CMA Chapter 1: Nutrition

• The process whereby food is broken down, absorbed, used by the cells, or stored by the body is known as metabolism
• Metabolism consists of two phases: catabolism and anabolism

  • Catabolism: larger molecules are converted into smaller molecules, releasing energy
  • Anabolism: smaller molecules are converted into larger molecules, considered the constructive phase of metabolism
• An example of catabolism is the conversion of glycogen into pyruvic acid, releasing energy measured in calories
• An example of anabolism is the conversion of amino acids into specific proteins
• Carbohydrates are broken down by the body into simple sugars (glucose) to provide energy to all cells of the body
• Complex carbohydrates, found in grains, legumes, potatoes, and pasta, provide long-term energy as they take longer to digest
• Simple carbohydrates, found in fruits and plants, are easily broken down and absorbed by the body
• Proteins, when broken down, are made up of amino acids which provide energy, build and repair tissue, and assist with antibody production in the body
• The human body needs 20 amino acids, 9 of which are essential and must come from the diet
• Complete proteins, found in animal products like milk, cheese, eggs, fish, and meat, provide all necessary amino acids
• Incomplete proteins, found in plants like beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds, do not contain all essential amino acids
• Fats, also known as lipids, serve as a concentrated source of heat production and energy and provide essential fatty acids
• Fats have important functions within the body including providing a cushion for internal organs, insulation, and assisting cells to function properly
• Healthy food preparation tips for patients:

  • Broil, boil, bake, roast, or grill meat, poultry, and fish
  • Trim the fat from beef
  • Use a cooking rack so that fat drips away from the meat
  • Remove the skin from chicken and wash hands and cutting surfaces immediately after handling raw chicken
  • Cook homemade soups or gravies, chill them, skim the fat off, and then reheat
  • Use unsaturated oils (canola, corn, safflower) and nonstick spray when possible, avoid saturated oils like butter and lard
• The USDA developed a food guidance system in 1992 called MyPyramid, which was later updated to MyPlate in 2011 to help people maintain healthy diets
• Minerals are inorganic substances used in the formation of body tissue, muscle contraction, nerve conduction, and blood clotting
• Cholesterol is produced by animals and is necessary for the body to function properly; foods like meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, and dairy products contain cholesterol
• Lipoproteins transport cholesterol between the liver and arterial walls; LDLs transport cholesterol to artery walls, while HDLs carry cholesterol away from arterial walls back to the liver
• Fiber is necessary in the diet to help with the elimination of waste products in the digestive system; high-fiber foods include vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain foods like breads, grains, and cereals
• A high-fiber diet may be recommended for patients with constipation or to regulate bowel movements
• Patients with constipation may be advised to avoid fatty foods and eat whole-grain cereals and breads
• Over-the-counter fiber supplements can be added to a liquid for daily regularity
• When discussing diet and nutrition topics with patients, it's important to talk about healthy food preparation and the significance of fiber in the diet
• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Academy of Sciences, and the Food and Drug Administration provide information about fats
• Trans fats are created by adding hydrogen to vegetable oil through a process called hydrogenation, which increases the shelf life of certain products
• Vitamins are organic substances that enhance the breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats
• Fat-soluble vitamins include A, D, E, and K, absorbed with fat-containing foods and stored in the liver, kidneys, and body fat
• Water-soluble vitamins like C and B-complex vitamins must be provided daily through the diet as the body does not store them
• Folate, a B vitamin, reduces the risk of neural tube defects in developing fetuses
• A daily intake of 400 mcg per day of synthetic folate or folic acid is recommended for women of childbearing age who may become pregnant
• Women are encouraged to eat foods naturally rich in folate and to check labels for folic acid content
• The March of Dimes campaign has significantly decreased the occurrence of neural tube defects by 50% to 70%
• It is important to teach all pregnant women about the potential harm substance abuse can do to their unborn child and to refer pregnant patients to support services
• The most important role of the medical assistant in educating patients about substance abuse is to be supportive and have a list of community resources available to assist patients who need them
• Provide positive reinforcements as appropriate and offer services to patients for cessation programs
• Smoking cessation involves nicotine, a highly addictive substance that reaches the brain in 6 seconds, damages blood vessels, decreases heart strength, and is associated with many cancers
• Withdrawal symptoms from smoking cessation include anxiety, progressive restlessness, irritability, and sleep disturbances
• Methods to stop smoking vary greatly, with some programs having the patient gradually stop and others seeking a total, abrupt stoppage, both supported by research data
• Things to do to prevent infectious diseases:

  • Keep immunizations up to date
  • Wash hands often
  • Prepare and handle food carefully
  • Use antibiotics only for infections caused by bacteria
  • Avoid insect bites
  • Stay alert to disease threats when traveling
  • Develop healthy habits
• Alcohol contains ethanol, a mind-altering substance that works as a depressant within the central nervous system, causing effects like lack of coordination, slurred speech, blurred vision, and impaired brain function