Diet & Health

Foods - Section 1

Define the term ‘diet’

A diet is the food a person eats./ The regular intake of food of an individual

Define the term health (according to WHO)

Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

What is the meaning of ‘nutritional status’

The ability of the body to take in and make use of nutrients.

What are the 5 methods of dietary assessment

Anthropometric (body measurements)

Biochemical (medical tests - blood pressure, blood test, etc)

Clinical (questioning and physical examinations)

Dietary (diet/ intake of food over a period of time)

Epidemiological (dietary factors as it relates to diseases of a population)

What are the 3 aspects of health?

Physical, Mental and Social

What is good physical health characterised by?

The body's ability to perform daily activities without fatigue or discomfort, along with overall well-being and fitness.

What is good mental health characterised by?

The ability to manage emotions, cope with stress, etc.

What is good social health characterised by?

The ability to form satisfying interpersonal relationships, engage in community activities, and maintain healthy social connections.

What is the role of the diet in maintaining good health?

A balanced diet provides essential nutrients, supports immune function, and helps prevent chronic diseases.

What is a balanced diet?

A balanced diet is one that provides food from all the food groups in their correct portions.

What is a special diet?

A special diet is one that is suited for a specific need such as a dietary restriction or for the treatment of a medical condition.

List 3 types of special diets

• Reducing

• Diets which contribute to good health and overall well-being:

  • High Fibre

  • Low fat

  • Low sugar

  • Low Salt (DASH diet)

  • Vegetarian/Vegan Diet

What is a reducing diet?

A reducing diet is designed to help individuals aiming to lose weight by creating a calorie deficit, often through controlled portions and balanced nutrition.

Who would a high fibre diet be best suited for?

Individuals experiencing constipation, diabetes (type 2), or those seeking to improve heart health.

A D.A.S.H diet is for:

Hypertension and heart health.

What is a lifestyle disease?

A lifestyle disease is a medical condition caused or connected to the way in which a person lives their life.

What is obesity?

Obesity is a medical condition characterized by excessive body fat accumulation, which can lead to various health issues.

List 3 symptoms of obesity

Shortness of breath, joint pain, infections in skin folds, and fatigue

What is Diabetes Mellitus?

A chronic condition caused by insulin resistance or reduced insulin production. This prevents the body from using glucose effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels.

Differentiate between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body cannot produce insulin, while

Type 2 Diabetes is often related to lifestyle factors and involves insulin resistance.

Identify the lifestyle disease: High blood pressure levels

Hypertension

What is iron deficiency anaemia?

A condition characterized by a lack of enough healthy red blood cells due to insufficient iron, leading to fatigue and weakness.

List 3 causes of diabetes

Genetics, obesity, physical inactivity, Excessive sugar and carbs in the diet

List 3 symptoms of diabetes

Increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue

What are dental caries?

Dental caries, commonly known as cavities, are areas of decay on teeth caused by bacterial infection that leads to the breakdown of tooth enamel.

What is an eating disorder?

A serious mental health condition resulting in unhealthy eating habits.

What is bulimia?

Bulimia, or bulimia nervosa, is an eating disorder characterized by a cycle of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or fasting to prevent weight gain.

Explain how diet-related health problems affect the human resource capacity amongst Caribbean citizens.

It increases the prevalence of chronic diseases, decreasing productivity, leading to higher healthcare costs, and limiting the ability of individuals to participate fully in the workforce. This decline in health can result in absenteeism and reduced work performance, ultimately affecting economic development in the region.

Explain how diet-related health problems affect the disposable income spent on health

Diet-related health problems can lead to increased medical expenses, prompting households to allocate a larger portion of their disposable income towards healthcare costs. This can decrease funds available for other essential needs and luxuries.

Explain how diet-related health problems affect government expenditure on health bills.

Diet-related health problems can cause governments to spend more on healthcare services, as they need to address the rise in chronic illnesses. Increased healthcare costs from treating these conditions can strain public health budgets, diverting resources from other critical areas.

What are the 8 dietary guidelines of the Caribbean?

1. Make physical activity a part of the daily routine

2. Eat a variety of fruits daily

3. Eat a variety of vegetables daily

4. Includes peas, beans and nuts in daily meals

5. Eat a variety of food from all food groups daily

6. Reduce intake of sugary foods and drinks

7. Reduce intake of fats and oils

8. Reduce intake of salty and processed foods

What are ‘dietary guidelines’?

Dietary guidelines provide recommendations for healthy eating and lifestyle choices, aimed at promoting overall health and well-being in the population.

Why are dietary guidelines important?

They help individuals make informed food choices and promote a healthy lifestyle, which can prevent diet-related diseases and improve public health outcomes.

List 5 factors that can influence eating patterns and dietary choices

Likes and Dislikes

Dietary Needs

Income

Religion

Food fads and fallacies

Advertisement

Culture

Availability of Food

Technological Development

How does age affect a person’s dietary needs?

As individuals age, their dietary needs change due to factors like metabolism, physical activity levels, and nutrient absorption, requiring adjustments in calorie intake and emphasis on nutrient-rich foods.

How does pregnancy and lactation change the dietary needs of a person?

During pregnancy and lactation, a woman's dietary needs increase to support fetal development and milk production, necessitating higher intake of calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Who is a convalescent?

A person recovering from an illness or medical treatment.

How does convalescence affect a persons dietary needs?

During convalescence, a person's dietary needs focus on nutritional support to aid recovery, with an emphasis on adequate calories, protein, and vitamins to restore strength and health.

Give a basic activity plan for an elderly person (including duration and benefits of each exercise listed)

A structured schedule that includes activities such as walking, stretching, riding of a stationary bicycle

This aids in strength training to improve mobility, enhance cardiovascular health, and increase muscle strength.

Give a basic activity plan for an adolescent (including duration and benefits of each exercise listed)

A structured schedule that includes activities such as running, swimming, and team sports. This supports physical fitness, aids in social interaction, and promotes cardiovascular health.

What is community nutrition?

The set of activities geared towards providing safe and nutritious food to communities while promoting healthy eating habits and lifestyle choices.

Discuss the importance of community nutrition

In enhancing public health by ensuring access to nutritious foods, reducing food insecurity, and improving the overall dietary habits of a population.

List 5 vulnerable groups

Infants

Toddlers

The elderly

Pregnant Women

Adolescents

Poverty Stricken

Specially Abled

List 3 nutritional problems found in infants

Obesity, Anaemia, Diarrhea, Jaundice, Dehydration

List 4 nutritional problems of the elderly

Constipation, Osteoporosis, Hypertension, Obesity, Heart Disease

List 3 nutritional problems of the specially abled

Malnutrition, Obesity, Digestive Disorders

Give 3 factors that threaten the food security of vulnerable groups

Natural Disasters, Infectious Diseases, Socio Economic Status, Age

Give the name of one Local Government organisation in jamaica that aids in community nutrition (Jamaica)

The Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute (CFNI) - Poor Relief

Food for the Poor Jamaica

List 4 regional and international organisations that aid in community nutrition

World Health Organization (WHO)

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO)

Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA)

Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute (CFNI)

World Food Programme (WFP)