‘False dietary pattern is the main cause of infections’

Gayathri Asokan | 10-June-2013

By Gayathri Asokan

Nutrition is the science of food that works in the body. Food plays a major role in growth and development.The main functions of food are energy giving,body building and protective functions.A well balanced diet gives all the nutrients for various functions and it is essential throughout the daysince water-soluble vitamins like Vitamin-C and B-Complex which are lost through urine and sweat are needed daily.

Micronutrientdeficienciesdue to false dietary pattern are very high in our country which is the major cause of infections. A well balanced diet having proper proportions of macronutrients like carbohydrates,protein and fat as well as micronutrients like vitamins, minerals,water and fiber must be included accordingly. Every person is different and so their dietary needs. Some foods that are rich in nutrients have a good benefit for many, but the same may not be suitable for another person. So it is best to follow a customised dietary pattern according to your work,body functions etc.

A well balanced diet with all the essential nutrients can help prevent many diseases, including Parkinson's disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s. The main nutrients that play a key role in improving the immunity or preventing infections are:

Vitamin A-It is a powerful antioxidant, especially carotenoids in orange yellow vegetables and fruits,iycopene that is present in tomatoes are found to prevent infections, including cancer.Foods that contain Vitamin A are green leafy veg,liver,cheese,milk,sweet potato,mango,papaya etc.

Vitamin E-It is also a powerful antioxidant which is also called sex vitaminas it is essential for child bearing and it can also protect the body from cancer and Alzheimer’s.The main sources are wheat germ,molasses,whole grain,nuts,vegetable oils etc.

Iron-It is very essential for growth and immunity and in India 50 per cent of women and 70 per cent of children below five years is suffering from iron deficiency anaemia.The deficiency may paralise the immunity and it affects the overall performance.Sources include liver,meat,mussels, green leafy vegetables,dry fruits etc.

Essential fatty acids like omega 3 and omega 6 are also essential,which is present in fishes like sardines,flax seed,other vegetable oils. Trace elements like chromium,copper,selenium,magnesium are also helpful.

Diet for Parkinson'sdiseases-It is the disease that results in the degeneration of neurons that involved in the production of dopamine,which results in uncontrollable shaking and muscular rigidity and in later stage it results in dementia.A well balanced diet is essential for the patients having this disease.The nutrients that are proved to prevent Parkinson's are polyphenols and flavanoids.So include foods like coffee(3-4/day),apple,berries/oranges,tea,green tea and red wine.

So plan a proper balanced diet according to your health status which provide the recommended dietary allowance(RDA) that include whole grains,legumes,fruits,vegetables especially green and yellow coloured,milk and milk products(low fat),lean meat,fish etc.The vegetarians must include enough milk, pulses and sprouts daily inorder to get adequate protein.Our traditional meals with curd or butter milk are ideal as it is a pro-biotic which helps to prevent diseases,improve the skin texture,prevent ageing and stomach related problems.

(GayathriAsokanis a Consultant Nutritionist/Lecturer,Nutrisolutions, Kochi)

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