Human Nutrition and the Digestive System - Case Study Example

HUMAN NUTRITION AND THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM due: Main dietary problems and concerns Mary has poor eating habits. This is evident from her eating lifestyle as shown: She skips breakfast daily. Studies had revealed that people tend to accumulate more body fat when they skip breakfast (Ortega et al, 1996: 65-72; Song et al, 2005: 1373-1382; Ma 2003: 85-92). Another study revealed that skipping breakfast is linked to cardiovascular threat factors such as high blood pressure and a high serum cholesterol level (Sakata et al, 2001: 837-841). She always consumes a can of coke during her morning break. According to a peer-reviewed research published in The Medscape Journal of Medicine, regular consumption of soft drinks leads to weight gain. Soft drink consumption elevates insulin levels, triggering a high Triglyceride levels of 5mmol/l; which is the basis of most chronic diseases for instance cancer, cardiovascular diseases, gout, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, arthritis, and osteoporosis (Wolff & Dansinger, 2008: 189). Consuming carbohydrates and proteins in large amounts, as compared to vegetable consumption daily for dinner. Meals consisting of refined foods such as pasta will lead to a trigger in blood glucose after consumption. Unbalanced meals have proven to lead to uneven blood sugar levels (Cousens, 1998: 38). She consumes snacks during lunch and consumes a pudding after an evening meal daily. Snacking and low intake of dietary fiber can add a lot of sugar, fat, and excess calories (Willett 2002: 59-68). This attributes to 168lbs weight and waist circumference of 83 cm. Consumption of a Whopper burger with large fries during the weekends. A Whopper burger is high in calories with approximately 1,200 calories and 80 grams of fat. A side of fries adds roughly 600 more calories this contributes to Mary’s weight gain; evident from her high cholesterol results of 6.2 mmol/l. She consumes about 5 cups of strong coffee daily. Studies have revealed that there is a positive link between coffee consumption and mortality from all causes and cardiovascular disease (Legrady, 1987: 803-812; Lindsted, 1992: 733-742). She drinks 3-4 glasses of alcohol, which is more than the specified limit, which are 2-3 glasses daily. This increases the calorie intake, leading to weight gain. This also brings a visible impact on the waistline, evident from the physical data. Symptoms that Mary may be suffering from due to her vitamin and mineral deficiencies Vitamin and mineral deficiencies occur if diet is inadequate, as in Mary’s case. According to Mary’s symptoms, she often feels fatigued and experiences shortness of breath, and lethargy. As per the laboratory results and symptoms, she is suffering from iron deficiency anemia. Nutritional data reveals that she fails to consume enough iron rich meals as she experiences menstrual periods. Iron aids in transporting oxygen to the body tissues. Thus, lack of enough iron leads to low oxygen concentration in the body. This results to fatigue and reduced work performance as in Mary’s case. Despite the fact that chicken is an excellent source of iron, and Mary is consuming it daily, iron absorption from this food group is impaired by alcohol and concentrated coffee consumed. Analysis of Mary’s physical data, a why doctors are concerned about her cholesterol and triglyceride levels Doctors are concerned about Mary’s cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as her health, nutritional lifestyle, and age pose a significant risk factor for coronary artery disease. Below are the doctors concerns as per Mary’s physical data: A weight of 168lbs, 5ft 4in height and 28.8 BMI reveals that Mary is overweight. Overweight is a health threat as it leads to many chronic conditions. The cholesterol level is 6.2 mmol/l, which is high blood cholesterol; Mary is suffering from hypercholesterolemia, contributed to the poor eating habits. As per the blood test, the results showed LDL, which is the chief source of cholesterol upsurge and blockage in the arteries; this is a health concern. Over time, this buildup results to hardening of the arteries, narrowing the arteries; thus, blood flow to the heart is slowed down and eventually blocked leading to a heart attack. Her Triglyceride levels of 5mmol/l reveal that it is higher than normal. This is common in obese people and can lead to diabetes, coronary artery disease, and pancreatitis. Suggestions on how Mary can change her food preparation food combination methods to ensure the food she eats are most nutritious In order to be healthy, it is fundamental to make lifestyle alterations with a plan on calorie reduction from food and beverages consumed by the following ways: Following a healthy eating plan with the help of a nutritionist- This plan