Digestion/Metabolism
Introduction to Digestion and Metabolism
Lecture focus: Processes controlling digestion rather than anatomy, essential for understanding GI system diseases.
Importance of metabolism and its relationship to body weight and fitness levels.
Basics of Nutrition
/
Nutrition is essential for survival, changing across the lifespan from infancy to adulthood.
Definition: Nutrients are substances from food providing energy to maintain bodily functions.
**Examples of Nutrients:
Calcium (from milk)
Protein (from chicken)
Sugars (from cereals like Froot Loops)**
Digestion involves breaking down food and absorbing necessary nutrients while excreting waste.
Importance of Nutrients
Essential for maintaining muscle, bone, skin, and overall body function.
Consider the nutritional value of meals: \ \ - Nutritional content vs. unhealthy additives.
Example: Fried chicken provides protein but also unhealthy fats.
Assess food benefits vs. drawbacks.
Malnutrition
Definition: An imbalance in nutrient intake affecting health.
Can occur in both underweight and overweight individuals.
Causes include slowed metabolism, poor access to food, or unhealthy eating habits.
Symptoms of malnutrition: Muscle loss, skin issues, impaired organ function.
Energy and Weight Management
To maintain weight, energy intake (kcal) must meet energy needs; exceeding results in weight gain.
Importance of MyPlate for dietary planning, considering patients’ preferences for compliance.
Understanding Metabolism
Definition: Metabolism is a biochemical process converting nutrients into energy and building body requirements.
Three main metabolic purposes:
Converts nutrients into energy for bodily functions.
Utilizes food nutrients for the body’s needs.
Eliminates unneeded waste.
Differentiation between catabolic (breakdown) and anabolic (building) reactions.
Impact of Diet on Metabolism
Differences between protein and carbohydrates in sustaining energy levels.
Proteins provide longer-lasting energy than carbohydrates.
Importance of maintaining balanced diets without excessive restriction.
The Role of Enzymes
Enzymes are crucial for metabolic reactions, helping break down food components and facilitating bodily functions.
Examples include amylase for carbohydrates, lipase for fats, and protease for proteins.
Assessing Nutritional Health
Importance of gathering dietary information and using tools like BMI to assess nutritional status.
Examples of nutritional-related cues indicating dysfunction:
Sudden weight changes, changes in mental status, fatigue, and skin condition.
Application to Nursing Practice
The nurse's role involves gathering data, assessing patient needs, educating on nutrition, and providing tailored care plans.
Importance of addressing lifestyle changes, medical history, and social factors impacting nutrition.
Patient Interaction and Education
Engage patients in discussions about their diets ensuring comprehension and compliance.
Recognize barriers to adequate nutrition. Examples include:
Financial limitations, lack of knowledge about healthy diets, and social isolation.
Geriatric Nutrition Considerations
Risk factors for undernutrition in older adults include:
Acute/chronic limitations on mobility, reduced income, and social isolation.
Impact of cognitive decline on nutrition and meal preparation.
Importance of involving caregivers or family members in discussions about the patient’s dietary needs.
Lab Assessments
CBC can reveal deficiencies like anemia due to insufficient iron or protein intake.
Monitor electrolytes to assess nutritional status.
Importance of regular assessment for early identification of malnutrition.
Conclusion
Ensuring adequate nutrition is vital for health across all ages.
As nurses, maintain awareness of individual dietary needs and adjust care plans accordingly, considering cultural preferences and personal health status.