The feeling of cold is the most important… 9 signs of malnutrition

Many of us are prone to some stages of malnutrition for various reasons, including lack of access to the materials the body needs from staple foods or part thereof.

Malnutrition ranges from mild to severe cases that cause irreversible damage even if a person survives.

Evolution of pathological malnutrition

Pathological undernutrition develops gradually and is difficult to diagnose when it first appears, so it can cause serious physical harm. Thus, prior knowledge of the symptoms of undernutrition helps in prompt treatment when it appears.

“Web Medicine” believes that malnutrition when it is linked to a food shortage, or to a lack of knowledge of nutritional needs, the authorities in charge of public health must solve this problem and prevent its appearance by ensuring that sufficient quantities of food are provided. , and raising awareness of good nutrition Pathological malnutrition, or as a result of neglect and eating disorders, the responsibility in this case lies with the attending physicians.

Malnutrition symptoms

There are many symptoms of malnutrition, which are as follows:

General Malnutrition Symptoms

• Loss of appetite and refusal to eat or drink.
• Tiredness and feeling restless.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• be cold.
• Depression.
• Loss of muscle or body fat.
• Increased risk of disease.
• Difficulty healing wounds.
• Frequent exposure to postoperative complications.

Malnutrition symptoms in children

• Slow growth and weight loss.
• Fatigue and loss of energy.
• anxiety.
• Slow behavior and learning difficulties.

Malnutrition causes and factors

undernourishment

This deficiency occurs if the body does not obtain one or more of the vital elements necessary for the normal exercise of its functions, or due to malabsorption of the nutrients present in part of the food despite the availability of the quantity and the elements necessary for it.

Among the most important factors that lead to a lack of dietary intake are:

• have cancer.
• liver problems
• Health problems that cause difficulty swallowing.
• Take medications that cause nausea.

Mental health problems

Among the most important mental illnesses that cause malnutrition are:

• Depression.
• dementia.
• Schizophrenia.
• Anorexia nervosa.

Gastroenterology

Diseases of the digestive system can cause problems absorbing food, leading to malnutrition, and the most important of these diseases are:

• Crohn’s disease.
• Hemorrhagic rectocolitis.
• Celiac disease.
• Diarrhea or continuous vomiting.

Drinking alcohol can cause gastritis or damage to the pancreas, which leads to difficulty digesting food or absorbing nutrients from it, leading to malnutrition.

more at risk of malnutrition

children

Infants and children of the growing generation are more vulnerable to the damage of malnutrition, which will result in slow growth and development, anemia and signs of vitamin deficiencies.

Pregnant

The needs of the child require good nutrition from the mother, and the lack of food in general can lead to premature birth, and the lack of folic acid in the diet of the pregnant woman can lead to congenital damage to the nervous system of the fetus, and the lack of obtaining vitamin B12 would lead to a deficiency of this vitamin for a newborn.

Old people

Inability to regulate nutritional needs or malabsorption of nutrients, especially iron, can lead to malnutrition in the elderly.

People with chronic illnesses

Diseases associated with nutrient malabsorption, or diseases that put stress on the body and are usually accompanied by anorexia, require special attention to provide rich nutrition to ensure the body’s ability to perform its functions.

Complications of malnutrition

• The low immunity of the patient and the rapidity of his exposure to infection.
• wound healing problems.
• Difficulty balancing salts and fluids inside the body.
• Difficulty controlling temperature.

Patients are treated based on medical condition and cause of malnutrition, but in general malnutrition is treated as follows:

Treatment of malnutrition in simple cases

• Eat fortified foods high in protein.
• Be sure to eat snacks between main meals.
• Drink high calorie drinks.
• Avoid excessive movement and stay home.

In the event that the previous advice does not meet the objective, the doctor may prescribe nutritional supplements and drinks rich in calories and nutrients.

Treatment of cases of severe malnutrition

In case the patient is unable to feed by mouth, or if he is exposed to a health problem that interferes with swallowing, the doctor can install a feeding tube that enters directly from the nose to the stomach , and the patient can be fed intravenously.

• Increase consumption of vegetables and fruits.
• Eat a diet rich in starches, such as: rice, bread, potatoes and pasta.
• Drink milk and eat dairy products.
• Make sure foods contain protein, and some of the most important high-protein foods include: fish, meat, eggs, and beans.