will ensure the body receives the daily nutrient requirements, and at the same time within the daily calorie aspiration for weight loss. Additionally, Mary has to change her eating habits by consuming nutrient rich foods within her calorie need (Institute of Medicine 2002: 17-69.). Having a daily food and activity journal- This will aid Mary in noting down the foods and beverages consumed daily so that she can note her weight changes. The health practitioners of Mary can check her progress in this quick method. Mary must also keep fit by regular exercise. Noting down the exercises done as well as the time will be essential in her activity journal. Exercise will aid in weight reduction and keeping fit. Having a menu and menu planner- Mary is a busy individual, coming up with an assortment of a reduced calorie menu is essential. The different types of recipes will help in meal preparation, making eating fun for Mary and her husband, as they will be trying out different types of meals. All recipes must be centered on being healthy, with essential consideration given to the serving size, nutrients, calories, and number or servings (Roberts et al, 1998: 56). Improving shopping tips- In order to change her lifestyle, Mary has to improve her shopping tips for reading food labels whilst shopping. In addition, Mary has to make it a habit to buy fresh vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, and fruits. Relationship between Mary’s dietary patterns, lifestyle and BMI score. Mary leads a sedentary lifestyle, meaning that her energy expenditure is lower. Moreover, she has bad eating habits, without a balanced diet. Reduced dietary fibre (little consumption of fruits and vegetables) and lower energy expenditure attribute to weight gain, especially in the elderly. Mary has a habit of skipping meals, which is associated with an increase in snacking frequency thus weight gain due to excess calorie consumption (Drummond et al,1996: 779-783). Mary’s dietary pattern of snacking, junk food, and excessive consumption of harmful beverages (coke and concentrated coffee) is harmful as this to her weight gain. Her BMI score is evident of this harmful lifestyle and dietary patterns. Mary’s BMI score and waist circumference are health concerns due to the following reasons: BMI score aids in detecting obesity related conditions. Waist circumference aids in screening of possible obesity related risks. Mary’s BMI is 28.8, meaning that she is overweight, a health risk- cardiovascular disease. Her waist circumference is 83cm. Thus, she has a higher risk for heart disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes, as her waist size is greater than 80cm. Premenopausal specific dietary requirements Pre-menopausal women must obtain enough vitamins and minerals to prevent conditions such as anemia. Premenopausal specific dietary requirements are as follows (Caballero, 2009: 108). Calcium- 2-4 servings of dairy products and calcium rich foods are recommended; approximately 1,200 mg daily. This can be obtained from dairy products, broccoli, and legumes. Drinking plenty amounts of water, as per the daily requirement. Reduction of alcohol consumption to one or two drinks daily. Fiber- the recommended intake is 21g daily. Such foods include vegetables, cereals, and whole grain breads. Maintaining weight by regular exercise and eating healthy meals. Iron- Three servings of iron rich foods per day is recommended so as to boost iron in the body, approximately mg daily. Such foods include eggs, fish, meat, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and grain products. Reduce meals high in fat, as well as saturated fat. Sugar and salt must be taken in moderation to prevent cases of high blood pressure. Importance of macronutrients and micronutrients in maintaining Mary’s overall health Macronutrients, micronutrients, and minerals address the unique nutritional requirements for premenopausal women, such as Mary. These nutrients are essential in a healthy growth and development for the following reasons: Macronutrients aid in hormonal balance i.e. soya milk. Increased mineral intake is important for women at midlife, for instance reduction of estrogen levels during menopause makes bones more prone to calcium loss, thus increased calcium intake is essential to diminish the development of osteoporosis. Complete absorption of calcium must be combined with phosphorous and vitamin D rich foods (Chiras 2013: 10). 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Is consumption of breakfast associated with body mass index in US adults?.Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 105(9), 1373-1382. WILLETT WC. (2002). Dietary fat plays a major role in obesity: no. Obes Rev ; 3: 59–68. WOLFF, E., & DANSINGER, M. L. (2008). Soft drinks and weight gain: how strong is the link?. The Medscape Journal of Medicine, 10(8), 189. Read More