Page 22 - 2021 - Q2 - Minerva in Focus

SEAFARER WELLBEING How our diet affects

our health

At some point in our lives, we have all Obesity
probably read, heard, or talked about
how our lifestyle can impact our health. Obesity (BMI>30) is a major risk factor for many health issues, including heart attacks
Lifestyle choices that can affect our and strokes. In addition to that, the added body weight can lead to musculoskeletal
health include tobacco use, alcohol disorders, including osteoarthritis. Obesity can be considered an aggravating factor in
consumption, drug abuse, exercising recovery (e.g., from surgery) or the severity of the disease. A recent example is COVID-19,
and overall physical activity, sleeping where studies have shown that obese people who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 are
patterns, and of course, diet. Although more likely to develop pneumonia, need to be admitted to the ICU, and have a higher
all these factors are considered signifi- death rate from the disease.
cant, this article focuses on the impor-
tance of diet and its correlation with Diabetes
the following conditions and diseases.
Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by hyperglycemia. There are two types of
diabetes: type 1 and type 2. The latter is the most common form of the disease and
affects millions of people worldwide. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to blindness,
kidney failure, and in severe cases, lower limb amputation. Studies have indicated that
type 2 diabetes is linked with diet, as the latter may either lead to or prevent the former.
More specifically, research has shown that processed meat, food, or drinks with added
sugar and fats can lead to diabetes. In contrast, high consumption of plant foods and
low consumption of animal-based, high-fat, and processed foods have been proven to
be beneficial in both the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes.
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a general term used to describe conditions affecting the
heart and the blood vessels. It is usually associated with atherosclerosis, the build-up
of fatty deposits (atheroma) inside the arteries. These fatty deposits or plaques are
directly associated with a high-fat diet. Depending on where the atheroma is located,
it can lead to different diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke or transient
ischaemic attack (TIA), aortic disease, and peripheral arterial disease.
Cancer

High red meat consumption, high processed meat consumption, low fiber, low whole
grain, and low dairy intake have been associated with increased risk of colorectal can-
cer. Inversely, calcium/dairy foods, vitamin D, general vegetable/fruit/fiber consump-
tion, folic acid, and many other vitamins and minerals play a protective role against
colorectal cancer risk. Increased salt intake has also been linked to gastric cancer, as
it erodes the mucosa barrier of the stomach. Cultures whose diets are rich in salt and
pickled foods, such as the Japanese, exhibit higher rates of gastric cancer.
Conclusion

Our eating habits are undoubtedly one of the most important life choices we make
every day. A healthy and balanced diet can prevent many conditions and diseases while
helping to manage others, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. The conditions
mentioned above are just an example, as researchers study the correlation of diet with
An overview by other conditions every day. Bear in mind that preventing health problems is preferable
Konstantinos Giannakopoulos to trying to cure them; therefore, a healthier lifestyle should be adopted sooner rather
than later in life.
MD

20 MINERVA IN FOCUS – ISSUE 16 / Q2 2021