DIET

AND
HEALTH
By: Naima Bucchan,
Sadicka Mohammed and
Abigail Ali
What is diet?
diet refers to the types and amounts
of food and drink a person regularly
consumes. It can also refer to a
specific eating plan designed for
health, weight management, or
cultural reasons.
What is Health?
Health is a state of complete
physical, mental, and social
well-being, and not merely
the absence of disease or
infirmity.
What is Nutritional Status?
Nutritional status refers to the
condition of an individual's health as it
is influenced by the intake and
utilization of nutrients. It is
determined by a balance between
nutrient intake (through diet) and the
body's needs for growth,
maintenance, and functioning.
Various Types of Diet:
Mediterranean Diet
Inspired by the traditional dietary patterns of countries bordering the
Mediterranean Sea. High intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains,
legumes, nuts, olive oil; moderate consumption of fish and poultry; low
intake of red meat and processed foods. Reduces risk of heart disease,
type 2 diabetes, and some cancers; supports healthy weight.

Ketogenic (Keto) Diet

A high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that shifts the body into ketosis,
where it burns fat for energy. High in fats (avocado, butter, oils),
moderate protein (meat, fish), very low carbs (green vegetables).
Promotes weight loss, helps control blood sugar levels, may benefit
neurological conditions like epilepsy.
 Balanced Diet
Emphasizes all food groups in appropriate proportions to meet the body’s
nutritional needs.

Vegan Diet
Excludes all animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey. Plant-
based foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds. Lowers
risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes; supports
environmental sustainability.
 Low-Carb Diet
Reduces carbohydrate intake, focusing on protein and fats for energy. Lean meats, fish, eggs, non-
starchy vegetables, and healthy fats; limits grains, sugary foods, and high-carb vegetables. Aids in
weight loss, stabilizes blood sugar levels, and improves metabolic health.

Intermittent Fasting
Cycles between periods of eating and fasting, rather than focusing on specific food types.
Types of methods:
16/8 method: Fasting for 16 hours, eating during an 8-hour window.
5:2 method: Eating normally for 5 days and restricting calories (500–600) for 2 days.
Health Benefits: Promotes fat loss, improves metabolic health, may increase longevity.
Various diet-related health problems
and its impact
Obesity
Caused by excess calorie consumption, high intake of processed foods, and
sugar-laden diets. Its impacts are increases risk of cardiovascular diseases,
diabetes, joint issues, sleep apnea, and certain cancers.

Type 2 Diabetes
Caused by diets high in refined sugars and fats, low fiber intake, and excess
calorie consumption. Its impacts are that it causes blood sugar imbalances,
fatigue, frequent infections, and complications such as kidney failure, nerve
damage, and vision problems.

Heart Disease
Caused by diets high in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium. Its
impacts are that it leads to clogged arteries, high blood pressure, heart
attacks, and strokes.
Identify the factors that influence eating patterns
and dietary choices.
Cultural and Religious Beliefs
Traditional and religious practices heavily influence what individuals eat.
Certain foods may be consumed or avoided based on cultural practices, such
as vegetarianism in Hinduism or avoidance of pork in Islam.

Economic Factors
Income levels significantly affect food choices. People with higher income
have access to a wider variety of foods, including imported and expensive
items, while those with limited resources may rely on cheaper, locally available
foods.
 Availability of Food
The types of foods available in a region or season influence
dietary choices. In the Caribbean, local fruits, vegetables, and
seafood are often part of daily meals because they are readily
available and affordable.

Personal Preferences
Individual tastes and preferences play a large role in food choices.
Factors such as taste, texture, and appearance of food often
influence what people prefer to eat.
 Social Influences
Family, friends, and social gatherings can shape eating
patterns. People tend to adopt eating habits that are
prevalent in their social circles, whether it’s traditional family
meals or the fast-food culture among peers.

Lifestyle and Occupation

Busy work schedules, active or sedentary lifestyles, and the
nature of one's occupation (e.g., desk jobs vs. manual labor) can
dictate how much time and effort is invested in food
preparation and the types of food consumed.
Health conditions associated with improper
intake of carbohydrates, proteins and fats
Carbohydrates
Excessive intake
Obesity: weight gain increased fat
Type 2 diabetes: insulin resistance
Heart disease: high cholesterol and triglycerides

Proteins
Too little: muscle wasting, immune issues edema
Too much: kidney damage, dehydration, osteoporosis

Fats
Too little: vitamin deficiencies hormonal imbalance dry skin
Too much: cardiovascular disease, obesity, fatty liver disease.
Balancing these nutrients is key maintaining good health
Discuss the factors contributing to changes
in dietary needs

