Food- A Basic Human Right

MALNITRITION
Malnutrition refers to lack of proper nutrition, which results from a poor diet or due to a lack of food. It occurs when the intake of nutrients or energy is too high, low, or poorly balanced. A poor diet further leads to a lack of vitamins, minerals, and other essential substances required to perform the basic functions of the body. If malnutrition occurs below age of five years, it effects physically and even mentally.

CAUSES

One of the major causes for malnutrition in India is economic inequality between the households. Due to the very low social and economic status of some population groups, they are unable to arrange proper two square meal and thustheir diet often lacks in both quality and quantity. Women who suffer malnutrition are further less likely to have healthy babies. Compared to the better-fed individuals, nutrition deficient individuals are more prone to have infectious diseases, which might evenlead to a higher mortality rate. In addition to that, nutrition-deficient or malnourished individuals are comparatively lessproductive at work.

Some other reasons of malnutrition might include, A diet which contains food which is indigestible, can cause a loss of appetite leading to malnutrition. An

Irregular Diet, Not consuming food at proper and regular time intervals can also lead to indigestion and malnutrition . Breastfeeding,Breastfeeding a new born is very crucial as breastmilk supplies the much required and important nutrients to the baby which in turn form the base for the child’s development. A lack Of Physical Activity, can also lead to a malnourished individual.

CURE

Fighting malnutrition is very important to order to live a healthy and a quality life, malnutrition can be tackled in the following ways,

• Consumption of nutritious food at regular intervals,

• Ensuring a balanced diet for the child,

• Following the diet plan suggested by the doctor,Drinking more than 1.5 litres of water daily.

Thus we all must join hands and spread awareness to completely abolish malnutrition from our country.