Wednesday, 11 January 2017
CALL FOR NUTRITION PRACTITIONERS TRAINING SEMINAR
Tanzania Youth Health Professionals Association invites all nutrition practitioners all over the country to the 3rd Nutrition practitioners Seminar to be held at Mwl. J.K Nyerere International Convectional Center from 20th January 2017 to 29th January 2017,,
DON'T DARE TO MISS
Tuesday, 10 January 2017
Nutrition Education of Community: Importance, Methods and Other Details
Importance of Nutrition Education:
The importance of nutrition education as a means for improving nutrition of the community in the developing countries has increased rapidly during the recent past. Lack of awareness about the dietary requirements and nutritive value of different food is the main cause for prevailing malnutrition among school children, pregnant women, lactating mother and other vulnerable sections of the community.Nutrition education should be practical and should be easily adaptable to the socioeconomic status, food habits and the available local food resources generally needed for the purpose of demonstration and feeding of the locally available audience. Nutrition education programme should become a part of the community.
Methods of Nutrition Education of the Community:
The various important methods of nutrition education are:b. Workshops
c. Film and slide shows
| Some Nutritional professionals undertaking demonstrations on Nutrition |
e. Books, pamphlets, bulletins and newspaper
f. Radio and television.
Click here to view the Video
Monday, 9 January 2017
TAKE THE PROPER DIET,DECIDE TO AVOID ALLERGIES
Allergies: How To Avoid Them
Nutritional Support for Allergies Click this link for details on how allergies are caused, and how to combat allergies with nutrition.
What is an allergy?
An allergy is a catch-all word for a wide variety of reactions to substances that the body determines to be foreign. Anything that it does not recognize as itself can be considered an allergen. When the body encounters a foreign substance, it reacts by making antibodies or releasing certain chemicals called histamines. When histamines and other substances are released into the system, they cause an inflammatory reaction we call an allergy.
What are the symptoms?
The inflammatory reaction affects the tissue and organs, mainly the skin, mucous membranes, lungs and gastrointestinal tract.
Symptoms commonly produced include itching and watery eyes, runny and congested nose and sinuses, sneezing, respiratory symptoms, headache, skin reactions and rapid heart beat. Other symptoms may include fatigue, intestinal gas or pain, abdominal bloating and mood changes.
Primary external factors causing allergies
Natural environmental substances: Mold, spores, pollen from trees, flowers and grasses, dust (actually dust mites), animal hairs and insects are common substances that normally produce upper respiratory symptoms (allergies ) in sensitive individuals. These allergy producing substances may cause itching, redness and fluid (water & mucous) may affect the eyes, throat, nose, sinuses, bronchial tubes, and lungs.
Foods: Any food may be an allergen. The most common are wheat, milk, eggs, com, yeast coffee and chocolate. These may affect most body systems, with the gastrointestinal, nervous, respiratory and skin areas affected the most when allergies occur.
Chemicals: Both environmental chemicals and food additives can cause allergy reactions, such as pesticides, chemical sprays, hydrocarbons, and hundreds of others. Tobacco also contains many allergens.
Foods commonly associated with specific allergies
| Allergy Symptom | Associated Foods |
|---|---|
| Headaches | Wheat, chocolate |
| Migraine Headaches | Alcoholic beverages, cheese, chocolate, nuts, wheat, citrus fruits, tomatoes, MSG, nitrates, eggs, and milk |
| Eczema | Citrus fruits, tomatoes, and eggs |
| Hay Fever | Milk, wheat, nuts, chocolate, cola drinks, and sulfites |
| Hives | Strawberries, tomatoes, eggs, chocolate, shellfish, mangoes, pork, and nuts |
| Childhood Allergies | Milk, wheat, eggs, artificial coloring/flavors, salicylates, peanuts, rye, beef, and fish |
| Asthma | Wheat and eggs |
| Cerebral Symptoms | Corn, wheat, and soybeans |
Conventional medical treatment for allergies
- Antihistamines: Treat the symptoms and may only suppress the body's reaction to an allergen.
- Steroid nasal sprays: Long term effect unknown.
