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Nutrition plays a vital role in a person’s overall health and well-being. Not getting enough of the recommended nutrients over the long-term can lead to malnutrition which often results in disease and illness.
In a 3-page paper, written in APA format using proper spelling/grammar, address the following:
Define malnutrition and identify a specific disease that can result from it.
Perform library research about the selected disease, and explain its physiological effects on a person’s body.
Describe the relationship between specific foods/nutrients and the disease. Use the questions below to guide your response.
Does research indicate that a lack of specific foods/nutrients increase a person’s chance of contracting the disease?
Are there specific foods/nutrients that should be avoided by an individual afflicted with the disease?
How do specific foods/nutrients work physiologically within the body to help combat the disease?
Evaluate nutritional recommendations to help combat the disease.
Cite at least 3 credible references and present the resources in APA format on the References page.
For information about the impact of diseases on body systems and assessing the credibility of resources, consult the resources below.
Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!
Introduction
- Understand the topic: Begin by reading the instructions carefully. The topic of your paper is “The Impact of Malnutrition and Its Link to Osteoporosis.” You need to define malnutrition, explain how it leads to osteoporosis, and delve into the physiological effects of this disease.
- Research: Start by gathering credible sources from your library’s database or academic websites. Look for research articles, books, or journals that discuss malnutrition, osteoporosis, and the role of specific nutrients in bone health.
Step 1: Define Malnutrition and Identify a Disease
- Malnutrition: Define malnutrition as an imbalance in nutrient intake, either from a lack of essential nutrients or an excess of harmful substances. Explain how this imbalance leads to poor health outcomes, such as osteoporosis.
- Osteoporosis: Introduce osteoporosis as a disease that results from long-term malnutrition, particularly deficiencies in calcium and vitamin D. Describe its effects on bone health.
Step 2: Physiological Effects of Osteoporosis
- Research osteoporosis: Gather information about the physiological impacts of osteoporosis, such as weakened bones, decreased bone density, and increased susceptibility to fractures.
- Summarize the physiological effects: Explain how osteoporosis leads to the loss of bone mass and increased fracture risk, especially in areas like the hip, spine, and wrist.
Step 3: Describe the Role of Specific Nutrients
- Calcium: Discuss how calcium is essential for bone strength and how a deficiency contributes to osteoporosis. Look for information about daily calcium requirements and how the body uses calcium to maintain bone health.
- Vitamin D: Explain how vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and contributes to bone health. Provide details about the recommended intake of vitamin D and its role in bone metabolism.
- Other Nutrients: Consider discussing other nutrients like magnesium, which supports bone health and works synergistically with calcium and vitamin D.
Step 4: Evaluate the Relationship Between Nutrition and Disease
- Lack of Specific Foods: Research whether specific nutrient deficiencies, particularly calcium and vitamin D, increase the chance of developing osteoporosis.
- Foods to Avoid: Highlight foods that should be avoided by individuals with osteoporosis, such as those high in sodium or excessive caffeine, which can hinder calcium absorption.
- Foods to Include: Discuss the importance of including calcium-rich foods (e.g., dairy, fortified plant-based milk, leafy greens) and vitamin D-rich foods (e.g., salmon, fortified cereals, egg yolks).
Step 5: Provide Nutritional Recommendations
- Daily Requirements: Provide recommendations on daily intake for calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients essential for bone health.
- Dietary Tips: Suggest practical dietary adjustments for individuals with osteoporosis, such as increasing dairy intake, consuming fortified foods, or considering supplements if necessary.
- Exercise: Mention the importance of weight-bearing exercises in improving bone density and supporting overall health.
Step 6: Cite Sources
- Reference Format: Make sure to cite at least three credible references using APA format. Your sources could include academic articles, textbooks, or reliable health websites.
- In-Text Citations: Use in-text citations where appropriate. For example, if you mention the daily calcium requirement, cite the relevant source right after the statement.
Conclusion
- Summarize Key Points: End your paper by summarizing the connection between malnutrition and osteoporosis, emphasizing the importance of specific nutrients in preventing and managing the disease.
- Reiterate Nutritional Advice: Briefly restate the recommendations for nutrition and lifestyle changes that can help combat osteoporosis.
Formatting Tips
- APA Format: Follow the proper APA formatting guidelines for your paper, including title page, headers, and reference list.
- Spelling and Grammar: Proofread your paper for spelling and grammar errors. Ensure your sentences are clear and concise.
Call to Action
Remember to break down your paper into manageable sections and tackle one section at a time. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. If you’re unsure about any part of the assignment, don’t hesitate to consult your professor or reach out to academic support services. You’ve got this!