitamins causes specific problems.

A deficiency of vitamin D in a child’s diet causes diseases called rickets. The bones become weak and soft, and bend easily. This is because a lack of vitamin D affects the absorption of calcium by the bones. Rickets can affect the legs, causing a deformity called bowlegs. It weakens the chest bones, a known as pigeon chest. You might remember that milk is a source of vitamins D. exposure to sunlight also helps the body make vitamin D.

A common disease caused by the deficiency of vitamin C is scurvy. Its symptoms include swollen and bleeding gums, which leads to loosening of the teeth. It also causes aching joints and slows down the healing of wounds.

The deficiency of vitamin C also lowers the body’s resistance to infections.

Mineral deficiency

The body requires minute quantities on minerals in order to function normally. Like vitamins, minerals protect the body and are obtained through the diet. Their deficiency slows down growth and development, and causes some specific problems.

The minerals required by our body include sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sulphur, iron, copper and zinc.