We often hear people talk about the importance of nutrition. But what does this mean?

Nutrition =  the study of how nutrients in food integrate into the body, as well as the relationship between diet, health, and disease

But what exactly are nutrients? Nutrients are the lifegiving elements within food. All foods can be broken down into their most important parts: proteins, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, fiber, and minerals.

A good diet has the right balance of all these essential building blocks that help you grow, develop, and maintain a healthy life. But when you dopn’t have the right balance, you can increase your risk of developing some noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, obesity, kidney diseases, hypertension, stroke and some cancers.

In urban centers like Nairobi, we are seeing the rapid growth and expansion of convenient fast foods, largely inactive lifestyles, tobacco and alcohol use – amongst many other unhealthy habits. With people not getting the right balance of nutrition and exercise they need, it is no surprise that NCDs have been on the rise. 

According to the World Health Organization, NCDs will account for over 70% of all deaths globally. In Kenya, NCDs already contribute to over 50% of inpatient admissions and 40% of hospital deaths – with cardiovascular diseases and cancer as the most common NCD-caused deaths.

These numbers are frightening, but we can take charge of our health. Making dietary adjustments and trading in unhealthy habits for healthier ones can significantly reduce your chances of developing an NCD. And for those who already suffer from an NCD, these changes can help you manage your disease better. 

So what can you do to start living a healthier life today?

Focus on your nutrients.

• Avoid processed foods like crisps.

• Limit your sugar and salt intake.

• Consume more vegetables and fruits, wholegrains, lentils, nuts, and seeds (which are high in the nutrients you need).

• Only eat modest amounts of meat and dairy (milk, cheese).

Stay active.

It’s important to get some exercise every day so that you can balance the amount you eat with the amount you burn. Consider walking, cycling, and standing more than you do now.

 They say an “apple a day keeps the doctor away.” We say less “chips mwitu,” more apples, and a daily brisk walk to really keep the doctor at bay.

 Pigia Penda today on 0207909045 to speak to a medical provider for more information on NCDs and how to manage any existing conditions you may have. You can #countonPendaHealth.

Sources:

• WHO, Noncommunicable Diseases Progress Monitor. Geneva 27, Switzerland;2015

• World Health Organization Communications, UN, Kenyan government take broad-based approach to fighting NCDs, World Health Organization, Geneva, 2014.

• World Health Organization, Global burden of disease: Death DALY Country Estimates 2004 in Disease and injury regional estimates, 2004–2008, World Health Organization, Geneva, 2009

• EM Onyango and BM Onyango, The Rise of Noncommunicable Diseases in Kenya: An Examination of the Time Trends and Contribution of the Changes in Diet and Physical Inactivity, Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health, Volume 8, Issue 1-2, December 2018, Pages 1 - 7