Human nutrition is the study of how food affects the health and survival of the
human body. Human beings require food to grow, reproduce, and maintain good
health. Without the food our bodies could not stay warm, build or repair
tissues, and maintain a good heartbeat. Eating the right foods could help us rid
certain diseases or recover faster other illness occur. These and other
important functions are dueled by chemical substances in our food called
nutrients. Nutrients play a major role in maintaining the bodies organs in
functioning at its p0roper level. The Basal Metabolism Rate (BMR) is in
influenced by the body site and on state of nutrition. The BMR is an important
diagnostic tool especially in determines disorders of the thyroid gland.
Inadequate secretion of the thyroid may lead to greatly depresses metabolism
with mental and physically lethargy. Depression is a complex illness with many
facets of which mood is only one. Depression is a form of mental illness which a
person experiences great sadness and despair in one. Depression can also be
considered as self-destructive hatred, blaming oneself for being full of
helpfulness. Depression can also be used to describe the blues a person may feel
from time to time. Depressive disorders are at the present the highest-ranking
problems in America. A variety of medical conditions can cause and lead to
depression. A depressive disorder is a “whole body” illness involving your
body, mood and thoughts. People with severe depressive disorder usually deal
with a combination of genetics, behavioral, and environmental factors. People
with these feelings have greater thoughts towards committing suicide. Fiftieth
percent of depressed people commit and others attempt suicide. Most of these
depressed persons suffer from malnutrition. Mental Health a, psychological state
of well being, a sense of purpose in life. Self-esteem, self-assurance, and
self-acceptance, are all characteristics of mental health. Mental health is term
used to refer to the absense of mental disorder. Mental health is focused upon
by a person’s capability of dealing with strenous situations. Being able to
elude cognitive, emotional, and dysfunctional behavior is good form of mental
health. A positive strategy for the mental health and limiting depression is
decreasing stresses. Sometimes there is much need for stress management.
Psychological make-up also can be linked to depression. A number of different
aspects of life can downside an individuals mental health. Depression is a major
factor that affects a person’s mental state. Many problems such as martial
relationships, or financial difficulties in a person’s life can lead to
stress. Stresses can also onset depression. Stress management can be a positive
factor in reducing the risk of depression. “Depression is a common and costly
mental illness that affects approximately 17.6 million Americans each year.
Depression can affect a person’s mental health. There are many different forms
of depression that are linked to mental health disorders. A number of mental
illnesses occur worldwide. The most common disorders are manic depression,
schizophrenia, and severe depression. Manic depression is a bipolar disease that
causes mood swings from manic to depression. Manic disorders affect a person’s
way of thinking and judgment Schizophrenia is an abnormal behavior, which
distorts thought and perceptions from reality. Severe depression sometimes
referred to as major depression enables a person to interact with daily
situations. Major depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms that
prohibit the ability to work, eat, and sleep. These episodes may reoccur
numerous times throughout a person’s life. Certain situations can drive a
person into depressed state. Without proper treatment, symptoms of depression
can last for weeks. A person must first have a physical and psychological
evaluation to determine if in fact they do have a depressive disorder.
Physicians have to first rule out all other possibilities before administering a
medication. There must be a proper interview of the person’s complete history.
Lab test is also done to determine the symptoms the person is claiming to be
having. Necessary treatment will depend on the outcome of the evaluation.
Depression can be treated with antidepressant drugs. The human brain has
neurotransmitters, which control our emotion and mood state. Antidepressants act
on these neurotransmitters by altering the level of the depressed state. A
depressed person will take these drugs for at two-three weeks before they are to
notice a change in their behavior. Some people discontinue the medication too
early. They are to continue taking the medication months afterwards to avoid a
relapse. Antidepressant drugs may cause temporary side effects but are not habit
forming. The most common side effects include, dry mouth, drowsiness, and
blurred vision to name a few. The most commonly used antidepressant drugs are
distinguished into three groups, (MAO), tricyclics, and selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitors. Selective serotonin antidepressants produce fewer side
effects than any other antidepressant drugs. Prozac and Zoloft are selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors. “Prozac became the most widely used
antidepressant s in the world, soon after its introduction.” Nardil is
classified under (MAO) monoamine oxide inhibitor. The circumstance of this drug
may cause a rise in blood pressure. People who take MAO drugs are to follow a
strict diet and avoid alcoholic beverages and certain cheeses. Most patients
obtain a list of foods from their physicians. Coping with the situation itself
can control maintaining mental health. The ability to cope with stress can be
crucial for the mental health of a person. Many people have different ways of
dealing with life’s scary moments. Coping means dealing with the aspects that
arise in everyday life. A person must first come to reality with them and deal
with the situation in their own way. Coping strategies may involve distraction
from certain situations, sharing your emotions with others, and involving one in
numerous activities. Support from friends and family members can encourage good
mental health. Individuals go through stages of negative thinking and make
situations seen more stressful than they really are. Research has shown that the
differences in people’s moods are inherited genes of their parents. Life is
feel with many stepping stones that people go through and have to overcome.
Certain situations may acquire more attention than others may. Mental health and
depression are among many mental health disorders; individuals deal with
throughout their lives. Eventually individuals are able to cope with their
situations and suppress their stress in a progressive way. Protection and
improvement of the health of entire populations through community wide action
primarily by governmental agencies and OAM. Environmental hazards promote
behaviors that lead to good physical and mental health, educate the public about
health and assure availability of high quality nutritional health services.
“Depression is one of the more pervasive mental disorders.” The graph below
shows the percentage of disorders; people have had during a period in their
lives.
Bibliography
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File:Plain Talk About Depression. Wolman, Benjamin B., (Ed.). (1990). Depressive
Disorders Facts, Theories, And Treatment Methods. New York: John Wiley &
Sons, Inc. Nutrition, Health Factors. (1999). Microsoft Encarta