Questions and Answers
What constitutes the majority of body weight?
Who is likely to have higher water body consumption?
What roles does water play in the body?
Carries nutrients & waste, maintains structure, participates in metabolic reactions, lubricates, regulates temperature, maintains blood volume.
What are types of cellular fluids?
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What are the recommendations for water intake?
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Water intoxication leads to increased sodium levels in the blood.
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What are the possible losses of water from the body?
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What triggers thirst?
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Electrolytes can efficiently conduct electricity in solution.
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Which statement about calcium is true?
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What enhances calcium absorption?
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What happens to the body when potassium levels are low?
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What are common food sources of potassium?
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Calcium is primarily stored in the bloodstream.
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What age does bone loss begin?
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What is the main effect of high sodium intake?
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Study Notes
Water in the Body
- Water makes up a significant portion of body weight and is essential for various functions.
- Important for nutrient transport, waste removal, maintaining structure of large molecules, and metabolic processes.
- Acts as a lubricant and cushion for joints and regulates body temperature.
- Maintains blood volume, crucial for cardiovascular health.
Types of Body Fluids
- Cellular fluids can be categorized into intracellular fluid (inside cells) and extracellular fluid (outside cells).
- Extracellular fluid is further divided into interstitial fluid and intravascular fluid.
Water Consumption and Sources
- Daily intake recommended: 2 to 3 liters; sources include water, beverages, foods, and metabolic processes like oxidation of nutrients.
- Thirst arises due to increased body concentration and dryness in the mouth; hypothalamus triggers thirst even if hydration needs lag behind.
- Water intoxication may occur, leading to diluted sodium levels (hyponatremia) and reduced urine production.
Regulation of Body Fluids
- Kidneys play a key role in controlling blood volume and pressure, adjusting water reabsorption based on hydration levels.
- Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) promotes water conservation when blood pressure is low.
- Fluid balance consists of approximately two-thirds of fluid inside cells and one-third outside.
Electrolytes and Fluid Dynamics
- Sodium is the principal cation in extracellular fluid, crucial for maintaining blood pressure and fluid balance.
- Potassium serves as the principal cation inside cells, vital for nerve impulse transmission and muscle function.
- Chloride assists in fluid balance and forms part of stomach acid.
- Electrolytes attract water, impacting hydration status and fluid movement across cell membranes.
Effects of Imbalance and Regulation
- Causes of fluid and electrolyte imbalances include prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, and certain medications.
- Significant electrolyte loss can lead to medical emergencies.
- Body's mechanisms to maintain pH include buffers (bicarbonate and carbonic acid) and respiration control.
Minerals: Calcium and Potassium
- Calcium, the most abundant mineral in the body, supports bone health and plays roles in blood pressure regulation and disease prevention.
- Potassium helps prevent hypertension and supports overall cardiovascular health; sources include fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Adequate calcium intake can help mitigate age-related bone loss.
Nutrient Absorption and Interaction
- Bioavailability of minerals affected by food binders like phytates and oxalates.
- Vitamin D enhances calcium absorption, while lack of it decreases uptake.
- Sodium's role in dietary sources often comes from processed foods, impacting overall health.
Recommendations and Deficiencies
- Sodium upper limit: 2300 mg for adults, with excess linked to hypertension.
- Potassium deficiencies can lead to muscle weakness and increased blood pressure.
- Calcium recommendations focus on maintaining bone health, with dietary sources including dairy products and green leafy vegetables.
- Calcium deficiencies lead to conditions like osteopenia and osteoporosis, particularly in aging populations.
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Description
Test your knowledge with these flashcards on nutrition from Chapter 12. This quiz covers essential concepts including the role of water in the body. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of nutritional science.
