How can we solve a new type of malnutrition among Japanese women?

Is it true that Japanese people are suffering from malnutrition? It can be surprising to think about it since Japan is one of the well-known countries for its abundance of food and even a terrible amount of food waste. Nevertheless, the hidden story is ironically true. The primary factor is the drastic changes in their dietary habits.

What is a new type of malnutrition?

Malnutrition is generally caused by a lack of food. On the other hand, a new type of malnutrition is a state of insufficient calorie intake and insufficient intake of necessary nutrients caused by an unbalanced diet. It was common in the elderly before, however, it is often seen in young people these days.

According to the survey conducted by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in 2019, one out of eight women aged twenty and older are classified into a new type of malnutrition. More surprisingly, one out of five women in their twenties are classified into it.

What on earth is associated with the scary fact? Two significant reasons are extreme dietary restrictions and their busy life.

When it comes to dieting, a survey conducted by National Youth Education Agency in 2017 reveals a shocking result relating to teenage girls: merely 23 percent of them are satisfied with their figures, which is the lowest compared to other nations. The research analyzes that they cannot help worrying about others’ opinions, rooted in an advantage of lookism overrated in social media.

In addition to social media, magazines, and beauty pageant are obvious examples reflecting how much only beautiful appearances are admired. Given that, teens are intended to diet intensively, aiming to gain perfectly skinny bodies and bridge the gap with social expectations.

The busy lives of women are also strongly correlated with the issue. Many reproductive-age women juggle their work and house chores on a daily basis. Hence, there is no time to eat foods nourishing their bodies. For instance, skipping meals or only grabbing a cup of coffee to manage a day.

Its effect on their bodies and lives

This new type of malnutrition causes a wide range of symptoms relating to women’s health. Their bodies need some essential nutrients, such as protein, minerals, and vitamins, to trigger healthy ovulation, ultimately bringing optimal periods, the menstrual cycle, and overall health.

Women experience skipping periods arising from no ovulation if they don’t take sufficient nutrients. The worse the menstrual cycle they experience, the more they will have a high risk of chronic fatigue, diabetes, osteoporosis, infertility, and so forth in the future.

Traditional Japanese breakfast restores their health

The key to solving this new type of malnutrition is to improve diets. Food must be a powerful resource for their health and well-being.

The traditional Japanese diet is helpful. Eating a quality breakfast is a vital key. Traditional Japanese breakfast consists of rice, one soup, and three side dishes, ideally one fish-based dish and two vegetable-derived dishes with rice. From a nutrition standpoint, the unique breakfast has drawn attention worldwide for the past few years.

However, it is challenging for busy women to prepare and have it every day. Do not worry. Making and stoking a batch of miso soup helps them. Even just having the soup in the morning supports them since the soup with vegetables and tofu can supplement common nutritional deficiencies: vitamins, minerals, and protein.

If you want to lose weight, traditional fasting is recommended; eating more at breakfast and lunch for energy and less at dinner for digestion.

Most importantly, the entire society should recognize and respect that women’s inner health is much more important than beautiful appearances.