A poor diet can be directly responsible for several deadly diseases. Most Americans consume too much salt and sugar in their diets, leading to type 2 diabetes, cancers, and other related issues. And while your diet can have a negative effect on your body, it can also affect your mind and mental health.
How diet affects your body
Eating certain kinds of foods, or not enough of others, can increase risks for different types of diseases. Having too much salt and sugars can be a factor in many negative effects, including obesity and heart disease. In the past few decase, there has been a large increase in the amount of sugar Americans are consuming. The increase in sugar intake could be a significant factor in the 40% obesity rate. One of the most significant contributors to this is sugary drinks, like sodas and artificially sweetened juices. Avoiding these is a big way to lower your sugar intake.
As bad as eating too many of certain foods can be bad for you, so can eating too little. You need things like salt and sugar to survive, but it’s best to have in moderation. You also need to get enough vitamins from other foods you consume, like fruits and vegetables. 92% of Americans have a vitamin deficiency, which can lead to other serious effects. Essential vitamins can come from a balanced diet or through other supplements.
How diet affects your mind
On top of your health, a poor diet can also affect you mentally. A poor diet can lower your energy, make you more irritable, and reduce your productivity. The empty calories that a lot of people consume through added sugars and solid fats, like in soda and pizza, can also lead to low energy levels.
A poor diet can also have a significant effect on your wallet. Americans spend $147 billion each year on health care for obesity. These costs can be reduced with the proper diet and exercise. Paying a little extra now for healthier foods can save you some heavy bills in the future. With these high costs, a poor diet can also add to levels of stress.
Ways you can improve your diet
The first thing you can do is just be conscious about what you’re putting into your body. Many people don’t even know that what they are eating isn’t good for them. Knowing how much salt, sugar, fats, and other ingredients are in the food can help you realize what you need to change. This doesn’t mean you need to track each calorie that goes in, but just notice the amount of sodium and realize when it can be too much.
Cut out soda and other sugary drinks. Even a smoothie can be unhealthy if it has too much sugar. Lowering sugar, in general, is a good move for your diet. You’d be surprised by what items have sugar in it, like some spaghetti sauces and even pickles. Opt for alternatives that limit, or even eliminate, the sugar and salt. Also, focus on consuming more fruits and vegetables.
Maintaining your diet is part of living a balanced and healthy life. While it is not the only thing you can do for your wellness, it can go a long way. Adding on other healthy practices, such as exercise, can improve your overall physical and mental well-being and lead to a happier life.