- Laser Surgery: Use of Laser to vaporize mucous forming nasal tissue.
- Decongestants: Reduce congestion, but may create a "rebound effect."
- Desensitization shots (allergy shots): May be the preferred choice.
- Eating habits during the first year of life may impact a baby's allergy sensitivities.
* Feeding babies solid food too early
* Lack of breast feeding
* Gluten allergies from too early of feeding grains such as corn, wheat and oats - Poor digestion increases allergies.
* Improper chewing
* Poor hydrochloric acid in the stomach
* Lack of pancreatic enzymes and bile
* Excessive fluid intake around meals - The presence of parasites, worms, candida albicans, and other bacteria may increase allergies.
- Stress
* Emotional & mental anxiety and fatigue all increase the susceptibility to allergies.
* Menstrual stress (hormone changes) also seem to increase allergic reactions. - Environmental Toxicity
* Food additives, certain food colors, sulfates, MSG, etc., may contribute to allergies. - Low nutritional levels
* Particularly Vitamins C, A, and E, and many minerals help reduce allergies. - Excess or repeated contact with particular foods and substances
* Eating the same food over and over again may indicate the presence of an allergy.
* Eating foods that are "craved" - these may be the ones that cause the most allergies.
- Lots of water
- Fruit juices, except citrus
- All vegetables except corn & tomatoes
- Brown or white rice
- Turkey
- White Fish: halibut, sole, swordfish (no shellfish)
- Almonds, walnuts or sunflower seeds
- Vitamin C and bioflavonoids, Vitamins A & E, and Zinc
- Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA)
- Enzymes
- Intestinal detoxification: good colon cleansing products that contain high fiber
- Garlic, as fresh as possible
- Cayenne pepper
- Euphrasia (eyebright) 6X - In large doses, causes nonirritating watery nasal discharges and copious burning tears. It is used homeopathically for these symptoms. Those who benefit the most find their allergies are worse in open air, in the morning, and while lying down.
- Histaminum 12X - Micro doses of this substance are created by the body during an allergy attack. Small, homeopathic doses may help the body fight off the allergies.
- Sabadilla (cevadilla seed) 6X - Materia Medica indications include red eyes, pressure, dry nose, sneezing, hay fever, sore throat, and dry coughs.
- Sanquinaria Canadesis (Blood Root) 6X - Materia Medica indications include headache, pain in face, hay fever coryza, chronic rhinitis, dry burning throat, and cough.
- Thuja occidentatis (Arbor Vitae) 6X - Materia Medica indications of chronic sinusitis, headache, runny nose, greenish mucous, catarrh with puss.
Quercitin:
Rich in bioflavonoids. Reduces allergic reactions.
- Anti-inflammatory activity.
- Reduces histamine release.
- Helps rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis and asthma.
Green tea is rich in phytonutrients that help to ward off everyday cellular attacks. In Chinese medicine it is used to facilitate digestion and enhance mental function.
- Effective against many types of bacteria.
- Lowers risk of esophageal cancer.
- Helps to cut cholesterol.
- Helps regulate blood sugar.
Selenium protects cell membranes and stimulates immune function.
- Increases B-cell antibody response.
- Enhances function of vitamin C.
- Essential to production of Coenzyme Q10.
Inhibits pro-inflammatory compounds. Assists in digestion of vegetable protein. Helps promote circulation and post-traumatic reabsorption of inflammatory by-products.
Papain:
Contains papain an enzyme effective in breaking down protein and dead tissue.
Licorice Root (4 to 1 extract):
Studied for its antiallergic, antiarthritic properties. In Chinese medicine said to replenish vital energy, moisten the lungs, and strengthen digestion. Used to support inflammation of the skin.
Copper (Amino Acid Chelate):
Crucial to the formation of helper T-cells. An essential component of Super Oxide Dismutase, an antioxidant that fights free radial damage to the mitochondria, the energy producing portion of the cell.
Molybdenum (Amino Acid Chelate):
Enhances the use of sulfur amino acids by the body. Enhances the cells utilization of vitamin C; detoxifies sulfites and aldehydes.
Magnesium (Citrate):
Considered the anti-stress mineral. Buffers the acidic stage of an allergic reaction. Required in many of the body's detoxification pathways. May reduce the broncho-constrictor in asthma by relaxing the muscles around the bronchial tubes.
Calcium (Citrate):
Helps to regulate the body's acid/alkaline balance in tissues. Buffers the acidic stage of an allergic reaction. Reduces histamine production.
Vitamin B15:
Helps lessen muscle fatigue and increase endurance.
Vitamin C (Ascorbate):
Shown to decrease production of histamine, reducing immediate allergy potential. Helps to relieve allergic symptoms and prevent inflammatory reactions. Provides an anti-histamine-like effect. Assists in production of adrenal hormones needed to combat the stress imposed by allergic reactions.
Sunday, 8 January 2017
THE SECRET OF EMOTIONS(HAPPINESS) IN RELATION TO FRUITS AND VEGETABLES CONSUMPTION
The Effects of Fruits and Vegetables on Happiness
By Mr. Kidugwa Enock (BPharm 1 Student-MUHAS)
Most people know they can promote better physical health by eating vegetables and fruit. Now, a new study suggests this dietary strategy could also create a healthier mind. If you’re looking for a natural way to ward off depression and improve overall well-being, learn how fruit effects the mind and vegetables impact emotions.
Surprising Benefits
Recently, researchers from England’s Warwick University teamed with scientists from the University of Queensland in Australia to assess a potential correlation between diet and life satisfaction. Appearing in the American Journal of Public Health, their study indicates that eating fruits and vegetables can have big psychological effects that promote better well-being.
To reach their findings, the team analyzed mood and food journals of more than 12,000 subjects. After adjusting the data for personal circumstances, income and issues that could impact life satisfaction, the researchers found that fruit and vegetable consumption was predictive of increased well-being and overall happiness.
Why the Correlations?
While they can’t say for certain, the scientists had a number of theories that might explain the link between fruit and vegetable consumption and improved mood. One relates to antioxidants, which have been linked to improved well-being. At least one other study has shown a link between carotenoids and optimism. At the same time, it’s not clear whether carotenoid-rich foods spurred optimism, or if naturally optimistic people tend to eat more carotenoid-rich foods.
Are Fruits and Vegetables the Cause?
While there does appear to be a strong link between fruit and vegetable consumption and positive well-being, some have questioned the causal relationship. For instance, it may be that happier people just tend to eat healthier. At the same time, this recent study does seem to point toward a causal relationship, since mood journals seemed to reflect positive changes that correlated to changes in dietary habits reported in food journals. What’s more, that psychological changes appeared to happen relatively quickly compared to physical changes, which can often take years to develop. According to the researchers, the potential for quick results could be used to help urge the public to adopt healthier diets.
Living Well
It’s not yet clear whether fruit and vegetable consumption spurs happiness because of antioxidants, improved self-esteem or something else entirely. That said, this recent study does seem to show that healthy diets do improve mental well-being. While the exact reason may not be clear, experts can definitively say that what we eat does play a role in how we feel, physically and emotionally.
BE AWARE OF MALNUTRITION PROBLEMS
Definition
Child in the United States with signs of Kwashiorkor, a dietary protein deficiency.
Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, the term malnutrition refers to undernutrition for the remainder of this article. Malnutrition can be divided into two different types, SAM and MAM. SAM refers to children with severe acute malnutrition. MAM refers to moderate acute malnutrition.[23]
Undernutrition and overnutrition
Malnutrition is caused by eating a diet in which nutrients are not enough or are too much such that it causes health problems.[24] It is a category of diseases that includes undernutrition and overnutrition.[25] Overnutrition can result in obesity and being overweight. In some developing countries, overnutrition in the form of obesity is beginning to present within the same communities as undernutrition.[26]
However, the term malnutrition is commonly used to refer to undernutrition only.[27] This applies particularly to the context of development cooperation. Therefore, "malnutrition" in documents by the World Health Organization, UNICEF, Save the Children or other international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) usually is equated to undernutrition.
