Nutrition Diseases and Disorders

Rickets

Vitamin D Deficiency; Symptoms: Weak, soft bones, bowed legs, bone deformities; Helpful Foods: Fortified milk, fish oils, sun exposure.

Scurvy

Vitamin C Deficiency; Symptoms: Delayed wound healing, internal bleeding, abnormal formation of bones and teeth; Helpful Foods: Citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli.

Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Symptoms: Fatigue, low work output, reduced growth, health risks in pregnancy; Helpful Foods: Meat, spinach, seafood, peas, broccoli, whole grains.

Goiter

Iodine Deficiency; Symptoms: Enlarged thyroid, poor growth in infancy, cretinism; Helpful Foods: Iodized salt, saltwater fish.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

What: Acid from stomach backs up into the esophagus; Symptoms: Heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing; Risk Factors: Obesity, pregnancy, smoking, hiatal hernia.

Peptic Ulcers

What: Open sores in the stomach lining; Causes: H. pylori bacteria, NSAIDs, excess acid; Symptoms: Burning/pressure, appetite changes, weight loss.

Ulcerative Colitis (IBD)

Affects: Colon and rectum only; Symptoms: Continuous inflammation, bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain.

Crohn's Disease (IBD)

Affects: Any part of digestive tract (commonly terminal ileum); Symptoms: Patchy inflammation, cramps, weight loss, diarrhea, bleeding, arthritis, anemia.

Hemorrhoids

What: Swollen veins in the rectum/anus; Symptoms: Pain, itching, burning during bowel movements.

Peritonitis

What: Inflammation of abdominal cavity lining; Symptoms: Fever, severe pain, rigid abdomen; Note: Life-threatening medical emergency.

Celiac Disease

What: Autoimmune reaction to gluten (wheat, barley, rye, malt); Symptoms: Diarrhea, weight loss, poor appetite, vitamin deficiencies, abdominal pain, rash, tooth enamel defects; Food Tip: Replace wheat crackers with rice-based alternatives.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

What: Disorder affecting colon motility and sensitivity; Symptoms: Cramping, bloating, gas, constipation and/or diarrhea.

Anorexia Nervosa

What: Self-starvation; Consequences: Amenorrhea, osteoporosis, enamel loss, decay, gum inflammation.

Bulimia Nervosa

What: Binge eating followed by purging; Oral Signs: Enamel erosion, swollen glands, sore throat.

Athlete Triad

Who: Young athletes with under-fueling; Includes: Restrictive dieting, amenorrhea, bone loss (osteoporosis); Dental Signs: Enamel decalcification, soft tissue inflammation.

Management of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are psychiatric conditions with oral and general health consequences; Require a team: dentist, doctor, dietitian, psychologist, psychiatrist, nurse.