Age
Infancy and Childhood: Infants require high-calorie diets with essential nutrients for growth
and development, such as proteins, fats, and certain vitamins like calcium and vitamin D for
bone health. Children need more protein, vitamins, and minerals to support rapid growth.
Adolescence: Nutrient demands increase during puberty due to hormonal changes and growth
spurts, particularly for iron (especially for girls due to menstruation), calcium, and protein.
Adulthood: As growth stabilizes, calorie requirements decrease, but adults still need a
balanced diet to maintain energy levels, muscle mass, and general health. Nutrients like fiber,
antioxidants, and lean protein become more important for preventing chronic diseases.
Older Adults: With aging, metabolism slows down, and the need for calories decreases.
However, nutrient needs, especially for calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and fiber, increase due
to factors like reduced absorption and bone
 Gender
Men and women often have different dietary needs due to differences in body composition,
hormonal fluctuations, and reproductive health. For example, women typically need more iron due
to menstruation and pregnancy, while men may require more calories and protein to support
muscle mass.
During pregnancy and lactation, women need increased amounts of certain nutrients like folic
acid, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids to support fetal development and breastfeeding.

Health Status
Certain medical conditions affect dietary needs. For instance, people with diabetes need to
monitor carbohydrate intake, while those with high blood pressure may need to limit sodium.
Individuals with celiac disease or lactose intolerance must avoid specific foods like gluten or
dairy.
Recovery from illness, surgery, or injury often demands increased intake of protein, vitamins, and
minerals to support tissue repair and the immune system.
Basic physical activity plan to maintain
optimum health for various groups

A basic physical activity plan should be tailored to different age groups, fitness levels, and health
conditions to maintain optimum health. Below is an outline of recommendations for various groups:

1. Children and Adolescents (Ages 6-17)

Goal: At least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily.
Types of Activity:
Aerobic Activities: Running, cycling, swimming, dancing (most of the 60 minutes should be aerobic).
Muscle-Strengthening Activities: Climbing, push-ups, or gymnastic movements at least 3 days a week.
Bone-Strengthening Activities: Jumping rope, basketball, or tennis at least 3 days a week.

Benefits: Supports healthy growth, improves cognitive function, helps with weight control, and
enhances mood.
 2. Adults (Ages 18-64)

Goal: At least 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75-

150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week.

Types of Activity:
Moderate-Intensity Aerobic: Brisk walking, cycling, dancing.
Vigorous-Intensity Aerobic: Running, swimming laps, hiking uphill.
Strength Training: Resistance exercises (weightlifting, bodyweight exercises
like push-ups) for all major muscle groups at least 2 days per week.
Flexibility and Balance Exercises: Yoga or stretching exercises several times a
week to enhance flexibility and prevent injury.

Benefits: Reduces risk of chronic diseases (heart disease, diabetes), improves

mood and energy levels, and supports weight management.
 3. Older Adults (Ages 65 and Above)

Goal: At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week,

with a focus on balance, flexibility, and strength training.

Types of Activity:
Moderate-Intensity Aerobic: Walking, swimming, cycling, gardening.
Strength Training: Bodyweight exercises or light resistance training at least 2
days a week.
Balance and Flexibility Exercises: Tai chi, yoga, or standing on one leg to
improve balance and prevent falls.
Stretching: Regular stretching to maintain flexibility.

Benefits: Maintains mobility, reduces the risk of falls, improves

cardiovascular health, and strengthens bones and muscles.
 4. Pregnant and Postpartum Women

Goal: At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week,

spread throughout the week.

Types of Activity:
Moderate Aerobic Activity: Walking, swimming, or stationary cycling.
Strength Training: Light weightlifting or bodyweight exercises focusing on major
muscle groups.
Flexibility: Gentle yoga or stretching.
Avoid: Activities with a high risk of falling or those that put pressure on the
abdomen.

Benefits: Supports a healthy pregnancy, reduces back pain, improves mood, and
facilitates post-pregnancy recovery.
 5. Individuals with Chronic Conditions or Disabilities

Goal: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, if
possible, adjusted based on the individual's condition.

Types of Activity:
Aerobic: Low-impact activities like swimming, walking, or cycling.
Strength Training: Resistance bands or light weights, adapted to physical
ability.
Balance and Flexibility: Gentle stretching, yoga, or exercises aimed at
improving coordination and reducing injury risk.

Benefits: Manages symptoms, improves physical function, enhances mental

well-being, and reduces the risk of additional health complications.
Thanks