Diseases Caused by Not Eating Healthy

Numerous diseases are caused by consuming an unhealthy diet. According to the MedlinePlus website, food provides you with the energy and nutrients you need to be healthy. If your diet is lacking in nutrients -- such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals -- you may become malnourished. Malnutrition occurs in both the developed and developing worlds.

Kwashiorkor is a disease caused by malnutrition or not eating a healthy diet. This disease predominantly occurs in areas that have suffered drought or famine, and it occurs when there is not enough protein in a person's diet. Common signs and symptoms associated with kwashiorkor, also known as malignant malnutrition, are listed by the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. They include skin discoloration, reduced lean muscle mass, diarrhea, failure to gain weight or grow, fatigue, changes in hair color and texture, decreased immunity, severe infections, irritability, a protruding abdomen and a rash. In severe cases, coma and shock may occur. Treatment of kwashiorkor depends on its severity. In most cases, if more calories and protein are added to the diet early enough, kwashiorkor will be successfully treated.

Osteomalacia is a bone-related condition that is associated with an unhealthy diet. Osteomalacia is a softening of the bones, usually due to a vitamin D deficiency, MayoClinic.com reports. Osteomalacia in children is known as rickets. If a person has soft bones, he is more likely to have bones that bow and fracture. Osteomalacia is associated with a defect in the bone-building process: bone breaks down more quickly than it can be rebuilt. Possible causes of osteomalacia include insufficient exposure to sunlight, certain drugs and surgeries, celiac disease, kidney or liver disorders and insufficient intake of vitamin D. The most common cause of osteomalacia around the world is a diet lacking in vitamin D. Osteomalacia is less common among Americans, because many foods are fortified with vitamin D.

Type 2 diabetes may be caused by consuming an unhealthy diet. According to the American Diabetes Association, type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, affecting millions of Americans. Certain groups may have a greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes; these are African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and the elderly. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic or long-term condition that affects the way the body metabolizes glucose or sugar. Glucose is the body's principal fuel source. An unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, being overweight and having a family history of the condition are all risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Common signs and symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, fatigue, vision problems, impaired wound healing and skin discoloration. Eating a healthy diet and exercising can help in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes.