What Does Your Daily Diet Say About Your Overall Health?

Many people are already aware that a healthy eating plan typically contains a good balance of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fermented dairy products. Lean meats, poultry, fish, nuts and beans are also frequently mentioned in relation to a person’s necessary intake of healthy fats and protein. Above all, a healthy diet contains very little saturated and trans fats, salt, and added sugars.

Adults who follow a healthy diet live longer and are less likely to develop health issues like obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, or even certain types of cancer. Additionally, people with chronic diseases can benefit from healthy nutrition to help them manage their conditions.

Read on to find out what your daily diet might say about your current overall health.

Premature Aging

Generally speaking, there is a link between skin aging and sugar, as well as certain food processing methods such as grilling and frying. A high-sugar diet, UV radiation, and consuming grilled or fried meals all contribute to the formation of so-called advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) which have been found to accelerate skin aging. However, cutting down on sugary foods can actually reduce AGE production.

In addition, if your skin shows signs of aging, you might be deficient in collagen, the most abundant protein in your body. Collagen is the glue that holds our body together and when it comes to your skin, collagen improves elasticity, helps it glow and keeps it plump. As your body produces less with age, supplementing with collagen is a great way to support your internal and external health, whilst hindering signs of physical and functional aging.

Low Energy Levels

Combined with a general lack of sleep associated with the modern way of life, what you eat — but also what you don’t eat — can very much influence your energy levels, going as far as to cause chronic fatigue.

Indeed, fatigue can be caused both by not eating enough or by repeatedly consuming too many carbohydrates (such as pizza, bread, pasta, sweets, and even alcohol). This happens because meals loaded with carbs are the main catalysts of blood sugar spikes, which will make you feel fatigued and spent as soon as they drop abruptly (as they have a tendency to).

To fight off fatigue, it is necessary to maintain a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein. Drink less, avoid or cut down on sugary and fatty junk meals, and you will start to feel more energized during the day in no time.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a weaker immune response in case of infection. There is also ongoing research on the connection between low vitamin D levels and conditions such as diabetes, depression, and high blood pressure.

Your skin is capable of producing vitamin D on its own just from being exposed to sunlight (which requires moderation and proper skincare, especially in the summer, but fatty fish and fish liver oils are also great sources of vitamin D. Apart from those, egg yolks, cheese, and beef liver all contain trace quantities, whereas many dairy products and cereals are vitamin D fortified.

Anemia

Red blood cells are in charge of transporting oxygen throughout the body, and iron is an important component of these cells. Without enough iron, your body may be unable to obtain the appropriate amount of oxygen it needs to produce energy. Women who have heavy monthly cycles or are pregnant may be predisposed to conditions like anemia related to iron deficiency.

You may be able to restore your body’s iron through nutrition if you are anemic due to iron shortage. Meats, beans, tofu, potatoes, broccoli, almonds, iron-enriched cereal, and brown rice are all high in iron. If you believe you require iron supplements, consult your doctor to establish the appropriate dosage.