Nutrition and pathology are inextricably linked, forming the foundation of health and disease. Optimal nutrition is crucial for maintaining cellular integrity, immune function, and regulatory processes, acting as a primary defense against illness. Malnutrition, encompassing both under- and overnutrition (e.g., deficiency states, obesity), significantly compromises these defenses and is a major etiological factor in numerous pathologies. Specific nutrient deficiencies can cause classic diseases, while chronic dietary imbalances contribute to the pathogenesis of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers by driving inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. Pathological states, conversely, often impair nutrient intake, absorption, metabolism, and utilization, necessitating tailored nutritional interventions to support recovery and manage chronic illness. Understanding this interplay is vital for disease prevention and therapeutic strategies.
- المعلم: Mohammed Hadjari