FOOD AND HEALTH

IMPORTANT TERMS

Vaccination - Vaccination is the process of injecting traces of organism into the body to protect against a particular disease.

Antibiotics – Powerful medicines that fight bacterial infections.

Immunity - Ability of an organism to resist a particular infection.

FOOD CLASSIFICATION

Carbohydrates – Energy giving – Daily energy – Cereals, Sugar, Potato

Fats – Quick energy giving – Keep body warm – Ghee, Butter, Cheese

Protein – Body building – Growth and repair of cells – Milk, Meat, Pulses

Vitamins – Protective – Resistance from diseases – Fruits, Eggs.

Minerals – Protective – General healthy well being – Iron, Calcium, Iodine – Green Vegetables

Roughage – Dietary Fiber – Aids in digestion and bowel system– Cucumber, Corn, Fruits

CATEGORY OF DISEASES – Diseases are categorized as Communicable or Non Communicable.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES - Caused by Protozoa, Bacteria, Virus and Fungi, when transferred from one organism or matter to another organism.

1. Communicable and Non Contagious – Transferred from one organism to another but not directly.

1. Protozoan Diseases

1. Dengue – Fever transmitted by mosquito bite of infected Aedes mosquito.
2. Malaria – Fever transmitted by mosquito bite of infected Anopheles mosquito.
3. Chikungunya – Fever transmitted by mosquito bite of infected Yellow fever mosquito.
4. Amoebic dysentery – Stomach infection transmitted by contaminated food, drink.

1. Bacterial Diseases – Treated with Antibiotics

1. Typhoid – Fever with red spots on chest transmitted by contaminated food, drink
2. Cholera – Infection of small intestine transmitted by contaminated water.
3. Plague – Fever transmitted by fleas.
4. Tuberculosis – Growth of nodules in lungs transmitted by air.
5. Tetanus – Stiffness of jaw and other muscles; bacterial infection on wounds.

1. Communicable and Contagious - Transferred from one organism to another directly

1. Viral Diseases -

1. Common cold – Running nose and fever; Spread through air.
2. Measles – Fever and red rash; spread through air
3. Swine Flu – Fever; Spread through air.
4. Polio – Affects nervous system; Spread through the feces of infected person.

1. Fungal Diseases -

1. Ringworm – Small itchy round patches on any body part; Contact with infected person or their clothes through touch.
2. Athlete’s foot – Itchy patches between fingers; Contact with infected person or their clothes through touch.

 

NON COMMUNICABLE DISEASES - Caused due to deficiency of necessary food components in the body. It is not transferred from one organism or matter to another organism.

1. VITAMIN DEFICIENCY DISEASES

1. Night blindness – Cannot see properly in dark – Vitamin A – Carrot, Papaya, Green Leafy Vegetables
2. Beri - Beri – Affects systems like muscles, heart, nerves and digestive system – Vitamin B – Unpolished Rice
3. Scurvy – Bleeding from the gums and swelling of the joints – Vitamin C – Lemon, Tomato, Green Leafy Vegetables
4. Rickets – Bones become soft and they bend – Vitamin D – Sunlight, Milk, Fish

 

1. MINERALS DEFICIENCY DISEASES

1. Goitre – Iodine - Swelling of Thyroid glands causing a lump to form around neck – Iodized Salt, Cranberries, Shrimp.
2. Osteoporosis – Calcium - Bones become weak – Milk, Egg Yolk, Saltwater Fish.
3. Anemia – Iron - The affected person looks pale and tired – Spinach, Apple, Banana.

 

1. PROTEIN DEFICIENCY DISEASES

1. DVT – Deep vein thrombosis – Blood clot in arms or legs.

 

DISEASE CONTROL

1. Preventive Measure – Vaccination against Bacterial, Viral infections and Fungal infections.
2. Curative Measure – Antibiotics (against bacteria) Medicines, Antiviral Medicines, Antifungal Medicines

 

INTERESTING FACTS

Sunlight – Only non food item to provide a nutrient – Vitamin D

Cleanliness, Natural Light, Fresh Air, Exercise and Nutritious Food are the best safeguards against diseases.