Nutrition Chapter 11 Flashcards

Nutrition Terms and Concepts

• Nutritional Status: Refers to the overall state or condition of an individual's nutrition.
• Hypertension: Commonly known as high blood pressure, which can affect heart health.
• Malnutrition: A state resulting from inadequate or unbalanced nutrition, often due to dietary factors or illnesses.
• Carbohydrates: Major source of energy for the body, often categorized as starches or sugars.
• Cholesterol: A fatty substance that is found in cell membranes and animal fats.
• Protein: Essential nutrient that aids in building and repairing tissues while providing energy.

Digestive Processes

• Digestion: The process of breaking down food into smaller parts, involving both physical and chemical changes.
• Absorption: The process where blood capillaries absorb the digested nutrients, integrating them into the circulatory system.

Eating Disorders and Diets

• Anorexia: Characterized by a loss of appetite, leading to weight loss and nutritional deficiency.
• Therapeutic Diet: Modifications made to a normal diet to cater to specific health needs or conditions.

Nutrition Benefits and Functions

• Four Immediate Effects of Good Nutrition: Results in a healthy appearance, well-developed body, positive attitude, and high energy levels.
• Osteoporosis: A health condition where bones become porous and break easily, often related to calcium deficiency.
• Cellulose: An indigestible form of carbohydrate providing bulk to support digestive health.

Fats and Their Types

• Functions of Fat: Cushion and protect organs, assist in absorbing fat-soluble vitamins, enhance flavor in food, and provide insulation.
• Saturated Fats: Typically solid at room temperature, found in foods like eggs, whole milk, and butter.
• Unsaturated Fats: Usually soft or oily at room temperature, healthier fat sources.
• Polyunsaturated Fats: Found in foods like vegetable oils, margarine, and fish; beneficial for heart health.

Proteins and Their Importance

• Functions of Proteins: Essential for tissue building and repair, antibody production, and supplying energy.
• Complete Proteins: Contain all nine essential amino acids necessary for health.
• Incomplete Proteins: Lack one or more of the essential amino acids but can be combined to form a complete profile.

Vitamins and Minerals

• Water-Soluble Vitamins: Easily destroyed by cooking and can dissolve in water (e.g., Vitamins B and C).
• Fat-Soluble Vitamins: More stable in cooking and dissolve in fat (e.g., Vitamins A, D, E, and K).
• Key Vitamins Functions:
  • Vitamin C: Aids in wound healing.
  • Vitamin K: Essential for normal blood clotting.
  • Vitamin B12: Necessary for formation of red blood cells and protein metabolism.
  • Vitamin D: Crucial for the maintenance of bone health.
• Key Minerals:
  • Iron: Critical for hemoglobin production in red blood cells.
  • Calcium: Important for blood clotting and bone health.
  • Potassium: Supports regular heart rhythm.

Hydration and Water’s Role

• Functions of Water: Vital for food breakdown and nutrient absorption, composes major blood and cell plasma, assists in waste elimination.
• Recommended Water Intake: 6-8 glasses per day for average adults.

Body Weight and Health Indicators

• BMI: Measures weight in relation to height, indicating body fat.
• Weight Classifications:
  • Underweight: 10-15% below desired weight.
  • Overweight: 10-20% above average recommended weight.
  • Obesity: 20% or more above recommended weight.

Diet Restrictions

• Soft Diet: Avoid foods that are tough or hard to digest, such as fried foods and coarse cereals.
• Diabetic Diet: Restricts high-sugar foods like syrups and jams.
• Various diets including low-calorie, low-cholesterol, fat-restricted, sodium-restricted, low-protein, bland, and low-residue have specific foods to avoid for compliance with health needs.

Clear Liquid Diet

• Allowed Foods: Include beverages like ginger ale, apple juice, and plain gelatin – essential for patients requiring easy digestion.