How Nutrients Become You

You are what you eat!

Food, Nutrients, and Energy

The Six Nutrients:carbohydratesfats proteins vitamins mineralswater

Must obtain from foods you eat.Each nutrient has a specific job to

perform in the body/vital to good health.

Food, Nutrients and Energy

The Functions of NutrientsBuild and Repair Body Tissues

Nutrients needed during periods of growth

Periods are: PrenatalInfancyAdolescence.

Regulate Body ProcessesFollowing Processes need balance of

essential nutrients: circulation of body fluids digestion absorption

Metabolism - Chemical reactions that control body processes are maintained by nutritious food.

Provide EnergyFood is the source of energy for your

body.Quality of food affects how well your

body will run.Need energy for all life processes.Two main nutrients needed for energy

are carbohydrates & fats.Using protein for energy is like burning

the house to keep it warm.

The Energy Value of FoodEnergy value of food is measured in:

kilocalories (calories) – the amount of heat needed to raise one kilogram of water one degree Celsius.

1 gram of carbohydrates =4 calories1 gram of fat 9 calories1 gram of protein =4 calories

The Process of Digestion

Digestion-the process by which your body breaks down food, and the nutrients in food, into simpler substances.

Mechanical - happens as food is crushed and churned.

Chemical - when food is mixed with powerful acids and enzymes.

Digestion

The Process of Digestion

In the MouthMastication or chewing is first step.

Chew food well-it aids in digestion.Taste budsSalivary glands – produce saliva a mixture of about 99% water plus a few chemicals.

Keeps mouth moist, gives food taste, moistens, softens and dissolves food, helps cleanse teeth and neutralize mouth acids.

Process of Digestion

In the EsophagusPassageway from the mouth to the stomach.

Tube about 10 inches longBreathing automatically stops when

you swallow to prevent choking. Epiglottis

Squeezing motions in the esophagus called peristalsis moves the food to the stomach.

Process of Digestion

In the StomachProduces gastric juices to aid

digestion.Gastric juices made of hydrochloric acid,

digestive juices and mucus.Chyme –food and gastric juices combined.

Stomach can hold about 1 quart of food.Food stays in stomach 2 to 3 hours.Pepsin- enzyme breaks down protein

Process of DigestionIn the Small Intestine

95% of digestion occurs here.Has 3 sections: duodenum, jejunum,

ileum. Is about 20 feet long and 1 inch in diameter. Takes about 5-14 hours for food to move from the

mouth through small intestine.Pancreas, a gland behind the stomach aids the

small intestine in creating the right environment. –produces enzymes

Liver is involved in the chemical digestion in the small intestine with use of bile. Digests fats

Process of Digestion

Large IntestineFood moves from small intestine to the large

intestine (colon).Measure 5-6 feet when stretched.Main job is to reabsorb water, very little

digestion.Chyme stays in large intestine 1-3 days

before elimination.Solid waste called feces, leave the large

intestine through the rectum and the body through the anus.

Absorption of Nutrients

Absorption - passage of nutrients from the digestive tract into the circulatory or lymphatic system. Most nutrients pass through the walls of small intestine

Inside surface of small intestine – most absorption occurs. Pleated with thousands of folds. Folds are covered with villi – tiny, fingerlike

projections.

Water-soluble nutrients –dissolve in water.

Fat-soluble nutrients – dissolve in fat.

Absorption in Large Intestine Absorbs small amounts of water and some minerals.

Metabolism

Metabolism - all the chemical changes that occur as cells produce energy and materials need to sustain life.

During metabolism Cells make some compounds

Some are used for energy. Some stored for later use.

Through metabolism Cells broken down for energy

Waste from cell metabolism Leave body through kidneys, lungs and skin.

Urine, thus we need 6-8 glasses of water daily. Carbon dioxide through lungs. Perspiration through your skin.

Factors Affecting Digestion and Absorption

Eating Habits Choose a nutritious diet that includes a wide range of

foods. Fiber – indigestible material.

Found in fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grain products.

Strengthens the intestinal muscles. Take time to enjoy your food, no rushing to eat.

Don’t eat too much too fast, watch your portions. Don’t stuff yourself.

Watch the make up of your food choices. High fat foods longer to digest. Foods high in carbs leave stomach faster.

Be aware of the wholesomeness of your food. Spoiled and contaminated foods can cause intestinal

problems.

Factors Affecting Digestion and Absorption

Emotions Reduce stress while eating Enjoyable environment helps. Chew food slowly and thoroughly.

Food Allergies Food allergy is a reaction of the immune system to certain

proteins found in food. Symptoms – vomiting, stomach pain, intestinal distress,

skin rashes, swelling, and breathing problems. Common food allergies to nuts, eggs, milk and soybeans

and wheat. Food sensitivities - lactose intolerant one example.

Physical Activity Aids in digestion and metabolism Stimulates a healthy appetite and strengthens muscles of

the internal organs.

Digestive Disorders

Diarrhea Causes food to move through digestive system too

quickly for nutrients to be fully absorbed. Leads to a loss of body fluids

Constipation Feces become hard in large intestine, making bowel

movements painful. Caused by erratic eating habits, low fiber intake,

lack of physical activity, drinking too little water. Indigestion

Caused by stress, eating too much or too fast, or eating particular foods.

Symptoms are gas, stomach cramps and nausea.

Digestive Disorders

Heartburn Caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus.

Known as reflux GERD

Ulcer Open sore in the lining of the stomach or small intestine, caused

by a bacterium. May be hereditary connection, stress, or excessive alcohol or

aspirin use. Gallstones

Small crystals that form from bile in the gallbladder. When these block the duct connecting the gallbladder to small intestine cause for great pain.

May slow fat digestion and pools of fluid in the liver. Diverticulitis

Abnormal pouches forming in the intestinal wall and become inflamed.

Caused by diet too low in fiber, or diet too high in fat or an inactive lifestyle.