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MARASMUS and KWASHIORKOR

INTRODUCTION 

The human body requires several nutrients to function properly, if such requirements are not fulfilled then the body suffers from malnutrition. It happens due to unbalanced diet which may be lacking in nutritious food or the person has certain medical conditions. It can be caused due to poverty which means limited access to nutritious food,insecurity of food or some conditions which affect the absorption of food in the body. Malnutrition have several consequences such as impaired growth and development which can be seen in small children,immune system becomes weak which makes the body more susceptible to infections, the risk of developing a chronic disease increases.
The root cause of malnutrition should be addressed by providing access to nutritious food and healthcare so that it can be prevented and managed.
In this blog post,we will explore two of the diseases which arise because of malnutrition:- MARASMUS and KWASHIORKOR. Their symptoms, causes and risk factors,treatment and prevention strategies will also be discussed as it is important to overcome malnutrition for the society and communities below poverty line.


MARASMUS 
A severe form of malnutrition which is characterized by a lack of crucial nutrients like proteins,calories and vitamins is known as MARASMUS. It is mostly observed in developing countries where the access to nutritious food is limited. 
>Symptoms 
The symptoms of MARASMUS are as follows:
•Severe Weight loss : It can cause a significantly weight loss which makes the individual look wasted in appearance. 
•Muscle Wasting: The mass from the muscle is broken down to provide energy.
•Fatigue: People suffering from this situation often experience extreme fatigue.
>Causes
The causes of MARASMUS are as follows:
•Poverty: The access to food is limited. 
•Food Insecurity: Unstable access to food.
•Poor diet: A diet which lacks the essential nutrients. 
>Treatment 
It is necessary to treat this malnutrition condition which can be done in the following ways:
•Nutritional Rehabilitation: By providing essential nutrients which includes proteins,vitamins and calories. 
•Medical Care: It is necessary to address underlying health issues and manage complications. 
>Prevention 
There's an old saying "Prevention is better than cure",hence it is crucial to prevent such malnutrition disorder ,one can take the following measures:
•Access to nutritious food: One should ensure access to a balanced diet which includes all the essential nutrients including proteins,calories and vitamins. 
•Food Security: We should implement programs to improve food security which will help in reducing poverty.
•Healthcare: It is necessary to provide access to healthcare services which includes nutritional counseling and providing treatment for underlying health issues. 

KWASHIORKOR 
A form of malnutrition which occurs when the body does not receive enough protein is known as KWASHIORKOR. It occurs mostly in the areas where there is scarcity of food or lack in nutritional value. 
>Symptoms 
The symptoms of KWASHIORKOR are as follows:
•Edema: The feet,ankles and hands swell due to the retention of fluid in the body.
•Fatty liver: The lives becomes enlarged as it gets filled with fat.
•Muscle wasting: The mass of muscles is broken down to provide energy.
>Causes
Unlike MARASMUS, this condition has different causes which are as follows:
•Poor diet: It occurs due to the diet which lacks the protein quantity. 
•Food Insecurity: The food is either not provided or is lacking in the protein content.
•Poverty: The access to food is limited. 
>Treatment 
For the treatment of KWASHIORKOR, one can take the following necessary steps:
•Restoring nutrients: It is crucial to provide food with rich amount of protein in this form of malnutrition, however other essential nutrients are equally important. 
•Medical Care: Underlying health issues should be addressed and complications should be managed. 
>Prevention 
To prevent the KWASHIORKOR, it is important to understand some preventive measures which are as follows:
•Acessible Nutritional food: It is necessary to ensure that a balanced diet which is rich in protein must be accessible to an individual. 
•Food security: Government should implement food schemes which will ensure food security for the communities below poverty line and thus poverty will be reduced eventually. 
•Healthcare: The services of healthcare should be made more accessible and should also include counseling about nutrition and treat underlying health conditions of an individual. 

CONCLUSION 
In summary, marasmus and kwashiorkor represent two critical types of malnutrition that can lead to dire effects on human health. Both conditions arise from insufficient essential nutrients, such as protein, calories, and vitamins, and are frequently observed in developing nations where access to healthy food is restricted. 
Grasping the reasons, signs, and treatment alternatives for marasmus and kwashiorkor is essential for preventing and addressing these issues. Ensuring access to healthy food, enhancing food security, and guaranteeing availability of healthcare services are crucial measures in tackling malnutrition and fostering overall health and wellness. 
Marasmus and kwashiorkor can lead to lasting consequences for both physical and mental health, such as hindered growth and development, compromised immune systems, and a higher likelihood of chronic diseases. Consequently, it is crucial to tackle the underlying factors of malnutrition and offer efficient treatment and prevention approaches. 
Collaborating to tackle malnutrition allows us to encourage healthy growth and development, enhance overall health and wellness, and lower the likelihood of chronic illnesses. This can be accomplished by: 
Nutrition education: Informing individuals and communities about the significance of a balanced diet and adequate nutrition. 
Food security initiatives: Establishing initiatives to enhance food security and alleviate poverty. 
Healthcare access: Ensuring availability of healthcare services, such as nutritional guidance and management of underlying health conditions. 
Ultimately, tackling malnutrition necessitates a holistic strategy that engages governments, healthcare professionals, communities, and individuals collaborating to foster nutritious diets and avert malnutrition. Taking steps to combat malnutrition can enhance the health and welfare of people and communities globally. 
Furthermore, tackling malnutrition can yield various advantages, such as: 
Enhanced health results: Lowering the risk of long-term illnesses and boosting general health and wellness. 
Boosted efficiency: Enhancing mental performance and work output. 
Financial advantages: Decreasing medical expenses and enhancing economic efficiency. 
It is necessary to prioritize nutrition and address the situation of malnutrition so that we can promote healthy growth and development for the children, the overall health and well-being of people and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. 

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