Protein-energy malnutrition
Undernutrition is sometimes used as a synonym of protein–energy malnutrition (PEM).[3] While other include both micronutrient deficiencies and protein energy malnutrition in its definition.[4] It differs from calorie restriction in that calorie restriction may not result in negative health effects. The term hypoalimentation means underfeeding.[28]
The term "severe malnutrition" or "severe undernutrition" is often used to refer specifically to PEM.[29] PEM is often associated with micronutrient deficiency.[29] Two forms of PEM are kwashiorkor and marasmus, and they commonly coexist.[24]
Kwashiorkor
Kwashiorkor (‘displaced child’) is mainly caused by inadequate protein intake resulting in a low concentration of amino acids.[24] The main symptoms are edema, wasting, liver enlargement, hypoalbuminaemia, steatosis, and possibly depigmentation of skin and hair.[24] Kwashiorkor is identified by swelling of the extremities and belly, which is deceiving of actual nutritional status.[30]
Marasmus
Marasmus (‘to waste away’) is caused by an inadequate intake of protein and energy. The main symptoms are severe wasting, leaving little or no edema, minimal subcutaneous fat, severe muscle wasting, and non-normal serum albumin levels.[24] Marasmus can result from a sustained diet of inadequate energy and protein, and the metabolism adapts to prolong survival.[24] It is traditionally seen in famine, significant food restriction, or more severe cases of anorexia.[24] Conditions are characterized by extreme wasting of the muscles and a gaunt expression.[30]
Undernutrition, hunger
Undernutrition encompasses stunted growth (stunting), wasting, and deficiencies of essential vitamins and minerals (collectively referred to as micronutrients). The term hunger, which describes a feeling of discomfort from not eating, has been used to describe undernutrition, especially in reference to food insecurity.[31]
Definition by Gomez
In 1956, Gómez and Galvan studied factors associated with death in a group of malnourished (undernourished) children in a hospital in Mexico City, Mexico and defined categories of malnutrition: first, second, and third degree.[32] The degrees were based on weight below a specified percentage of median weight for age.[33] The risk of death increases with increasing degree of malnutrition.[32] An adaptation of Gomez's original classification is still used today. While it provides a way to compare malnutrition within and between populations, the classification has been criticized for being "arbitrary" and for not considering overweight as a form of malnutrition. Also, height alone may not be the best indicator of malnutrition; children who are born prematurely may be considered short for their age even if they have good nutrition.[34]
Degree of PEM % of desired body weight for age and sex
Normal 90%-100%
Mild: Grade I (1st degree) 75%-89%
Moderate: Grade II (2nd degree) 60%-74%
Severe: Grade III (3rd degree) <60%
SOURCE:"Serum Total Protein and Albumin Levels in Different Grades of Protein Energy Malnutrition"[30]
Definition by Waterlow[edit]
John Conrad Waterlow established a new classification for malnutrition.[35] Instead of using just weight for age measurements, the classification established by Waterlow combines weight-for-height (indicating acute episodes of malnutrition) with height-for-age to show the stunting that results from chronic malnutrition.[36] One advantage of the Waterlow classification over the Gomez classification is that weight for height can be examined even if ages are not known.[35]
Degree of PEM Stunting (%) Height for age Wasting (%) Weight for height
Normal: Grade 0 >95% >90%
Mild: Grade I 87.5-95% 80-90%
Moderate: Grade II 80-87.5% 70-80%
Severe: Grade III <80% <70%
SOURCE: "Classification and definition of protein-calorie malnutrition." by Waterlow, 1972[35]
These classifications of malnutrition are commonly used with some modifications by WHO.[33]
Effects
See also: Stunted growth and Wasting
Malnutrition increases the risk of infection and infectious disease, and moderate malnutrition weakens every part of the immune system.[37] For example, it is a major risk factor in the onset of active tuberculosis.[38] Protein and energy malnutrition and deficiencies of specific micronutrients (including iron, zinc, and vitamins) increase susceptibility to infection.[37] Malnutrition affects HIV transmission by increasing the risk of transmission from mother to child and also increasing replication of the virus.[37] In communities or areas that lack access to safe drinking water, these additional health risks present a critical problem. Lower energy and impaired function of the brain also represent the downward spiral of malnutrition as victims are less able to perform the tasks they need to in order to acquire food, earn an income, or gain an education.
