Despite the age-old adage that ‘you are what you eat,’ and continuous warnings by nutrition experts, the power of a well-balanced diet is underestimated even to this day. Explaining the still misunderstood link between diet and diseases, OnlyMyHealth conducted a panel discussion titled, ‘Diet & Diseases - The Unseen Link,’ at their Poshan Summit 2023, with State Partner The Government of Punjab, Ayurvedic Lifestyle Partner TAC- The Ayurveda Company, Hydration Partner Fast&Up, and Partner NVEDA.
Poshan Summit 2023 Emphasises The Significance Of Daily Diet
Introducing the panel, Smriti Rastogi, Political Editor, JagranTV, informed, “The food choices we make every day play a crucial role in our overall health and well-being, influencing our susceptibility to various diseases. The unseen link between diet and disease lies in the daily decisions we make at the dining table. It's not just about satisfying our taste buds but it's about nourishing our bodies and fortifying our defences against illness.”
Also Read: National Nutrition Week 2023: 8 Most Nutritious Foods You Must Add To Your Daily Diet
The panel was moderated by Megha Mamgain, AVP, Content and Strategy, Health and Lifestyle, Jagran New Media, who initiated the discussion with the purpose of advocating informed choices that prioritise health and reduce the risk of preventable diseases. “That tub of popcorn you ate while watching a movie, that oil-soaked pakora plate on a rainy day, that cup of coffee or tea that you cannot start your day without - what are the unseen implications of our diets on our risk for disease?” she added.
The panel witnessed participation by Swati Bathwal, Diabetes Educator and Public Health Specialist, Dr Nitin Shrivastava, Senior Consultant, Urology, Kidney Transplant Progr PM & Robotic Surgery (Unity II), Artemis Hospitals, Dr Shikha Singh, Clinical Nutritionist, and Dt Kushboo Gupta, Pregnancy Educator.
Poor Diet: The Biggest Cause Of Chronic Diseases
A healthy diet is directly linked to a healthy life that is free of disease. To deliberate the incidence of diet-induced diseases, the panel engaged in a thought-provoking discussion.
Also Read: Unable To Take A Balanced Diet? Nutritionist Recommend Taking These 5 Dietary Supplements
Poor Diet Triggers Genes That Cause Diseases
Mamgain posed her first question to Bathwal, asking whether the rising incidence of heart diseases, stroke, and diabetes could be a consequence of the masses increasingly gravitating towards fast foods, and packaged products. Bathwal replied, “When it comes to a lot of the diseases that you mentioned, genes actually load the gun but the environment is the one that pulls the trigger. Diet is an essential factor that can trigger these genes. There is definitely a disparity of nutrition in the country which gives rise to these diseases. But if nutritional disparity was the only cause, we would not be witnessing a rise in these diseases within the affluent population as well. This proves that junk and packaged food definitely have a role to play in triggering diseases. And it is worrying that the population that is most prone to this phenomenon are the kids.”
Dietary Habits And Kidney Stones
The moderator then encouraged Dr Shrivastava about the relevance of food habits when it comes to kidney diseases. “There are certain dietary habits that predispose a person to developing kidney disorders. If a person is chronically dehydrated and takes a severely high salt or sugar content diet then that person has a higher risk of developing kidney stones. Having a BMI higher than the normal range is also a risk factor for kidney stones, and surprisingly even cancer. Hence, it is very relevant what is on your plate and what food choices you're making,” shared Dr Shrivastava.
Also Read: Study: Calcium, Potassium Rich Diet May Prevent Recurrent Kidney Stones
Adulterations And Pesticides: A Serious Threat To Public Health
Another crucial aspect of diet-induced health issues is the adulteration of fruits and vegetables, and the possibility of them being laced with pesticides. Even if a person ensures that they are consuming a balanced diet, the threat of harmful chemicals still very much persists, informed Dr Shikha. “We tend to think that what we are eating is very nutritious but often it is not. Heavy amount of pesticides is used when storing or cultivating grains or food products. These resources are also stored in unhygienic godowns which can infect the food with fungal infection, mites or insects. These adulterations can cause seriously debilitating disorders like cancer, neurological disorders, reproductive disorders, and loss of immunity,” she added.
Effect Of Poor Diet On Pregnancy
Illuminating the repercussions of dietary habits on pregnancy, Gupta said, “When a woman is carrying, everything from her nutrient intake to her emotions and lifestyle practices have a direct impact on the child inside her womb. Deficiencies of iron and calcium are common during pregnancy. Additionally, the rollercoaster of hormonal changes during pregnancy puts the mother at an increased risk of gestational diabetes and blood pressure issues. So mindful eating during pregnancy not only makes the mother healthy. This nutrient intake is also very much visible in the child during their growing phase of life. Little things like how much you eat and what time you eat are just as crucial.”
The panel concluded with the parting advice that the food we consume isn't merely a source of sustenance, it's a powerful tool in disease prevention and overall well-being. The experts collectively recommended that making mindful dietary choices can be a transformative step towards a healthier and disease-free future.
