More than half of the world’s population today lives in cities, with that number anticipated to rise to 70% by 2050 in the developing world.However, with this advancement comes an urban lifestyle, which frequently entails less physical exercise and a “Western” diet.So,what is a western diet?
There is a tend,worlwide,turning away from nutrition,our eating patterns are changing,not necessarily by choice,simply through the changing family structure of a two income family in western countries,which is spreading worldwide.
As people’s household income’s rise, they opt to eat more calories and meat.So, the outcome is? Health-related issues and an increased risk of disease are both possible outcomes.
We have a new generational population of people who are malnourished because they eat items that are bad for them, that don’t provide any nutritional value.This trend runs counter to the more common causes of malnutrition.
Processed food consumption and availability are also on the rise
Processed foods have very little nutritional value,diets lacking in fruits and vegetables have a significant negative influence on one’s health.Even worse is a diet high in processed foods, such as the typical “Western” diet.
Processed meat is associated with cancer, according to the World Health Organization.
What is a Western diet, and how does it differ from other types of diets?
High consumption of highly processed sugars, extremely refined and saturated fats, animal protein, and a lower intake of plant-based fibre are the most prominent aspects of a Western diet.This corresponds to a diet low in fibre and high in fat, red meat, salt, and sweets.
There are simply too many calories, due to consumers,who are overworked and time poor,therefore a shift to a fast-food culture.
But, in terms of your health, how effective is this diet?
Our bodies react badly to overly processed and refined foods, which are frequent in Western meals.It has a negative effect on our immune system.
Foods containing fructose and palmitic acid, which are typically found in candy bars, are the worst offenders ,since they might trigger an immunological response.
“The body may confuse [palmitic acid] with bacteria such as E.Coli.The body subsequently launches an immune response against the alleged germs, resulting in a mild inflammatory response.
Immune cells won’t be as ready to strike when faced with an actual virus if the immune system is distracted this way.It throws off your body’s response,and by the time you realise it, it’ll have become worse.
However There Is A Healthy Solution
Altering one’s diet to eliminate these food components can restore immunological activity to its previous level.Therefore dangerous inflammation will subside
Gut bacterial changes
Gut microorganisms are important for the health and well-being of not only your gut, but your entire body.
Everyone carries roughly 1kg of germs inside them.The gut microorganisms of the human body are intimately linked to the immune system’s management of inflammation.
The beneficial bacteria in your gut may be pushed out by processed foods, leaving you more vulnerable to the bad bacteria.The good bacteria don’t have as much of a chance.
Obesity and diabetes
Obesity and diabetesare two of the most common health problems in the United States.Obesity and diabetes rates are fast rising over the world, thanks to an increase in high-fat, high-calorie diets.
Obesity is on the rise.According to the World Health Organization, more than 600 million adults worldwide were obese in 2014, with about 2 billion adults being overweight.Obesity puts you at a higher risk of sickness.
Obese people have a lot of inflammation in their bodies, which makes them more susceptible to ailments including heart disease, stroke, cancer, and arthritis. All of these are inflammatory disorders.
Obesity is also linked to an increase in joint problems and replacements, owing to the additional pressure and wear exerted on the joints. “Obese persons require hip and knee replacement at a considerably younger age.
Diabetes, which is linked to obesity and affects 374 million people worldwide, is another disease with rising incidence. According to the IDF diabetes atlas, the development of Type II diabetes is connected to nutrition, and the disease is on the rise in all countries.
It has the potential to induce irreversible liver damage
According to study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, the Western diet has also been linked to insulin resistance, fatty liver disease (not caused by alcohol), and a condition known as intestinal dysbiosis, which increases gut permeability and disrupts bacterial balance.
Further research from Oregon State University reveals that the diet is high in fat, sugar, and cholesterol, which are the main causes of liver damage.
The possibility of cancer
Researchers believe that because Western diets are high in junk food, protein, and fat but low in fibre, the risk of colon cancer (the fourth leading cause of death from cancer) is increased.
Processed meals wreak havoc on your gut and make you more prone to sickness.According to a study published in Nature Communications, a change in diet can considerably lessen it.
For two weeks, American and African participants ate each other’s meals and then had colonoscopies. When Americans began eating high-fiber, low-fat, low-protein diets, the diversity and quality of their gut flora improved, which plays a key role in lowering the risk of colon cancer.
There was also less inflammation in the colon and fewer cancer biomarkers. As you might expect, the Africans took a hit in the gut: colon inflammation increased.
It’s not good for healthy ageing
A study published in 2013 looked into the effects of a Western diet on overall longevity. It was shown that eating a diet high in fried and sweet foods, processed foods and red meat, refined cereals, and high-fat dairy products diminishes the likelihood of obtaining optimal health as one gets older.
All of the aforementioned are excellent reasons for us to reassess our eating habits. Maintaining a healthy diet doesn’t have to be complicated, you can start by avoiding ultra-processed foods that are rich in sugar and salt.
Consider adopting or incorporating elements of other popular diets, such as the Mediterranean Diet, which emphasises daily eating of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats (from olive oil, nuts, and fish), with fish and poultry added on occasion during the week.
