Nutrition, Lifestyle and Culture - Term Paper Example

Nutrition, Lifestyle and Culture Nutrition is defined as the selection, preparation and consumption of food required by the body in order to maintaina healthy life. Nutrition is one of the basic physiological needs, it is necessary for survival. The inability to meet the basic nutritional requirements may lead an imbalance in the body; this phenomenon can be termed as malnutrition. Malnutrition may lead to several unwanted consequences like loss of immunity, obesity, stunted growth etc. Malnutrition may be caused by the deficiency of some nutrients, or it may originate due to the excessive intake of a particular nutrient. Every organism has a different set of nutritional demands, same applies to human. Moreover, in a lifecycle the nutritional of an individual vary due to the transformations occurring in the body. Cells are the building blocks of life. They are highly complex entities, with multifaceted dynamics. The variation of cell structure and function throughout biota is impossible to determine; however, if cells are to be analysed on molecular basis, one would find out that all the life on this planet is composed of some basic elements. In simple words human shares same ingredients as any other organism surviving on earth, but there can be variation in the quantity and the quality of ingredients used. For instance, plant cells contain cellulose, whereas animal cells do not have it, but since cellulose is a carbohydrate, it has almost the same elements as glycogen stored in animal cells. The composition of a cell varies with its origin, genetic make-up, function and its metabolism. The metabolic activity is mainly determined by the enzymes produced by that cell, which is dependent on the genome of the cell, and the genetic make-up is linked with origin. The purpose of analysing the foundations of biota is to develop the relationship between communities of living organisms. Another important concept that needs to be understood is the balance cycles that are operated naturally in the environment. Most common cycles related to food chain are carbon and nitrogen cycle. Plants are the only sink for carbon dioxide as they convert gaseous CO2 into organic molecules like carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are of many kinds, but the most readily available form of carbohydrate is glucose, which is a 6C monosaccharide. The products of photosynthesis are further converted by plants into different forms. A hypothetical food chain proceeds from plants as the major producers, remain levels in the food chain are mainly consumers; they can be herbivores, carnivores, omnivores and degraders. Human beings are omnivore that means they can feed on plants as well as animals. Unlike plants, and like most of the organisms, humans are heterotrophs, since they do not possess the metabolic setup to synthesize their own food. Being a heterotroph, man is at a disadvantage, since it requires processed food to meet its dietary needs. As an omnivore, he has the capacity to feast on any palatable source of energy. Life is a carnival of wear and tear. Every second millions of cells die, and almost similar amount of them is generated. As mentioned earlier, these cells are made up of basic elements which organisms take from their food. This is why humans do not have to be cannibals in order to maintain the balance; therefore, they feed on other animals and plants. Apart from very few reactions in the body, almost every process in an organism requires energy, whether it is catabolic or anabolic. Despite the universal demand of energy, the consumption of energy per individual varies. For instance, active male between the ages of 14-30 years require 2800 calories in a day, while women sharing the similar lifestyle require 2400 calories in a day. On average, a person needs to take in 2000 calories daily to maintain his or her weight. The stability of body weight can be obtained by balancing the intake of calories with the calories burnt. It can also be explained by comparing respiration quotient with food quotient, if the value of RQ/FQ is equal to 1 then it can be stated that there is a balance between the input and the output. The purpose of mentioning these values is to illustrate the differences that are prevalent with in the population with respect to calories intake (Bonow, 2003). Empirically speaking, carbohydrates are the main components of diet that provide energy, and they are cheap as well. So, one can suggest that eating a lot of carbs is the perfect way to balance your energy requirements and to save ones budget. However, this idea of carbohydrate loading is a complete disaster (Cummins & Macintyre, 2006). Human beings need a diet that contains the right nutrients in right quantity. Therefore, balanced diet can be defined as the intake of all the necessary nutrients in an adequate manner. The basic ingredients of a balanced diet include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins and trace metals. Excessive intake of any nutrient may lead to undesired outcomes. For instance, a study suggests that people who consume foods with more than 30% of fat content are at a greater risk of becoming obese (Ditschuneit, et al., 1999). Similarly deficiency of any nutrient may also generate anomalies in human beings, for example deficiency of vitamin A may result in night blindness. Therefore, maintain a balanced diet is an essential part of a healthy life style. Obesity is the accumulation of fat in the body, which may put one’s health at risk. It can be determined mathematically by measuring the body mass index (BMI); an individual with BMI equal or greater to 30kg/cubic meter is diagnosed as obese. Earlier it was believed that obesity runs in the genes, which is obviously true, as studies suggest that the influence of genes on human obesity is only 33%. The prevalence of obesity in the population over the last few decades has reached new heights; people are becoming more and more overweight (Caprio, et al., 2008). According to a survey almost 1.5 billion people all across the globe are reported to be overweight, out of which half a billion are considered as obese. Obesity, which was once treated as a genetic disorder is now considered as a pandemic. This because the rapid influx of obesity into the global population is far too high, compared to the rate of genetic transformation in the human gene