ADULT MALNUTRITION

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The body is an amazing machine. Given the right inputs and proper maintenance, it can go the distance, allowing for an amazing life. For any vessel to work optimally, quality fuel is needed. With the ability to cut corners when it comes to our food, we really should think twice about how much food substance we take in versus how much food stuff we take in. The body needs a balance of ingredients to function at its best. Processed foods are not absorbed very well by the body, making the vitamins and minerals mixed into them less likely to be used as fuel. This is especially true if you’re older than 30, as the body’s ability to absorb nutrients lessens as we age. Relying on processed foods as a primary food source can cause malnutrition. Convenient, processed foods should be used for supplemental support to fill in the gaps in your daily intake or as a replacement until the next opportunity to eat whole foods again. The effects of a highly processed diet can contribute to dangerous bodily illnesses that can be avoided by balancing nutrition in a way that fits your lifestyle.  

PROCESSED INFLAMMATION

Over time, the ingredients in processed foods can cause effects that can make life uncomfortable and, in some cases, shorter. The ingredients in processed foods cause inflammation in the body and can contribute to various chronic diseases.  

  • REFINED CARBS: Grains that have been processed, stripping almost all vitamins, minerals, and fiber from them, contribute to blood sugar spikes and production of inflammatory molecules. 
  • ADDITIVES AND PRESERVATIVES: Processed foods commonly contain preservatives, colors, and inorganic additives that can bring on inflammatory responses within the body. 
  • HIGH IN SODIUM:  Processed foods have high amounts of sodium. A diet high in sodium can lead to water retention and increased blood pressure, which are associated with inflammation. 

The processing of the food substance strips away most of the absorbable nutrients for the body. Processed foods just aren’t enough when it comes to nurturing the body. When whole foods are an option, they should be chosen over processed.  

FOOD SUBSTANCE VS. FOOD STUFF

FOOD SUBSTANCES

Food substances are substances that are used in processed food. The substance is usually accompanied with sugar and sodium, which, in large amounts, can lead to and contribute to disease and illness within the body. The up side of food substance is it gives you the ability to supplement nutrition and target certain vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients that you may be lacking, or it can help you manage a health condition. Balanced nutrition can be achieved with food substances as a small part of your diet regimen. Balance is key here because an excess of food substances can be harmful to the body, as explained above. 

FOOD STUFF

Food stuff should be your primary source of nutrition due to its compatibility with the body, which allows for optimal absorption. Whole foods and minimally processed foods, when used together in a balanced way, can aid in meeting the body’s complete nutritional needs. For the full spectrum of nutritional needs, whole foods are the way to go. For targeted nutritional needs, food substances can be used sparingly. 

EATING FOR LONGEVITY

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Your dietary practices are going to heavily influence the longevity of your life. As with most things in life, balance in your diet helps to ensure you receive the complete essentials that your body needs. A balanced diet is made up of macronutrients, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Keep in mind, caloric restriction of balanced nutrients should also be practiced, as balance and moderation go hand in hand with longevity.  

FOOD CHARACTERISTICS
FOR LONGEVITY

  • NUTRIENT-DENSE FOODS: These foods have high nutrient value and low calories, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. 
  • ANTIOXIDANT RICH FOODS:  Foods high in antioxidants help to fight off harmful free radicals. These foods include berries, nuts, dark chocolate, and dark leafy greens. 
  • HEALTHY FATS: Healthy fats come from sources like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. They also include omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish. 
  • MACRONUTRIENTS: Carbohydrates, fat, and protein are all examples of macronutrients. 
  • PLANT-BASED DIET: Diets consisting of all plant-based foods with a balance of macro- and micronutrients encourage longevity. 
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THE LONG WAY THERE

Unfortunately, a long life on earth is not a guarantee. That being said, longevity should be your aim. As we age, nutrition becomes more and more important. Luckily, we live in a time where information is literally at the tip of our fingers. With access to information about nutrition and even access to medical health professionals from the comfort of your own home, you can craft a custom approach to life that is backed by good nutrition. Making better choices when it comes to food may not always be an option, but we still have a responsibility to make the best out of this opportunity. For that to happen, the body needs complete balanced nutrition.  

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