Improving Chronic Disease by Eating a Balanced Diet

The status of how healthy people are has always been a concern around the world.

As health care professionals, we're seeing higher rates of chronic illness that lead to longer hospital stays and more severe medical interventions.

One way to reduce your risk or improve your outcome when dealing with chronic illness is to have a balanced diet.

A balanced diet provides your body with the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals it needs to work properly.

It also does the following things:

1. Provides energy: Your body needs enough carbs, protein, and fat to perform daily activities. Getting enough of these three things from a variety of different sources is the best way to support your body’s organs and processes.
2. Supports growth and development: A balanced diet is essential for growth and developing, especially in children and teens. Throughout life, your body needs nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamin D to support and maintain strong bones, muscles, and tissues.
3. Boosts immunity: A balanced diet can help to boost your immune system, improving your body’s ability to fight off infection or illness. Vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc all support your immune system.
4. Reduces the risk of chronic disease: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help lower your cholesterol levels, reduce your blood pressure, and improve your blood sugar control. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, and poor blood sugar control all contribute to your risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Overall, having a balanced diet is important for maintaining good health and reducing your risk of chronic diseases.

It’s important to eat a variety of foods from all food groups in the right proportions to ensure that your body gets the nutrients it needs to function properly.

A Registered Dietitian at Intermountain Health can help you create a balanced diet and track your progress. Click below to book an appointment with a registered dietician.