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Balanced nutrition: the classical theory
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
There is no need to prove that nutrition is one of the central problems, the solution of which is the subject of constant concern for humanity. Perhaps the biggest misconception is the belief that the problem of proper human nutrition can be solved by creating a sufficient amount of necessary food products. Objective analysis shows that the free choice of such products in modern human society in most cases leads to nutritional disorders, which, depending on many genetic and phenotypic characteristics of a person, provoke the development of a number of serious diseases.
In the history of science, there are two main theories of nutrition. The first one arose in ancient times, the second one – classical, often called the theory of balanced nutrition – appeared more than two hundred years ago. The second theory, which is dominant at present, replaced the ancient one and is one of the remarkable achievements of experimental biology and medicine.
Syndromes associated predominantly with nutritional disorders (according to: Haenel, 1979, with additions)
Overnutrition |
|
Carbohydrates, refined starches and sugars |
Proteins |
Diseases, disorders |
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Cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, atherosclerosis, varicose veins, thrombosis) Chronic bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema Gastrointestinal diseases (ulcers, gastritis, enteritis, ulcerative colitis, hemorrhoids) Appendicitis, cholecystitis, pyelonephritis caused by E. coli Cholecystitis Gallstone disease Kidney stone disease Diabetes Hyperlipidemia Toxicosis of pregnancy Epilepsy, depression Multiple sclerosis Periodontosis |
Cardiovascular diseases (myocardial infarction, hypertension, atherosclerosis, thrombophlebitis, embolism, microangiopathy) Diabetes Hypercholesterolemia Toxicosis of pregnancy |
Prevention |
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Reducing the consumption of easily digestible and refined carbohydrates |
Reduce protein intake |
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