Nutritional Metabolism and Energy Needs

A collection of flashcards designed to support the understanding of nutritional metabolism and energy needs, based on lecture notes.

Nutrient

Substances that provide nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life.

Energy-yielding nutrients

Nutrients that provide calories, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Fasting

A voluntary abstention from food for a period of time.

Starvation

A severe deficiency in caloric energy intake, leading to harmful physiological effects.

Ketones

Compounds produced during the metabolism of fats, which can provide energy to the nervous system.

Nervous system energy consumption

Typically less than 10% of total glucose used daily by the body.

Body's adaptations to fasting

Physiological changes that allow the body to survive with limited food intake, effective only for a short period.

Basal metabolic needs

The energy expended by the body at rest to maintain vital functions.

Voluntary activities energy requirement

Normally requires less energy than basal metabolism.

Metabolic rate

The rate at which the body expends energy or burns calories.

Energy balance

The relationship between energy consumed and energy expended.

Caloric intake

The total number of calories consumed from food and beverages.

Energy expenditure

The total amount of energy used by the body, including during resting and active states.

Glycogen

Stored form of glucose, primarily found in the liver and muscles.

Lipids

Fats and oils, which are a significant source of energy.

Proteins

Macromolecules made up of amino acids, important for growth and repair.

Carbohydrates

Sugars and starches that provide a primary source of energy.

Metabolism

The chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life.

Caloric deficit

When energy intake is less than energy expenditure, leading to weight loss.

Caloric surplus

When energy intake exceeds energy expenditure, leading to weight gain.

Basal metabolic rate (BMR)

The number of calories required to keep your body functioning at rest.

Dietary restrictions

Limitations on types or amounts of food consumed.

Adaptive thermogenesis

The process of heat production in organisms, especially in response to food intake.

Hypothalamus

Brain region that regulates hunger and energy balance.

Insulin

Hormone that regulates glucose levels in the blood.

Glucagon

Hormone that raises blood glucose levels by promoting glycogen breakdown.

Body composition

The proportion of fat and non-fat mass in the body.

Starvation mode

The body's response to prolonged food deprivation, slowing metabolism to conserve energy.

Ketogenic diet

A diet high in fats and low in carbohydrates, leading to ketosis.

Hunger

The physiological desire to eat.

Appetite

The psychological desire to eat.

Fullness

The sensation of being satisfied with food intake.

Nutritional deficiencies

Shortages of essential nutrients in the diet.

Micronutrients

Vitamins and minerals required in small amounts for bodily functions.

Macronutrients

Nutrients required in larger amounts, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Glucose

A simple sugar that is an important energy source.

Fatty acids

Building blocks of lipids that are used for energy production.

Amino acids

Building blocks of proteins essential for various body functions.

Fiber

A non-digestible carbohydrate that supports digestive health.

Satiation

The feeling of being full that suppresses the desire to continue eating.

Glycemic index

A measure of how quickly foods cause blood sugar levels to rise.

Fiber-rich foods

Foods high in dietary fiber that promote digestive health.

Saturated fats

Fats that are typically solid at room temperature and can raise cholesterol levels.

Unsaturated fats

Fats that are usually liquid at room temperature and considered healthier.

Trans fats

Artificial fats created during hydrogenation that are harmful to health.

Nutritional guidelines

Recommendations for healthy eating and nutritional choices.

Chronic diseases

Long-lasting conditions that can be controlled but not cured, often related to diet.

Hydration

The process of providing adequate fluids to the body.

Electrolytes

Minerals that carry an electric charge, crucial for many bodily functions.

Performance nutrition

Focuses on the nutritional needs related to exercise and physical performance.

Metabolic syndrome

A cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Body mass index (BMI)

A measure of body fat based on height and weight.

Physical activity

Any movement that expends energy.

Sedentary lifestyle

A type of lifestyle involving little or no physical activity.

Nutrition assessment

A comprehensive evaluation of dietary intake and overall health.

Dietary reference intakes (DRIs)

A set of reference values used to plan and assess nutrient intakes.

Food swaps

Replacements of one food item with a healthier option.

Meal planning

The process of planning meals to meet nutritional needs.

Nutrition labels

Labels on food packages that provide information about the nutritional content.

Mindful eating

A practice that encourages being aware of the food one is eating.

Sustainable eating

Food choices that support environmental health and sustainability.

Nutritional research

The study of how dietary choices impact health and nutrition.

Food security

Access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.

Nutritional supplementation

Using dietary supplements to enhance nutrition.

Healthy eating patterns

Diets that promote overall health and well-being.

Food additives

Substances added to food to enhance flavor or preservation.

Natural foods

Minimally processed foods with no artificial ingredients.