Wake-Up Call: Poor Nutrition Leads to Bigger Problems

You have probably heard that your diet can help decrease risk of certain diseases or alleviate the symptoms of others. For example, eating things like almonds, berries and dark chocolate can help lower the risk of heart disease. When you face an illness that can grow to be life threatening, it's important to pay attention to what and how much you're putting into your body and how it affects things going on in there. Here are some problems directly related to nutrition to help you pay attention to your diet and avoid mistakes that could change your life.

Osteomalacia: When you don't get enough vitamin D and calcium, your bones will soften and lose essential minerals. (via Mayo Clinic) Your bones will be more likely to fracture and you will likely experience achy pain in your muscles and bones. This can really impact the way you function in your day-to-day life. Imagine not being able to play with your kids without experiencing pain and risking a fracture and ultimately broken bones. The most immediate way to get the necessary vitamins to your body is to start taking supplements and to add more vitamin D and calcium to your diet.

>> Click here to read about how to cut hidden salt out of your diet.

Anemia: Anemia is a blood condition that occurs when your blood doesn't have enough hemoglobin or healthy red blood cells. One of the most common types of anemia is caused by iron deficiency in the body. In order to produce hemoglobin, your bones need iron. A deficiency of vitamin B12 or folate can also result in anemia. In order to treat the problem, take a hard look at your diet. Take iron supplements with caution. Talk to your doctor to ensure that you are taking the best form route to address your problem. Increase your iron intake as well by eating more red meat, egg yolks, whole grain, beans, nuts and seafood. (via WebMD)

>> Read more: Magnesium Deficiencies in Women

Obesity: While obesity is a problem in itself, it can cause so many other problems with your health. According to Mayo Clinic, obesity is defined as an excess of body fat. Other diseases that can result from obesity are Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, stroke, heart attack and colon cancer. The cure for obesity isn't a one-time quick fix; it's a lifestyle change. Even just losing five to 10 percent of your weight could bring significant improvement in your health. Changing your diet could bring lasting results if you can make it a permanent change with the goal being a healthier body, not a "skinnier" body. (via Medicine Net)

Metabolic Syndrome: There are many different causes and risk factors for metabolic disease, one being a diet high in fat and carbs without enough physical activity. According to WebMD, one out of every six Americans has it and maybe doesn't even know. You would have to experience three risk factors out of five in order to be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. The factors include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, low good cholesterol, high triglycerides and large waist size. It doesn't necessarily have its own symptoms, but having it can lead to Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The treatment is a diet and exercise tailored to your needs with the goal of losing weight. One trend for people diagnosed with metabolic disease is to follow a Mediterranean diet, meaning it is full of protein and "good" fats.

>> Read more: 20 Reasons to Limit Sugar in Your Diet

There are a lot of factors that can play into the onset of certain health problems, but nutrition is certainly one that you can control. Following a healthy diet — particularly one that addresses your needs — is the first step toward better health. Eating better isn't easy but the risks are great motivation to make it happen. Click here to read more about risk factors that cause heart disease.

>> Read more: Clean Eating Dos and Don'ts for Getting Started