Nutrition Basics: An Active Approach

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to nutrition, digestion, and health as discussed in the lecture notes.

Digestion

The process of breaking down food into absorbable units.

Ingestion

The collection of nutrients into the digestive tract.

Peristalsis

The muscular contractions that move food through the digestive tract.

Chyme

A semiliquid mass of partially digested food that contains gastric juices.

Absorption

The process by which digested nutrients are taken up into the body.

Macronutrients

Nutrients required in large amounts: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Villi

Tiny, finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption.

Probiotics

Live bacteria found in certain foods that confer health benefits.

Prebiotics

Non-digestible food components that stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Metabolic Homeostasis

The state where nutrient intake and energy output are balanced.

Calorie

A unit of energy; the amount needed to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1 degree Celsius.

Kilocalorie

Equivalent to 1,000 calories; commonly referred to as a 'Calorie' in nutrition.

Thermal Energy

Energy related to the temperature of a substance; heat energy.

Chemical Energy

Potential energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds.

Electrochemical Energy

Energy associated with electrical impulses in the nervous system.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

A chronic digestive condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

A functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits.

Celiac Disease

An autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten, leading to damage in the small intestine.

Diverticulitis

Inflammation or infection of small pouches that can form in the lining of the digestive system.

Colon Cancer

A malignancy that develops in the large intestine, often progressing slowly.

Dietary Modifications

Changes made to food consumption patterns to improve health outcomes.

Nutrient Absorption

The process by which the body takes in nutrients from digested food.

Electrolytes

Minerals in the body that help maintain fluid balance and nerve signaling.

Daily Value (DV)

A guide to the nutrients in one serving of food, based on a daily diet.

Small Intestine

The part of the gastrointestinal tract where most digestion and absorption occurs.

Large Intestine

The section of the gastrointestinal tract responsible for water reabsorption and feces formation.

Food Allergies

Adverse immune responses to specific proteins found in foods, causing various symptoms.

Dietary Fiber

Non-digestible carbohydrates that aid in maintaining bowel health.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Lack of essential nutrients in the diet, leading to health problems.

Lifestyle Modifications

Changes in daily habits and routines that can improve health.

Gastric Juices

Digestive fluids produced by the stomach, including hydrochloric acid and enzymes.

Food Journal

A daily record of food intake that can help identify dietary patterns and problems.

Absorptive State

The metabolic state after eating when the body utilizes absorbed nutrients.