Is Clinical Nutrition not Abnormal Psychology - Coursework Example

Is clinical nutrition not abnormal psychology? Introduction Nutrition and diet are important aspects in promoting and maintaining good health in the course of human life. As a result, nutrition has become an integral modifiable determinant for human chronic diseases, with various scientific studies providing an increased support for idea that altering diet impacts strongly, negatively or positively, on human life. Therefore, dietary adjustments do not only affect the present health condition, but could equally determine the likelihood of an individual developing diseases, amongst which are diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, which develop later in life. Many health conditions and diseases can be dealt with by use of specialized nutrition, which is now considered as a directly or indirectly complement to drug therapy, since nutritional support enables patients to acquire strength needed to battle their conditions. The evolution of nutrition science has been so rapid, and this has led to important demonstration on the potent in the new methods in disease management, which target a particular health challenges and diseases. Nutrition as a Promoter of Good Health Under nutrition impacts negatively on the immunological and non-immunological body defenses, hence increasing the severity, incidence and duration of diseases such as acute respiration infections, diarrhea and measles, especially among children. Anstey, Lipnicki and Low (2008) reports that about 55 percent of mortality cases of those below five years within the developing countries occurs as a result of malnutrition. More so, they also state that increasing the breastfeeding rate moderately alone could prevent over 10 percent of children deaths in these countries. There is growing evidence that links certain forms of under nutrition to mortality and morbidity. For instance, research demonstrate that improvement in vitamin A status among vulnerable populations could result in a drastic decrease in under-five years children mortality, as well as reducing a high number of people from the irreversible blindness (Ruhe, Mason and Schene, 2007). Similarly, adequate levels of vitamin A have been identified as being important in providing the protective effects against HIV transmission from mother to child. More so, a weekly dose of vitamin A supplements provided to women within the reproductive age brackets has played an important role in averting maternal mortality. Vitamin A Supplements can also mitigate malaria, HIV infection and diarrhea adverse effects during child growth (Green and Watson, 2005). On the other hand, studies have revealed that deficiency in iron causes serious health effects. According to the report by WHO Global Burden of Disease report, anemia resulting from iron deficiency is ranked second among the leading causes of disability. The resultant burden is shouldered by both children and women, presenting a serious impediment on the socioeconomic and health development of a country (Boothby and Doering, 2005). Therefore, iron intentions are also important in reducing maternal mortality, since anemia is thought to result in at least 20 percent of the maternal mortality. The most common causative of preventable brain damage and maternal mental retardation is iodine deficiency. The research study conducted by Greenin (2005) demonstrate that under nutrition could have an enormous role in increasing infection virulence, hence subjecting even the well nourished human population to the risk of future infections. over the last few decades, efforts have been made by researchers to reexamine the interaction of agent, diet, and host, where at least a group of investigators have concluded that deficient nutrient levels, such as selenium, could lead to an increase of susceptibility of a host of infections, as well as pathogen virulence. Chronic Diseases and Nutrition Chronic diseases are largely preventable. Despite the fact that additional research could be important in ascertaining some aspects of the mechanisms linking health and diet, the current scientific evidence offers sufficiently plausible and strong basis of justification for actions (Jacka, Mykletun and Berk, 2012). Apart from the appropriate medical remedies for the individuals that are already affected, the approach taken by public health in primary prevention is regarded as the most cost-effective, sustainable and affordable course of action that enables coping with the epidemic of chronic diseases across the globe. Adopting the common risk approach in preventing chronic diseases is a great development in the thought of integrated health policy. The modern patterns in diet and physical activities are regarded as risk behaviors traveling across world countries and are as transferable like the infectious diseases from a population to the other, and this has had a global impact on disease patterns (Osborn, 2001). Whereas sex, age and susceptibility of one’s genetics are not modifiable, the majority of the risks associated with sex and age can be modified. Among such risks are behavioral factors like use of