Health Conditions Related to Nutrition

Adverse reactions to foods

Many people associate various symptoms to foods, and while scientific evidence that foods can be harmful is lacking in many cases, there is evidence to support some adverse reactions to foods. Allergies are caused by immune reactions to a food, while intolerance is caused by an inability to properly process it in the body.

For more information, see Adverse Reactions to Foods.

Adverse reactions to natural food chemicals

There are many natural chemicals present in foods. Some natural food chemicals, in particular salicylates, amines and monosodium glutamate (MSG), can cause reactions in sensitive people, where they are often labeled food intolerances.

For more information, see Adverse Reactions to Natural Food Chemicals.

Impact of diet on allergy risk

Over the last few decades, there has been a huge increase in the number of people suffering from allergies. For a long time scientists have focused on city environments as the main cause. However, a large number of studies are beginning to show links between diet and allergy risk.

For more information, see Impact of Diet on Allergy Risk.

Lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance, or intolerance to lactose-containing foods such as dairy products, primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract, though it can have effects on other systems as a result of nutritional deficits that result from the condition.

For more information, see Lactose Intolerance.

Malnutrition

Malnutrition is a condition in which an individual has insufficient energy to maintain the body's essential functions, including growth, maintenance and movement. It is strongly associated with ill health, as both a cause and consequence. Malnourished people are more susceptible to disease and infection due to impaired immune function.

For more information, see Malnutrition.

Obesity

Being obese is different from being overweight. Obesity is an important condition which causes significant morbidity and mortality through increased rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus and heart disease, amongst other conditions. It can also cause sleep disturbances and lead to reduced fertility rates.

For more information, see Obesity.

Hypercholesterolaemia

Hypercholesterolaemia is defined as elevated amounts of cholesterol in the blood. If the amounts of cholesterol in the blood are excessive, cholesterol can build up in arteries, which can lead to coronary heart disease and many other serious conditions.

For more information, see Hypercholesterolaemia.

Metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when a number of metabolic abnormalities (including insulin resistance and obesity) occur at the same time in an individual. Individuals who have the syndrome are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus than those who do not.

For more information, see Metabolic Syndrome.

Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a psychological disease. This condition is hallmarked by an extreme reluctance to consume food as a result of a psychological disturbed body image. This may lead to extreme malnutrition and weight loss. Anorexia nervosa is potentially life-threatening.

For more information, see Anorexia Nervosa.

Bulimia nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is characterised by the episodic, uncontrolled and impulsive binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting or consumption of laxatives or purgatives to avoid the weight gain associated with such behaviour. It is more common in women than men, and usually starts in adolescence.

For more information, see Bulimia Nervosa.

More information

For more information on nutrition, including information on types and composition of food, nutrition and people, conditions related to nutrition, and diets and recipes, as well as some useful videos and tools, see Nutrition.