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Biological World - BW6: Evaluate How Human Health Is Affected by Diet, Lifestyle, Microorganisms, and Inherited Factors

1. Diet Balanced Diet: Eating the right amounts of different food groups (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, water, and fibre) is essential for good health. Carbohydrates: Provide energy (e.g., bread, pasta). Proteins: Help with growth and repair (e.g., meat, eggs). Fats: Provide energy and insulation (e.g., butter, oils). Vitamins and Minerals: Keep the body functioning properly (e.g., Vitamin C for immunity, calcium for bones). Unhealthy Diet: Eating too much sugar and fat can lead to obesity and related diseases like diabetes and heart problems. Lack of essential nutrients can cause deficiencies (e.g., iron deficiency leading to anaemia).

2. Lifestyle Exercise: Regular physical activity strengthens muscles, improves heart health, and reduces the risk of diseases like obesity and diabetes. Sleep: Rest allows the body to repair and recover. Poor sleep can weaken the immune system. Stress: Long-term stress can lead to health problems like high blood pressure or depression. Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking damages the lungs and increases the risk of cancer and heart disease. Excessive alcohol use harms the liver and brain.

3. Microorganisms Helpful Microorganisms: In the gut, they help digest food and produce vitamins (e.g., Vitamin K). Used to make medicines (e.g., antibiotics) and vaccines. Harmful Microorganisms: Bacteria: Cause infections like food poisoning (e.g., Salmonella). Viruses: Cause diseases like colds, flu, and COVID-19. Fungi: Cause infections like athlete's foot. Prevention: Washing hands, staying vaccinated, and maintaining good hygiene help protect against harmful microorganisms.

4. Inherited Factors Genes and Heredity: Traits like eye colour, height, and some health conditions are passed down from parents through genes. Genetic Disorders: Conditions like cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anaemia are caused by inherited faulty genes. Risk of Diseases: Inherited factors can make people more likely to develop certain diseases, like heart disease or cancer. Gene Therapy: A future technology that may correct genetic disorders by altering faulty genes.

5. How These Factors Interact Example 1: A poor diet combined with a lack of exercise increases the risk of obesity and diabetes. Example 2: Inherited factors may increase the risk of heart disease, but a healthy lifestyle can reduce that risk. Example 3: Harmful microorganisms can cause illness, but a strong immune system from a healthy diet and lifestyle helps fight them off.

6. Steps to Improve Health Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Exercise regularly (at least 30 minutes a day). Get enough sleep (7–9 hours per night). Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake. Practice good hygiene to prevent infections. Stay informed about inherited risks and take preventive measures when possible.

Summary Human health is influenced by multiple factors: Diet and lifestyle choices directly affect energy, immunity, and disease risk. Microorganisms can help or harm, depending on the type. Inherited factors shape our risk for certain conditions. Understanding and balancing these factors leads to better overall health and wellbeing.

Revision Questions

Q1: What is a balanced diet?
A: A diet that includes the correct amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, water, and fibre for good health.

Q2: What can happen if you eat too much sugar and fat?
A: It can lead to obesity, diabetes, and heart problems.

Q3: Which nutrient is important for strong bones?
A: Calcium.

Q4: How does regular exercise benefit health?
A: Exercise strengthens muscles, improves heart health, and reduces the risk of diseases like obesity and diabetes.

Q5: What are the effects of poor sleep on health?
A: Poor sleep weakens the immune system and can lead to problems like fatigue and difficulty concentrating.

Q6: Why is smoking harmful to health?
A: Smoking damages the lungs, increases the risk of cancer, and can cause heart disease.

Q7: Name one helpful and one harmful microorganism.
A: Helpful: Bacteria in the gut that help digest food. Harmful: Salmonella bacteria that cause food poisoning.

Q8: How can harmful microorganisms be prevented?
A: By washing hands, staying vaccinated, and practising good hygiene.

Q9: What role do gut microorganisms play in health?
A: They help digest food and produce vitamins like Vitamin K.

Q10: What is an inherited factor?
A: Traits or health risks passed down from parents through genes.

Q11: Name a disease caused by a genetic disorder.
A: Cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anaemia.

Q12: Can inherited health risks be managed?
A: Yes, through a healthy lifestyle and regular medical check-ups.

Q13: How can diet and exercise help reduce inherited health risks?
A: A healthy diet and regular exercise can lower the chances of developing conditions like heart disease, even if they run in the family.

Q14: What is one example of microorganisms, diet, and lifestyle interacting to affect health?
A: A poor diet and weak immune system can make it easier for harmful microorganisms to cause infections.

​Q15: Why is hygiene important in preventing diseases caused by microorganisms?
A: Good hygiene stops the spread of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can make us sick.