tobacco, diet, consumption of alcohol, and inactivity. Others include the biological factors like hypertension, overweight, dyslipidemia and hyperinsulinaemia, whereas the societal factors include the complex interaction of cultural, socioeconomic and environmental parameters. Diet is known for its role in reducing the chronic disease risk factors. Apparently, there have been great sweeping changes in the globe during the recent decades, among them the drastic modification of the diet particularly in the industrialized world regions, as well as the in developing economies. Initially, diets largely based on plants have been replaced drastically by the energy-dense, high fat diets mainly from animals. However, whereas diet is critical in prevention of diseases, it is another predisposing factor to diseases. Physical inactivity has been equally identified as an important factor that determines one’s health, with a progressive lifestyle shift to a more sedentary pattern, noticed in both industrialized and developing countries. Recommendations have been made by WHO in facilitating prevention of disabilities and deaths resulting from the major chronic diseases related to nutrition. The nutrient intake together with emphasis on physical activities among the population are expected to contribute to the regional guidelines and national strategies in reducing the burden of disease emanating from diabetes, obesity, various forms of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, dental diseases, and osteoporosis (Vucetic, Hollenbeck and Reyes, 2010). These recommendations have their basis on the analysis and examination of the best evidence available, as well as the collective judgment made by expert groups representing the global mandate by FAO and WHO. Lichtenstein (2006) reports that intake of energy and other different types of nutrients affect the levels of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals found in human brain. The neurotransmitters are responsible for transmission of nerve impulses between cells, and they are thought to influence sleep patterns, moods, and thinking. Excess or deficiency of some minerals or vitamins can lead to brain nerve damage, resulting in memory alteration, impairment in brain functioning and limited ability to solve problems. Mental health could be influenced by numerous nutritional factors such as the overall intake of energy, intake of nutrients that contain energy, the intake of alcohol, as well as the intake of mineral salts and vitamins (Adair and Popkin, 2005). In most circumstances, multiple nutrient deficiencies as opposed to a single nutrient lead to the changes in functioning of the brain. In the US, for instance, alcoholism has been largely associated with nutritional deficiencies affecting mental functioning. Diseases have also been found to result in nutritional deficiencies by compromising nutrient absorption into the body, as well as increasing the body requirement for nutrients (Osborn, 2001). On the other hand, ignorance, poverty and fad diets are among other factors that lead to nutritional deficiencies. Among the most common mental problems with a high prevalence across many countries is schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, as well as the obsessive-compulsive disorder. The intake pattern of the diet in American and Asian countries demonstrate that there are high deficiencies in many nutrients, particularly the minerals, essential vitamins, and the omega-3 fatty acids. The notable features of diets among patients with mental disorders are the deficiency severity in the nutrients. Anstey, Lipnicki and Low (2008) indicate that daily vital nutrient supplements are effective way of reducing mental disorder symptoms. Supplements rich in amino acids have been identified as important in reduction of the symptoms, since they are converted into neurotransmitters that eventually alleviate depression together with other mental health problems (Scarborough et al, 2011). Recent scientific studies have resulted in the invention and development of the effective therapeutic intervention constituted by nutritional supplements, which are thought as important in prevention and control of bipolar disorders, depression, eating disorders, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder/ attention deficit disorder, anxiety, addiction, and autism (Maes, Leunis and Berk, 2012). The majority of prescription drugs, among which are the common antidepressants, have various side effects. This results in the patient skipping medications, and this non-compliance is a common phenomenon among psychiatrists. In other cases, the higher doses or chronic use of such drugs could result in drug toxicity, which could be life-threatening to the patient involved. A closer look at the diet consumed by a depressed individual gives an interesting observation where the nutrition is less than the adequate levels. These individuals have poor choices for food and are more inclined to selecting foods that further increase depression. Weber and Ernst (2006) observe that there is a closer link between low serotonin levels and suicide. For instance, it is seen that decreased levels of the