Vitamin-deficiency-related diseases (such as scurvy and rickets).
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can result from a child not eating for 4 to 6 hours. Hypoglycemia should be considered if there is lethargy, limpness, convulsion, or loss of consciousness. If blood sugar can be measured immediately and quickly, perform a finger or heel stick.
Signs
In those with malnutrition some of the signs of dehydration differ.[39] Children; however, may still be interested in drinking, have decreased interactions with the world around them, have decreased urine output, and may be cool to touch.[39]
Site Sign
Face Moon face (kwashiorkor), simian facies (marasmus)
Eye Dry eyes, pale conjunctiva, Bitot's spots (vitamin A), periorbital edema
Mouth Angular stomatitis, cheilitis, glossitis, spongy bleeding gums (vitamin C), parotid enlargement
Teeth Enamel mottling, delayed eruption
Hair Dull, sparse, brittle hair, hypopigmentation, flag sign (alternating bands of light and normal color), broomstick eyelashes, alopecia
Skin Loose and wrinkled (marasmus), shiny and edematous (kwashiorkor), dry, follicular hyperkeratosis, patchy hyper- and hypopigmentation, erosions, poor wound healing
Nail Koilonychia, thin and soft nail plates, fissures or ridges
Musculature Muscles wasting, particularly in the buttocks and thighs
Skeletal Deformities usually a result of calcium, vitamin D, or vitamin C deficiencies
Abdomen Distended - hepatomegaly with fatty liver, ascites may be present
Cardiovascular Bradycardia, hypotension, reduced cardiac output, small vessel vasculopathy
Neurologic Global development delay, loss of knee and ankle reflexes, poor memory
Hematological Pallor, petechiae, bleeding diathesis
Behavior Lethargic, apathetic
Source: "Protein Energy Malnutrition"[33]
Cognitive development[edit]
Protein-calorie malnutrition can cause cognitive impairments. For humans, "critical period varies from the final third of gestation to the first 2 years of life".[40] Iron deficiency anemia in children under two years of age likely affects brain function acutely and probably also chronically. Folate deficiency has been linked to neural tube defects.[41]
Malnutrition in the form of iodine deficiency is "the most common preventable cause of mental impairment worldwide."[42][citation needed] "Even moderate deficiency, especially in pregnant women and infants, lowers intelligence by 10 to 15 I.Q. points, shaving incalculable potential off a nation's development. The most visible and severe effects — disabling goiters, cretinism and dwarfism — affect a tiny minority, usually in mountain villages. But 16 percent of the world's people have at least mild goiter, a swollen thyroid gland in the neck."[42]
Causes
See also: List of types of malnutrition
Union Army soldier on his release from Andersonville prison, 1865
Major causes of malnutrition include poverty and food prices, dietary practices and agricultural productivity, with many individual cases being a mixture of several factors. Clinical malnutrition, such as in cachexia, is a major burden also in developed countries. Various scales of analysis also have to be considered in order to determine the sociopolitical causes of malnutrition. For example, the population of a community may be at risk if the area lacks health-related services, but on a smaller scale certain households or individuals may be at even higher risk due to differences in income levels, access to land, or levels of education.[43]
Diseases
Malnutrition can be a consequence of health issues such as gastroenteritis[44] or chronic illness,[45] especially the HIV/AIDS pandemic.[46] Diarrhea and other infections can cause malnutrition through decreased nutrient absorption, decreased intake of food, increased metabolic requirements, and direct nutrient loss.[47] Parasite infections, in particular intestinal worm infections (helminthiasis), can also lead to malnutrition.[47] A leading cause of diarrhea and intestinal worm infections in children in developing countries is lack of sanitation and hygiene.