pool. In 2007 a gene called FTO or the fat-mass obesity associated protein was discovered by the scientist, however, until now the role of FTO gene in human obesity has not been confirmed (Mokdad, et al., 2003). Another argument that is put forward in order to blame the genetic make for obesity is the Thrifty Gene hypothesis, according to this hypothesis people carrying thrifty genes tend to overeat, avoid physical activity, and they are driven by urge for eating in excess. The facts regarding the expansion of obesity indicate that it is not strictly a genetic disorder; rather environment also plays an important role in the accumulation of fat in the human body. Environment includes all the external factors that influence human diet directly or indirectly (Hill, 1998). Factors affecting diet by direct means include access to food, availability of food, quality and quantity of food, and the price of food. Indirect environmental factors include culture, social norms and beliefs. Before, analyzing the various environmental factors that pose threat to human health, it won’t be wrong to study the faulty metabolism that results in obesity (Caprio, et al., 2008). Fats are mainly stored in the adipose layer, which mainly performs the function of heat conservation and isolation. Fats are an essential component of balanced diet, they are required for the synthesis of lipid based hormones, they are used for cell signaling, and for the in the synthesis of cell membrane (Schutz, et al., 1989) . Fats may have higher energy yield, but they are not readily available to the organisms in the form of fuel. So, whenever there is an imbalance in lipid diet, lipids gets stored in adipocytes. Moreover, excessive carbohydrates also get converted into fatty acids and take part in lipid genesis. Similarly amino acids can also be converted into fatty acids and get stored in the body. All these transformations mainly occur in liver, and they are carried out to maintain homeostatic balances and blood chemistry (Pulliam, 1975). Opting, a healthy lifestyle is definitely based on personal priorities, but this choice is highly dependent on what the environment has to offer. If the environment is excruciating, then what can one expect? When people have a lot of things to worry about, and they are fatigued by mental stress, what options do they have? No one can deny the importance of a well-organized diet plan; however, following a fixed diet plan is not an easy task to manage (Krauss, et al., 2000). There are various factors that influence or hinder people from enjoying a balanced diet; they include socio-cultural factors, economic factors, geographic limitations, beliefs, and lifestyle. Climate and geography of place is an important determinant of human nutrition. The demographic distribution of human settlements all around the globe suggests that fertile plains accommodate the major load of populations’ worldwide (Egger & Swinburn, 1997). This is very understandable, because the main source of food production is agriculture, and it is best suited for fertile plains. Further, the access to primary resources is another reason for people to live in such areas (Cummins & Macintyre, 2006). Apart from plain areas, the next most densely populated regions in the world are situated on the coastlines, because sea shores play an important role in international trade and they act business hub. People living on coastlines are occupied by fishing; they also used their catch for the purpose of nourishing their families. Scurvy, a malady caused by deficiency of vitamin C is common among Chinese fishermen, because they do not have the access to foods rich in ascorbic acid; moreover, their staple diet is rice and fish. Similarly there are several other examples of dietary deficient diseases that are found in people who have the access to food, but their diet is not balance. This is because majority of the population of the world rely on staple diets of their respective regions that are not good enough to fulfill the nutritional requirements of the masses (Feldman, et al., 1988). When considering the case of obesity, it has often been observed that places that are often facing droughts, the young inhabitants tend to develop greater chances of becoming obese. The physiological rationale for this paradox is that the body develops or enhances its fat storing capacity during the times of drought, so once the intake of calories comes to normal, these individual store lipids relatively in greater amount than the normal people. The main evidence comes from the dietary regulations that are managed by hormones (Feldman, et al., 1988). Apart from access to the natural food sources, people living in suburbs of the big cities have been reported for facing access to quality food, as a result of which a large people has been observed to suffer from obesity (Caprio, et al., 2008). By quality it refers to the ingredients used in the production of food and the processes involved. Sub-standard foods are often sold on grocery shops outside the main cities; they are cheap and are available in large amount. Moreover, these foods are cooked in low quality oil, which often contain a large amount of trans-fats that are harmful to human liver and may accelerate obesity among the people (Deckelbaum & Williams, 2001). Apart from that these low quality foods do not have the right proportion dietary components, they usually rich in fats and carbohydrates, but they miss some of the vital components of human diet, like minerals, vitamins, and even proteins (Dehghan, et al., 2005). Human nutrition is highly dependent on economics; developed countries with strong economies tend to show a healthy nutritional profile, whereas third world countries represent an anomalous nutritional profile (Kumanyika, 2008). According to a study around 30% of the global population does not have the access to healthy diet (Christakis & Fowler., 2007). Most of these people belong to the third world. Such facts clearly indicate that how economic factors can affect human nutrition. It is ironic, but it’s a fact that of the third world countries heavily rely on agriculture and primary production to earn revenue, however, their produce may feed the developed world, but it does not fulfill their national demands. Clearly, economy is the driving force behind the efflux of national produce from the third world countries. Moreover, the quality available in these