Carbohydrates serves as the primary energy source for cellular metabolism, particularly for blood sugar control, immune modulation, brain function, physical activity, and more.
Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which fuels cellular respiration and ATP production. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes are excellent sources of carbohydrates
Sucrose, lactose, and maltose are important sources of energy and play various roles in nutrition and metabolism. They contribute tot he flavor, sweetness and nutritional content of foods and beverages and are essential to a balanced diet.
Protein plays crucial roles in various biological processes, serving as structural components, enzymes, hormones, antibodies and transport molecules.
Fats or lipids are essential for providing energy, supporting cell growth and repair, and serving as precursors for signaling molecules. They also aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Provides energy and structural support to regulate inflammation, immune response and more
Vitamins are organic compounds that are essential for various physiological functions in the body. The roles of vitamins in various physiological processes are essential for diagnosing and managing nutrient deficiencies and optimizing patient health.
Minerals are naturally existing inorganic substance present in soil and food, vital for the effective operation of both animal and plant organisms.
Minerals are involved in processes such as enzyme activity, nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and maintenance of fluid balance. Obtained through a balanced diet in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, dairy products and lean meats.
Water is often referred to as "the universal solvent" and is essential for life. It fills spaces within the between cells primarily because it acts as a solvent, allowing various substances to dissolve and be transported within the body
Food poisoning is also called foodborne disease is caused by eating contaminated food and infectious and poisoning from contaminations with toxins or chemicals
Signs and Symptoms of Food poisoning:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Fever
Weakness
headaches
Dehydration
Hypotension
Hypothermia
Risk factors of food poisoning:
Consumption of contaminated food or beverages
Eating undercooked or improperly prepared foods
Poor foodhandling and storagepractices
Consuming foods past their expiration dates
Drinking untreated water
Complications of food poisoning:
Dehydration
Kidney failure
Sepsis
Reactions to medications used for treatment
Pharmacological management:
Antiemetic medications to alleviate nausea and vomiting
Antidiarrheal medications to reduce diarrhea
Antibiotics in some cases of bacterial food poisoning
Nursing management of food poisoning:
Monitoring vital signs
Assessing fluid intake and output to prevent dehydration
Providing oral rehydration solutions or intravenous fluids as needed
Educating patients on proper hand hygiene and food safety practices
Offering dietary guidance for reintroducing foods post-recovery
Medical management for food poisoning:
Diagnosis based on clinical symptoms and sometimes laboratory tests
Supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent complications
Treatment of severe cases in a hospital setting with close monitoring
Identification and treatment of any underlying conditions or complications
Collaboration with other healthcare professionals for comprehensive care
Food allergies are immune system reactions that occur shortly after consuming a particular food
It arises form the body's defense mechanism, the immune system, misinterpreting certain proteins found in food as a threat
Signs and symptoms of food allergies:
Skin reactions: hives, itching, eczema, swelling
runny nose
coughing
shortness of breath
hypotension
diarrhea
Nausea
Tingling or Swelling
Dizziness
Abdominal pain or cramping
Risk factors of food allergies:
Personal or family history of allergies
Previous allergic reactions to specific foods
Complications of food allergies:
Anaphylactic shock
Malnutrition due to food avoidance
Psychological impact: anxiety, stress, social isolation
Pharmacological Management for food allergies:
Antihistamines to relieve itching, hives, and mild symptoms
Epinephrine for emergency treatment of anaphylaxis
Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in severe cases
Nursing Management for food allergies:
Patient education on allergen avoidance and management strategies
Monitoring for signs of allergic reactions
Providing emotional support and resources for coping with food allergies
Teaching proper use of auto-injectable epinephrine devices
Medical Management for food allergies:
Diagnosis based on history, physical examination, and allergy testing
Emergency treatment of anaphylaxis with epinephrine
Referral to allergist or immunologist for further evaluation and management.
Food Intolerances - results from a digestive system irritation or when the digestive system is unable to break down or properly digest the food.
Lactose intolerance - due to the lack of the lactase enzyme to break down milk protein - is the most common type of food intolerance characterized by the body's inability to properly digest lactose. It causes uncomfortable symptoms after you eat dairy products.
Signs and Symptoms for intolerance:
bloating
Skin reactions
Headaches
Fatigue
Risk Factors for intolerance:
family history of food intolerances
Age (intolerances may develop or worsen with age)
Digestive disorders
Previous gastrointestinal surgery or conditions affecting digestive function
Complications for intolerances:
Nutritional deficiencies due to avoidance of certain foods
Impact on quality of life (social, emotional, and psychological effects)
Development of additional food sensitivities or allergies over time
Pharmacological Management for intolerances:
Over-the-counter medications to alleviate symptoms such as antacids for heartburn, anti-diarrheal agents.
Digestive enzyme supplements such as lactase for lactose intolerance
Nursing Management for intolerances:
Patient education on identifying trigger foods and managing symptoms through dietary modifications
Monitoring and documenting symptoms and dietary intake
Providing emotional support and resources for coping with dietary restriction
Medical Management for intolerances:
Diagnosis through elimination diets, food diary, or diagnostic tests
Referral to a dietitian for personalized dietary advice and meal planning
Management of underlying conditions contributing to food intolerances
Collaboration with healthcare team to address complications and improve quality of life
General
Abnormal findings: weakness and fatigue, weight loss
Implications: Anemia or electrolyte imbalance, decreased calorie intake
Skin, hair, and nails
Abnormal findings: Dry flaky skin, poor turgor rough scaly with bumps. Thinning dry hair. Spoon-shaped, brittle, or ridged nails
Implications: Dehydration, Vit-B complex, Vit-a, Vit-C or K, Protein deficiency
Eyes
Abnormal findings: night blindness, corneal swelling, softening or dryness
Implications: Vit-A, Riboflavin deficiency
Throat and mouth
Abnormal findings: cracks at eh corner of mouth, magenta tongue, bleeding gums, goiter
Implications: riboflavin, Vit-B12. Vit-C and iodine deficiency