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HOW MALNUTRITION IS MAIN CAUSE OF DEATH
Malnutrition is a significant but often overlooked contributor to the leading causes of death globally, including heart disease, stroke, and cancer. While these conditions are typically listed as primary causes, malnutrition underlies many of their pathophysiological mechanisms. For instance, malnutrition exacerbates heart failure by reducing myocardial mass and impairing cardiac output, while also triggering inflammatory responses that accelerate cardiovascular deterioration9. (Malnutrition worsens heart failure by weakening the heart muscle and decreasing its ability to pump blood effectively1,2. This occurs because nutrient deficiencies lead to muscle loss, including in the heart, reducing its strength and efficiency3,6.) Similarly, malnutrition is linked to arrhythmias and poor outcomes in patients with preserved ejection fraction, demonstrating its pervasive role in cardiac dysfunction1,5.
In stroke, malnutrition contributes to both ischemic and hemorrhagic events by weakening vascular integrity and promoting inflammation. Poor nutritional status is associated with higher rates of arrhythmic events, which can lead to thromboembolic strokes2. Additionally, malnutrition-induced muscle catabolism and chronic inflammation exacerbate endothelial dysfunction, increasing stroke risk3. The interplay between malnutrition and stroke is bidirectional, as stroke survivors often face swallowing difficulties and reduced appetite, further worsening nutritional status and mortality1,7.
Cancer-related malnutrition, or cachexia, is a direct driver of mortality in malignancies. Malnutrition accelerates tumor progression by impairing immune function and increasing susceptibility to infections7. It also reduces tolerance to chemotherapy and surgery, limiting {mainstream shoddy} treatment options. The metabolic alterations in malnourished cancer patients, such as elevated cytokines and muscle wasting, mirror those seen in heart failure and stroke, highlighting malnutrition as a unifying factor3,6.
Globally, malnutrition’s indirect effects are reflected in mortality statistics. Heart disease and stroke account for over 26% of deaths worldwide, with malnutrition contributing to their severity and recurrence4,8. Cancer, the third leading cause, is similarly influenced by nutritional deficits. The WHO identifies malnutrition as a key risk factor for noncommunicable diseases, emphasizing its role in the top causes of death7,8.
While malnutrition is rarely listed as a primary cause of death, its systemic effects make it a critical underlying factor. Addressing malnutrition could mitigate the burden of heart disease, stroke, and cancer, yet it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in clinical settings1,5,9. Recognizing malnutrition as a root cause rather than a secondary complication is essential for reducing global mortality.
KEY NUTRIENTS
1. Heart Attacks (Cardiovascular Disease)
B Vitamins (B1, B6, B12, Folate): Deficiencies impair energy metabolism, elevate homocysteine (a risk factor for arterial damage), and contribute to heart failure and arrhythmias3,7. Best sources are Rice Bran, Oat Bran, Ground Flax Seeds, Nutritional Yeast, Eggs, Dairy.
Vitamin D3: Low levels correlate with hypertension, heart failure, and increased cardiovascular mortality9. Best sources are 20 minutes per day Sunshine, or UV Light, or Vitamin D3.
Magnesium & Potassium: Deficiencies disrupt heart rhythm and worsen hypertension3,5. Best sources are Greens, Legumes, Bananas, Magnesium Glycinate, Magnesium Malate, or Magnesium Citrate.
Selenium: Severe deficiency causes cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias7. Best sources are Brazil Nuts or Selenium supplement.
2. Strokes
B Vitamins (Folate, B6, B12): Elevated homocysteine from deficiencies damages blood vessels, increasing ischemic stroke risk3.
Vitamin D3: Deficiency is linked to higher fatal stroke rates and vascular dysfunction9.
Antioxidants: Low levels exacerbate oxidative stress, contributing to endothelial dysfunction and clot formation1,5. Best sources are Vitamin C rich foods, like Amla Berry powder, Rosehip powder, raw Oranges, raw Kiwis.
3. Cancer
Folate, B6, B12: Deficiencies cause DNA breaks similar to radiation damage, raising risks for colorectal, breast, and pancreatic cancers2,4,6.
Vitamin D3: Low levels are associated with higher colorectal, prostate, and breast cancer incidence4,8.
Selenium & Zinc: Protect against oxidative DNA damage; deficiencies increase cancer susceptibility2,6. (Avoid Zinc Oxide.)
James Sloane has said that Vitamin C is vital for making collagen for blood vessels. But the body sends Vitamin C to the adrenal glands first, because they need it to handle stress. The adrenals also need Vitamin B5, from rice bran, oat bran, flax seed etc. He said Magnesium Malate etc softens plaque in blood vessels and Lecithin granules remove the plaque. So he recommends those nutrients to prevent Heart Attacks, Strokes etc.
Common Threads
Pro-inflammatory diets low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains worsen deficiencies, accelerating disease progression1,5. Addressing these gaps through diet or supplementation could significantly reduce global mortality from these conditions.
OVERLOOKED CAUSES OF MALNUTRITION
Low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) causes malnutrition. It can be caused by chronic antacid use (which neutralizes stomach acid), nutrient deficiencies (especially zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins), and conditions like hypothyroidism, H. pylori infections, or aging. Without sufficient acid, the stomach fails to break down proteins and absorb key nutrients like iron, B12, and calcium, leading to deficiencies. This also disrupts gut bacteria balance, worsening malabsorption and triggering symptoms like bloating, anemia, and osteoporosis.
Hypothyroidism slows liver metabolism, reducing bile production and flow, which impairs fat digestion and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). Thickened bile and gallbladder dysfunction (like gallstones) further disrupt fat breakdown, leading to deficiencies in essential fatty acids and nutrients critical for thyroid function. This creates a vicious cycle: malnutrition worsens hypothyroidism, which further degrades bile flow, exacerbating malabsorption and systemic deficiencies.
Fat digestion is essential because it enables the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), provides energy, supports cell growth, and maintains brain health and hormone production1,2,6. Proper fat breakdown also ensures anti-inflammatory benefits from essential fatty acids and aids in nutrient transport via lipoproteins1,3,6. Without it, malabsorption leads to deficiencies, steatorrhea (fatty stools), and impaired organ function2,6.