poor countries is of a low grade that does not fulfill the dietary requirements of the masses. Several studies have reported that obesity is prevalent among people belonging to lower economic stature, this because high quality foods are not affordable, people are bound to eat foods that do not guarantee health (Egger & Swinburn, 1997). The influence of culture on eating habits of people cannot be overlooked. We find historical evidences that cultures have affected the dietary intake of masses. For instance, consider the various types of festivals and feasts where a particular kind of cuisine was offered. There is a great diversity in type of food that is being consumed by people belonging to different cultures. This is why food cooked in China smells and tastes a lot different from the Mexican cuisine. The differences in type of food, and ways of cooking rely on availability of ingredients, demands of the people, and economy. Technology has changed the lifestyle of the people. Ironically, machines were invented to reduce the manual work load, and provide ease to the workers, but when one observes the people around, one finds people preoccupied by work 24/7. Competition continues to get tough, and people are bound to sacrifice their personal life, for keeping up with the professional life (Klaczynski, et al., 2004). The transformation is the lives of the people have shifted the trends in social setup. People tend to spend more time on their jobs, sitting in front of their computers, and hardly get time for leisure. Further, the over social setup is changing, children who are supposed to meet their friends in playground are now either found playing video games or indulged in doing their hefty pile of homework; meanwhile, job holders carry their work load to home, and do not have time for themselves either. The economic upheaval has also shifted the family setup as most of the families have both the parents involved in earning money. Therefore, when mothers do not have time to look after their families, there are can be several problems. One of them is related to the nutrition of the family (Klaczynski, et al., 2004). All these factors have propagated the fast food culture in societies. People who spend more time at job, prefer their meals to be ready to eat, for this very purpose they choose fast food restaurants (Sobal, 2001). A few years back fast food culture was restricted to the western societies; however, with the increase in globalization, several fast food chains have been shifted to third world countries as well (Swinburn, 2008). This one reason why obesity is becoming a pandemic at a global scale, people spend more time at earning, and less time on keeping up their health. Foods that are available at these fast food corners are usually cooked in low quality lipids that are harmful for public health. Regular consumption of fat rich foods creates an imbalance in the body, which eventually leads to fat deposition in the body. Further, it increases blood cholesterol levels, it damages the liver, and it may lead to obstruction of major blood vessels in the body. Body needs to burn the calories that it consumes, this can be done either by eating according to the work to be done, or extra calories can be burnt by regular exercise. Another faulty attribute of rapidly transforming life is that people do not have the leverage of working out, this because they are mentally too over burdened with their jobs. The fatigued caused by job has made people more lazy (Mokdad, et al., 2003). The only things they want to do after tiring day of work are eating and sleeping. They psychologically conditioned to overlook the need of burning their calories by working out; rather they prefer to conserve their energies for next day’s work. Conserving unwanted energy can be very harmful for the body, it has several side effects, and obesity is off course one of them (Kumanyika & Obarzanek, 2003). Obesity is not just about looking enormous, there are several physiological imbalances associated with it, such as liver malfunctioning, changes in blood chemistry, hormonal imbalances, and heart related diseases (Koplan, et al., 2005). Heart attack or myocardial infarction is among the leading causes of fatality, if one closely observes the prevalence of obesity and the regular occurrence of heart attacks, one would find a link between the two. This relationship clearly indicates the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle among the masses. To be specific one can blame individuals for their health conditions, but that will be wrong since man adopts behavior from his surrounding, thus it should be the socio-cultural influences that must also be blamed for the prevalence of obesity among the population of human beings (Klaczynski, et al., 2004). Obesity is one of the most nutritional imbalances that this generation has to face. The transitions in the socio-economic setup have paved the way for developing it into a pandemic. People are over occupied by their jobs, so they do not get the time to look after themselves. Nutrition which is one of the basic needs for survival is being compromised, just because people do not have the leverage to think about their meals. Fast food culture is on the rise, which is promoting malnutrition among the masses. Obesity is not entirely about having a deformed body structure; rather it has very serious effects on the physiology of human body. There is definitely a need for repealing the culture that is enduring obesity into the human population. The best way to avoid obesity pandemic is by establishing policies and environment that support a healthy life style, people must have the access to quality nutrients, and they should be provided with enough space to look after them. Physical activity and dieting are the two recommended antidotes for overcoming obesity. Moreover, there is need for the healthcare systems to evolve in taking care of the people suffering from obesity. Further, society needs to change its attitude towards people who are obese, and it should encourage them to overcome their disabilities. It is the responsibility of the governing bodies to ensure healthy environment for their subjects, they should not devise policies, but they should also try to ensure quality of life and facilitate the masses by providing easy access to balanced diet and healthy activities. 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