Diet and disease

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Osteoporosis

Cholesterol producers

Phytochemicals

Selenium - antioxidant

Diet and disease prevention

Overview

Diet and disease

Definition:

There are nutritional and dietary elements that have proven relationships to certain diseases or conditions. For additional information on FDA-approved health claims, refer to nutrition labeling.

Information:

This article addresses the following:

Calcium and osteoporosis
Fiber and cancer
Fruits, vegetables, and cancer
Fiber and coronary heart disease
Fat and cancer
Saturated fat, cholesterol, and coronary heart disease
Sodium and hypertension
Alcohol
Nitrates and cancer

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1. CALCIUM AND OSTEOPOROSIS:

Calcium is one of the most important minerals for human life. The body uses it to form and maintain healthy bones and teeth. Calcium also plays a vital role in nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and blood clotting.

Osteoporosis is a disease in which the calcium content of bones is very low. In this disease, calcium and phosphorus, which are normally present in the bones, become reabsorbed back into the body. This process results in brittle, fragile bones that are easily broken.

Getting enough clacium in the diet throughout childhood and puberty is one key to preventing osteoporosis. A person who does not get enough calcium growing up will not have sturdy bones. An older person who calcium low-calcium diet is also at great risk for osteoporosis.

The recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for calcium are based on age, gender, and hormonal factors. Many foods, such as some vegetables, contain calcium. However, milk and dairy products are some of the best food sources. Calcium may also be obtained by taking supplements.

2. FIBER AND CANCER:

Dietary fiber is found in plant foods, where it occurs in two forms: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber attracts water and turns to gel during digestion. This process slows digestion and the rate of nutrient absorption from the stomach and intestine.

Soluble fiber is found in oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, dried beans and legumes, lentils, peas, and some fruits and vegetables. Insoluble fiber also adds bulk (fiber) to the stool. It is found in wheat bran, vegetables, and whole grains.

A diet high in fiber is thought to reduce the risk of cancers of the rectum and colon.

3. FRUITS, VEGETABLES, AND CANCER:

Eating more fruits and vegetables helps provide a good supply of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, beta carotene and other carotenoids, and valuable substances called phytochemicals. Studies have shown that a diet high in these nutrients and fiber can reduce the risk of developing cancers of the stomach, colon rectum, esophagus, larynx, and lung.