THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NUTRITION AND HEALTH
Food is a basic and foundational part of our lives. Food plays a vital role for human existence just as the air we breathe and the water we drink. The food we eat is utilized in the body and assimilated substances are used for growth and maintenance of the tissue. People who eat right foods rich in nutrients enjoy their lives more, live longer, and are at a reduced risk of disease. Good nutrition is critical in preventing not only deficiency diseases, but also chronic diseases. Nutrition is vital to our bodies as water is to plants. An unhealthy diet increases the risk of many diet related diseases.
Nutrition as a promoter of good Health
Health is much more than the absence of disease. It is a positive quality, emphasizing physical, social, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual well being. Optimum nutrition, providing all nutrients in both kind and amount, is the cornerstone of good health. The foods we eat, and the nutrients they provide, are the most important continuing factors influencing our growth, development, functional abilities, and health. A proper diet helps in preventing and recovery from certain illnesses.
Role of Nurses
Patients nutritional status is closely related to the overall level of health. Nutrition is considered as one of the important factors affecting the human health. Nurses should give more attention to the nutrition of their patients. A modification in the diet can cure certain diseases. Numerous factors and conditions have the potential to impair patients’ nutritional status.