Impact of Malnutrition on Health and Endurance

The human body needs enough protein, calories, and various nutrients to carry out bodily functions. If this is not well fulfilled, there is the possibility of malnutrition which can cause short-term and long-term health problems. Malnutrition does not only occur in Indonesia, but also becomes a problem in various parts of the world, especially in developing countries.

Possible Impacts of Malnutrition

In general, malnutrition is one of the major health problems in the world that can cause death, especially in children. Malnutrition in children is also often associated with poor mental development and not optimal performance in school. However, this condition is still being debated and needs further research. Not only that, malnutrition sufferers are also very risky to experience long-term physiological effects, such as:

• Insulin resistance
• Hypertension
• Discipline
• Risk of diabetes
• Higher risk of experiencing fat accumulation in the abdomen.

Recognize the Symptoms of Malnutrition

The human body needs enough protein, calories, and various nutrients to carry out bodily functions. Without adequate nutrition, the muscles and bones will be fragile, and may experience interference in thinking. Symptoms of malnutrition can generally be recognized by the increasingly weak physical, physical and mental developmental disorders arise, and the most common is the reduction in endurance so vulnerable to disease. Some other symptoms of malnutrition, namely:

• Sluggish
• Lack of appetite
• Slower breathing
• Dry skin
• Hair loss
• Low body temperature
• Numbness in hands and feet.
• Diarrhea.

Besides the importance of understanding the symptoms of malnutrition, it is also necessary to know the two most common types of malnutrition and its signs, namely:

• Kwashiorkor

This form of malnutrition is caused by a lack of protein in food. This condition is often experienced by children. Some of the symptoms include edema, or swelling due to fluid retention, prominent abdomen, and an inability to grow or gain weight.

• Marasmus

This form of malnutrition is already severe because it not only lacks protein, but also calories, carbohydrates, and other nutrients. Symptoms you can recognize such as weight loss, dehydration, shrinking stomach, and chronic diarrhea.

How to Overcome and Prevent Malnutrition

Broadly speaking, each country is responsible for meeting the nutritional adequacy of its population, especially toddlers and children. In Indonesia, efforts to improve nutrition for individuals and communities are carried out through several programs, including:

• Improved food consumption patterns
• Improvement of nutrition conscious behavior
• Increasing access and quality of service.

In patients who suffer from malnutrition, of course, treatment and care are needed in a not short time. Your doctor will recommend giving calories through snacks, or you can also add liquid protein supplements if you have problems digesting food. The way to prevent malnutrition is to eat foods with balanced nutrition. Starting from the consumption of fruits and vegetables, also bread, rice, or potatoes as a source of carbohydrates. Then, consume a regular source of protein, such as milk and dairy products, meat, fish, eggs and nuts. Do not underestimate the condition of malnutrition, especially in children. The impact of malnutrition can affect the child's growth and development until later adulthood. Immediately consult a doctor for proper treatment.