People may become malnourished due to abnormal nutrient loss (due to diarrhea or chronic illness) or increased energy expenditure (secondary malnutrition).[33][48]
Dietary practices
Undernutrition
A lack of adequate breastfeeding leads to malnutrition in infants and children, associated with the deaths of an estimated one million children annually. Illegal advertising of breast milk substitutes continues three decades after its 1981 prohibition under the WHO International Code of Marketing Breast Milk Substitutes.[49]
Deriving too much of one's diet from a single source, such as eating almost exclusively corn or rice, can cause malnutrition. This may either be from a lack of education about proper nutrition, or from only having access to a single food source.[50]
It is not just the total amount of calories that matters but specific nutritional deficiencies such as vitamin A deficiency, iron deficiency or zinc deficiency can also increase risk of death.[51]
Overnutrition
Overnutrition caused by overeating is also a form of malnutrition. In the United States, more than half of all adults are now overweight — a condition that, like hunger, increases susceptibility to disease and disability, reduces worker productivity, and lowers life expectancy.[52] Overeating is much more common in the United States, where for the majority of people, access to food is not an issue. Many parts of the world have access to a surplus of non-nutritious food, in addition to increased sedentary lifestyles. Yale psychologist Kelly Brownell calls this a "toxic food environment" where fat and sugar laden foods have taken precedence over healthy nutritious foods.[52]
The issue in these developed countries is choosing the right kind of food. More fast food is consumed per capita in the United States than in any other country. The reason for this mass consumption of fast food is its affordability and accessibility. Often fast food, low in cost and nutrition, is high in calories and heavily promoted. When these eating habits are combined with increasingly urbanized, automated, and more sedentary lifestyles, it becomes clear why weight gain is difficult to avoid.[53]
Not only does obesity occur in developed countries, problems are also occurring in developing countries in areas where income is on the rise.[52] Overeating is also a problem in countries where hunger and poverty persist. In China, consumption of high-fat foods has increased while consumption of rice and other goods has decreased.[52]
Overeating leads to many diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, that may result in death.
Poverty and food prices
A child with extreme malnutrition
In Bangladesh, poor socioeconomic position was associated with chronic malnutrition since it inhibits purchase of nutritious foods such as milk, meat, poultry, and fruits.[54] As much as food shortages may be a contributing factor to malnutrition in countries with lack of technology, the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) has estimated that eighty percent of malnourished children living in the developing world live in countries that produce food surpluses.[52] The economist Amartya Sen observed that, in recent decades, famine has always been a problem of food distribution and/or poverty, as there has been sufficient food to feed the whole population of the world. He states that malnutrition and famine were more related to problems of food distribution and purchasing power.[55]
It is argued that commodity speculators are increasing the cost of food. As the real estate bubble in the United States was collapsing, it is said that trillions of dollars moved to invest in food and primary commodities, causing the 2007–2008 food price crisis.[56]
The use of biofuels as a replacement for traditional fuels and raises the price of food.[57] The United Nations special rapporteur on the right to food, Jean Ziegler proposes that agricultural waste, such as corn cobs and banana leaves, rather than crops themselves be used as fuel.[58]
Agricultural productivity
Local food shortages can be caused by a lack of arable land, adverse weather, lower farming skills such as crop rotation, or by a lack of technology or resources needed for the higher yields found in modern agriculture, such as fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation, machinery and storage facilities. As a result of widespread poverty, farmers cannot afford or governments cannot provide the resources necessary to improve local yields. The World Bank and some wealthy donor countries also press nations that depend on aid to cut or eliminate subsidized agricultural inputs such as fertilizer, in the name of free market policies even as the United States and Europe extensively subsidized their own farmers.[59][60] Many, if not most, farmers cannot afford fertilizer at market prices, leading to low agricultural production and wages and high, unaffordable food prices.[59] Reasons for the unavailability of fertilizer include moves to stop supplying fertilizer on environmental grounds, cited as the obstacle to feeding Africa by the Green Revolution pioneers Norman Borlaug and Keith Rosenberg.[61]
Future threats
There are a number of potential disruptions to global food supply that could cause widespread malnutrition.
