What Are Social Determinants of Health and How Does It Affect Healthy Eating?

Health is not as simple as the absence of sickness. In fact, several social factors impact well-being. Exploring and recognizing each social determinant of health is key to seeking and sustaining healthy eating habits. The ability to maintain adequate nourishment is not merely a reflection of personal decisions. LifeSpring Home Nutrition fights to improve the well-being of individuals and communities, one meal at a time.

Understanding Social Determinants of Health

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), “Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks.”

There are five categories to describe the various aspects of health:

Economic Stability

Employment status is linked to overall quality of life and health. Many individuals struggle to find or maintain jobs due to illness, disabilities, or personal complications. Even if someone has a steady career, they may not make enough money to afford housing, nutritious food, and health care. With 1 in 10 people in the U.S. living in poverty, many people are unable to sustain a healthy lifestyle.

Education Access and Quality

You are more likely to lead a long and healthy life with higher levels of education. It is less likely for individuals who do not graduate from high school or pursue college degrees to secure high-paying jobs, leaving them at an increased risk for health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and depression. The stress and anxiety of poverty can also negatively impact brain development.

Health Care Access and Quality

About 1 in 10 Americans are lacking health insurance, making it difficult to afford medications and health care services. Without a primary care provider, individuals are less likely to recognize and treat health issues.

Neighborhood and Built Environment

Your living environment plays a vital role in your general well-being. Risks such as violence, unsafe water, and poor air quality can all compromise health and safety.

Social and Community Context

Connection is key when it comes to overall health. Positive relationships, connections, and support foster a sense of comfort necessary for physical and mental wellness.

Despite the seemingly nonmedical nature of these domains, they significantly impact health outcomes. All five factors are heavily interconnected, as they commonly affect one another. These economic and social conditions dictate the health of communities and the people that compose them.

Social Determinants and Healthy Eating

Each social determinant of health can have a profound effect on nutrition. An individual’s income may impact their chances of maintaining healthy eating habits. Nutritious options can be difficult to afford, as fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains are frequently more expensive than processed or fast foods. When financial resources are limited, it is easier to opt for cheaper, less healthy choices.

Economics and Food Insecurity

Food insecurity describes the condition of lacking dependent access to adequate nourishment. Whether long-term or temporary, this conflict can lead to malnutrition. This vulnerable state puts you at an increased risk for various health outcomes like a weakened immune system and mental health challenges.

When people are obliged to take on multiple jobs, they are left with limited time and energy for meal planning and preparation. These time constraints may prompt individuals to rely on seemingly convenient alternatives that lack essential nutrients.

Education

This social determinant of wellness can influence knowledge of nutrition and the ability to make informed decisions. Those who have not had access to schooling may struggle to understand dietary recommendations. A lack of education can also lead to unemployment, making healthy foods inaccessible and unaffordable. Resources for healthy eating are challenging to come by for people lacking proper access to information.

Community

Without connection and accountability, a balanced diet is difficult to maintain. Those without a support system or social network may miss out on the life-enhancing encouragement of others. If someone doesn’t feel secure or accepted in their community, they may hesitate to reach out for help or essential resources.

Environment

Physical environment plays a crucial role in a person’s accessibility to wholesome meals. An unsafe neighborhood may dissuade people from leaving their homes to purchase nutritious food. It is challenging for individuals without access to grocery stores with healthy options to maintain a proper diet. The lack of adequate nutrition can lead to conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

Healthcare and Healthy Eating

The presence or lack of healthcare access can support or suppress a healthy diet. Many chronic illnesses require specific diets. Without awareness of these conditions, it is impossible to manage the effects with the proper nutritional modifications.

Furthermore, mental health struggles may cause individuals to turn to food as a coping mechanism. These unhealthy habits can quickly damage their relationship with nutrition. Someone healing their mind and body needs access to proper mental health services.

LifeSpring’s Approach to Healthy Eating

LifeSpring Home Nutrition sees the danger of SDOH risks and strives to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy. Through individual investment in each customer’s journey, everyone’s needs are thoroughly acknowledged and accommodated. You can have tailor-made meals planned, prepared, and packaged at your convenience. The on-staff registered nutritionist oversees the entire process and is happy to answer all your questions.

LifeSpring Home Nutrition caters to all your needs, whether they be financial, physical, or emotional. You have affordable meal options, countless resources, and unconditional at your fingertips. Simply place an order online and have delicious, nutritious meals delivered straight to you.

Social determinants of health (SDOH) characterize the conditions in which people are born, grow, exist, work, and mature. These factors can be categorized into five groups: economics, education, health care, environment, and community. SDOHs play a vital role in determining each individual’s capacity to sustain a balanced diet and lifestyle. LifeSpring Home Nutrition is here to serve, support, and sustain proper nutrition and overall health for all. Regardless of social, economic, or personal circumstances, there are countless delicious, healthy options for you to choose from. Order convenient, affordable, and nutritious meals right to your door. Ensure that you and your family are receiving the best nutrition by calling LifeSpring Home Nutrition today at (800) 798-5767.