Poor nutrition and unhealthy diets have been identified as major factors behind the growing number of serious diseases affecting Nigerians, particularly in the northern part of the country.
Speaking in an interview with The News Chronicle on Monday, a dietitian, Dr. Usman Adam, from a medical clinic in Zaria, Kaduna State, said hospitals in the North are recording an increasing number of cases linked to malnutrition and poor dietary habits.
According to Dr. Adam, diseases such as ulcer, diabetes and some forms of cancer are closely related to the lack of essential nutrients, especially proteins and carbohydrates, in people’s daily meals.
He explained that many individuals are not eating balanced diets due to poverty, lack of awareness and rising food prices.
“We are receiving a lot of cases in our hospital here in the North,” Dr. Adam said. “Many of the diseases affecting both children and elderly people are caused by a lack of nutrients in their bodies. As medical practitioners, we are trying our best to help people, especially the vulnerable ones, but the problem is widespread.”
He noted that children and older persons are the most affected because their bodies require adequate nutrients for growth, strength and immunity.
Without proper nutrition, he said, they become weak and more prone to illnesses that could otherwise be prevented.
Dr. Adam also called on the government to take urgent steps to address the situation by making nutritious food more accessible and affordable. He stressed the need for programs that will provide foods rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly to low-income households.
“The government must do something to ensure that people have access to foods that contain essential vitamins and minerals,” he said. “Many people cannot afford the food that is very important for their health and daily living.”
He further explained that most of the common diseases affecting people in Northern Nigeria have a direct relationship with the type of food being consumed.
Dr. Adam urged Nigerians to pay more attention to what they eat and advised families to include a variety of foods such as grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables and protein sources in their meals, even if in small quantities.
He also appealed to health authorities and community leaders to intensify public education on nutrition and healthy lifestyles.
He concluded by warning that unless urgent action is taken, poor nutrition will continue to pose a serious threat to public health in the region and across the country.