Climate change is of importance to food security, with 95 percent of all malnourished peoples living in the relatively stable climate region of the sub-tropics and tropics. According to the latest IPCC reports, temperature increases in these regions are "very likely."[62] Even small changes in temperatures can lead to increased frequency of extreme weather conditions.[62] Many of these have great impact on agricultural production and hence nutrition. For example, the 1998–2001 central Asian drought brought about an 80 percent livestock loss and 50 percent reduction in wheat and barley crops in Iran.[63] Similar figures were present in other nations. An increase in extreme weather such as drought in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa would have even greater consequences in terms of malnutrition. Even without an increase of extreme weather events, a simple increase in temperature reduces the productivity of many crop species, also decreasing food security in these regions.[62][64]
Colony collapse disorder is a phenomenon where bees die in large numbers.[65] Since many agricultural crops worldwide are pollinated by bees, this represents a threat to the supply of food.[66]
An epidemic of wheat stem rust caused by race Ug99 is currently spreading across Africa and into Asia and, it is feared, could wipe out more than 80 percent of the world’s wheat crops.[67][68]
Prevention
Irrigation canals have opened dry desert areas of Egypt to agriculture.
Food security[edit]
Main article: Food security
The effort to bring modern agricultural techniques found in the West, such as nitrogen fertilizers and pesticides, to Asia, called the Green Revolution, resulted in decreases in malnutrition similar to those seen earlier in Western nations. This was possible because of existing infrastructure and institutions that are in short supply in Africa, such as a system of roads or public seed companies that made seeds available.[69] Investments in agriculture, such as subsidized fertilizers and seeds, increases food harvest and reduces food prices.[59][70] For example, in the case of Malawi, almost five million of its 13 million people used to need emergency food aid. However, after the government changed policy and subsidies for fertilizer and seed were introduced against World Bank strictures, farmers produced record-breaking corn harvests as production leaped to 3.4 million in 2007 from 1.2 million in 2005, making Malawi a major food exporter.[59] This lowered food prices and increased wages for farm workers.[59] Such investments in agriculture are still needed in other African countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The country has one of the highest prevalence of malnutrition even though it is blessed with great agricultural potential John Ulimwengu explains in his article for D+C.[71] Proponents for investing in agriculture include Jeffrey Sachs, who has championed the idea that wealthy countries should invest in fertilizer and seed for Africa’s farmers.[59][72]
New technology in agricultural production also has great potential to combat undernutrition.[73] By improving agricultural yields, farmers could reduce poverty by increasing income as well as open up area for diversification of crops for household use. The World Bank itself claims to be part of the solution to malnutrition, asserting that the best way for countries to succeed in breaking the cycle of poverty and malnutrition is to build export-led economies that will give them the financial means to buy foodstuffs on the world market.
Breastfeeding
As of 2016 is estimated that about 821,000 deaths of children less than five years old could be prevented globally per year through more widespread breastfeeding.[74]
Fortified foods
Manufacturers are trying to fortify everyday foods with micronutrients that can be sold to consumers such as wheat flour for Beladi bread in Egypt or fish sauce in Vietnam and the iodization of salt.[75]
For example, flour has been fortified with iron, zinc, folic acid and other B vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin,niacin and vitamin B12.[51]
Food sovereignty
Main article: Food sovereignty
One suggested policy framework to resolve access issues is termed food sovereignty—the right of peoples to define their own food, agriculture, livestock, and fisheries systems, in contrast to having food largely subjected to international market forces. Food First is one of the primary think tanks working to build support for food sovereignty. Neoliberals advocate for an increasing role of the free market.
Health facilities
Another possible long term solution would be to increase access to health facilities to rural parts of the world. These facilities could monitor undernourished children, act as supplemental food distribution centers, and provide education on dietary needs. These types of facilities have already proven very successful in countries such as Peru and Ghana.
Management
See also: Famine relief
A malnourished Afghan child being treated by a medical team.
A Somali boy receiving treatment for malnourishment at a health facility.
In response to child malnutrition, the Bangladeshi government recommends ten steps for treating severe malnutrition. They are to prevent or treat dehydration, low blood sugar, low body temperature, infection, correct electrolyte imbalances and micronutrient deficiencies, start feeding cautiously, achieve catch-up growth, provide psychological support, and prepare for discharge and follow-up after recovery.
