Empresas

Short Term Effects of Bad Eating Habits
by August McLaughlin, Demand Media



SHARE
RSS
PRINT
EMAIL

Poor eating habits are linked with numerous short-term risks.
For most people, a healthy diet is well balanced and contains a variety of nutritious foods, such as vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts and whole grains. And while moderate amounts of low-nutrient fare is seldom problematic,eating poorly even for short periods can have negative consequences. Learning more about these short-term risks may inspire you to make unhealthy eating an exception rather than a rule. To ensure that your diet fulfills your wellness needs, seek guidance from a registered dietitian.
Sponsored Link
Diet Nutrition Software
Exercises, Diet, Fitness Program Software for Health Professionals!Physiotec.ca/Nutrition_Software
Poor Brain Function
Your brain relies on glucose, which derives from carbohydrates and other nutrients such as healthy fats and antioxidants, to function properly. According to a study published "The Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology" in Dec. 2009, fatty foods could have an immediate negative impact on brain function. In the study,rats fed a high-fat diet tested significantly lower in cognitive abilities after eating the fatty fare compared to rats fed a lower-fat diet. Eating a restrictive diet or skipping meals can have similar effects, including poor memory and concentration abilities.
Poor Exercise Capabilities
Eating too much or too little can also cause lethargy, fatigue and other effects that hinder physicalactivity. After eating fatty foods, the rats in "The Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology" study ran 35-percent less distance than rats fed lower-fat food. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, dieters often experience poor muscle strength, endurance, oxygen utilization and coordination. Dieting can also cause physical weakness and fainting,particularly if you over-exert yourself through exercise.
Insulin Resistance and Weight Gain
Insulin resistance is a condition in which the hormone insulin becomes less able to manage your blood sugar, increasing your risk for diabetes and weight gain. In a study published in "Molecular Medicine" in July 2009, 18 lean, healthy volunteers consumed a fast-food, high-calorie diet for four weeks. By thestudy's end, the participants gained an average of 10 percent body weight and 19 percent body fat. And while they maintained their lean mass, they developed moderate insulin resistance. Eating too few calories temporarily can also lead to weight gain. Restrictive diets put your body in "starvation mode," according to NEDA, which slows your metabolism -- particularly if you yo-yo diet or diet off andon repeatedly.
Indigestion and Heartburn
Indigestion refers to uncomfortable sensations in your upper abdomen during or after eating. Common causes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, include eating greasy or fatty foods, eating too fast, overeating and drinking too much alcohol or caffeine. Heartburn -- burning or pain between your navel and breast bone -- often accompaniesindigestion. Some people also experience nausea, bloating and acid reflux, which happens when acidic stomach contents move back up into your esophagus. To prevent indigestion, the UMMC recommends eating slowly, creating a calm eating atmosphere and avoiding exercise right after meals.
Poor Sleep
While eating a small, balanced snack before bed may help you sleep, according to MayoClinic.com sleepspecialist Dr. Timothy Morgenthaler, going to bed hungry and overeating can detract from sleep. If you're prone to heartburn, fatty and spicy foods before bed can cause flare-ups during the night, causing unwanted wake-ups. Poor sleep can then cause or worsen other short-term effects of an unhealthy diet, such as weight gain and reduced brain and exercise capabilities.
Mood Problems
The...