neurotransmitter can partially result in general insensitivity to eventual consequences, and this triggers risky, aggressive and impulsive behaviors that could lead to suicide, which is an ultimate sign of impulsive aggression directed inwardly. On the other hand, Rush (2007) observes that the omega-3 doses that are greater than 3 grams fail to show better effects compared to placebos, and could be contradictive in cases that include those of using anti-clotting drugs. The most evident nutritional deficiencies observed among persons with mental disorders are associated with minerals, vitamins B, omega-3 fatty acids, and amino acids, which are neurotransmitter precursors. A compilation of evidence obtained from various demographic studies indicate that there is an association between high consumption of fish and decreased mental disorder incidences, and the low incidence rates are directly associated with the intake of omega–3 fatty acid intake (Young, 2002). Carbohydrates and mental health Carbohydrates are made up of starches, refined and naturally occurring sugars, as well as the dietary fiber. Carbohydrates greatly affect behavior and mood, and consumption of meals rich in carbohydrates provokes the release of insulin. High levels of insulin lead to increased levels of tryptophan entering the brain (Golomb, White and Dimsdalea, 2004). As a building block of protein, tryptophan affects the transmitter levels in the brain. An increased entry of tryptophan into the brain leads to an increased production of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter. Higher levels of serotonin in the brain are responsible for enhanced moods together with the sedating effect that promotes sleepiness (Von Schacky, 2006). This impact is thought to partially cause drowsiness experienced by some people following large meal consumption. Proteins and mental health Proteins are constituted of amino acids that are linked in numerous amounts and sequences. Human body can make a section of the amino acids, while the other eight, referred to as essential amino acids are supplied in the consumed diet (Abayomi and Hackett, 2004). Intake of proteins and intake of the individual amino acids impacts on the mental health and brain functioning of an individual. Majority of the brain neurotransmitters are manufactured from amino acids, among which is the dopamine neurotransmitter that is made from tyrosine, whereas neurotransmitter serotonin is manufactured from tryptophan amino acid. Deficiency of any individual amino acid results in decrease in the corresponding neurotransmitter within the brain, and this inevitably affects the moods and brain functioning of the individual (Devlin, Yanovski and Wilson, 2000). Similarly, certain diseases could lead to the increased amounts of certain amino acids within the blood, and this can result in mental defects and brain damage. An example of this is the phenylalanine amino acids buildup among persons with the phenylketonuria disease, which could cause mental retardation and brain damage. Fats and mental health Intake of diets rich in fats is also essential in regulation of brain functions and moods. Dietary fats are present in animal and plants. Consumption of high levels of dietary saturated fats leads to the clogging of the arteries or atherosclerosis, and this decreases the flow of blood into the brain, thus compromising the functioning of the brain (Dong, Sanchez and Price, 2004). Alcohol and mental health A high alcohol intake is likely to affect the individual’s normal pattern of sleep, and this could affect the moods. Alcoholism has been identified as one of the most common factors that lead to nutritional deficiencies in most developing countries. Alcohol beverages contain energy, but hardly contain any minerals or vitamins (Green and Watson, 2005). After consuming alcohol, additional amounts of particular vitamins are necessary for alcohol breakdown in the body, and this inevitably results in nutrient deficiency. Vitamins and mental health Thiamin- It is largely involved in blood sugar or glucose metabolism within the body. Thiamine is required in making numerous neurotransmitters. Persons with low thiamine levels are more likely to develop Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome that is characterized by mental changes, confusion, abnormal movement of the eyes, as well as lack of steadiness that could cause serious loss of memory (Greening, 2005). Vitamin B-12- is required in the maintenance of nerve cell’s outer coating, which is referred to as the myelin sheath. Inadequacy in the functioning of the myelin sheath would result in damage of the nerve and the general impairment of brain functioning. The deficiency of vitamin B12 could be undetectable in people, but lead to low levels of blood iron, permanent never damage, brain atrophy and dementia. References Abayomi, J. and Hackett, A., 2004. Assessment of malnutrition in mental health clients: nurses’ judgement vs. a nutrition risk tool. 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The Fuzzy Boundary Between Nutrition and Psychopharmacology. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 166, pp. 205–209. Read More