Among those patients who are hospitalized, nutritional support improves protein, colorie intake and weight.
Food
The evidence for benefit of supplementary feeding is poor.[89] This is due to the small amount of research done on this treatment.
Specially formulated foods do however appear useful in those from the developing world with moderate acute malnutrition.[90] In young children with severe acute malnutrition it is unclear if ready-to-use therapeutic food differs from a normal diet.[91] They may have some benefits in humanitarian emergencies as they can be eaten directly from the packet, do not require refrigeration or mixing with clean water, and can be stored for years.
In those who are severely malnourished, feeding too much too quickly can result in refeeding syndrome.[92] This can result regardless of route of feeding and can present itself a couple of days after eating with heart failure, dysrhythmias and confusion that can result in death.[92][93]
Micronutrients
Treating malnutrition, mostly through fortifying foods with micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), improves lives at a lower cost and shorter time than other forms of aid, according to the World Bank.[94] The Copenhagen Consensus, which look at a variety of development proposals, ranked micronutrient supplements as number one.
In those with diarrhea, once an initial four-hour rehydration period is completed, zinc supplementation is recommended. Daily zinc increases the chances of reducing the severity and duration of the diarrhea, and continuing with daily zinc for ten to fourteen days makes diarrhea less likely recur in the next two to three months.
In addition, malnourished children need both potassium and magnesium.This can be obtained by following the above recommendations for the dehydrated child to continue eating within two to three hours of starting rehydration,and including foods rich in potassium as above. Low blood potassium is worsened when base (as in Ringer's/Hartmann's) is given to treat acidosis without simultaneously providing potassium. As above, available home products such as salted and unsalted cereal water, salted and unsalted vegetable broth can be given early during the course of a child's diarrhea along with continued eating Vitamin A, potassium, magnesium, and zinc should be added with other vitamins and minerals if available.
For a malnourished child with diarrhea from any cause, this should include foods rich in potassium such as bananas, green coconut water, and unsweetened fresh fruit juice.
Diarrhea
Examples of commercially available oral rehydration salts (Nepal on left, Peru on right).
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends rehydrating a severely undernourished child who has diarrhea relatively slowly. The preferred method is with fluids by mouth using a drink called oral rehydration solution (ORS). The oral rehydration solution is both slightly sweet and slightly salty and the one recommended in those with severe undernutrition should have half the usual sodium and greater potassium. Fluids by nasogastric tube may be use in those who do not drink. Intravenous fluids are recommended only in those who have significant dehydration due to their potential complications. These complications include congestive heart failure.Over time, ORS developed into ORT, or oral rehydration therapy, which focused on increasing fluids by supplying salts, carbohydrates, and water. This switch from type of fluid to amount of fluid was crucial in order to prevent dehydration from diarrhea.
Breast feeding and eating should resume as soon as possible. Drinks such as soft drinks, fruit juices, or sweetened teas are not recommended as they contain too much sugar and may worsen diarrhea.Broad spectrum antibiotics are recommended in all severely undernourished children with diarrhea requiring admission to hospital.
To prevent dehydration readily available fluids, preferably with a modest amount of sugars and salt such as vegetable broth or salted rice water, may be used. The drinking of additional clean water is also recommended. Once dehydration develops oral rehydration solutions are preferred. As much of these drinks as the person wants can be given, unless there are signs of swelling. If vomiting occurs, fluids can be paused for 5–10 minutes and then restarting more slowly. Vomiting rarely prevents rehydration as fluid are still absorbed and the vomiting rarely last long. A severely malnourished child with what appears to be dehydration but who has not had diarrhea should be treated as if they have an infection.
For babies a dropper or syringe without the needle can be used to put small amounts of fluid into the mouth; for children under 2, a teaspoon every one to two minutes; and for older children and adults, frequent sips directly from a cup. After the first two hours, rehydration should be continued at the same or slower rate, determined by how much fluid the child wants and any ongoing diarrheal loses. After the first two hours of rehydration it is recommended that to alternate between rehydration and food.
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| CHILDREN WITH DIFFERENT HEALTH PROBLEMS |
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