Nutrition

Macromolecules Organic molecules contain carbon bonded to hydrogen, as well as to other atoms, such as oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen. Macromolecules are larger, more complex assemblies of organic molecules, also known as nutrients. These are the raw materials that our bodies need to provide energy, to regulate cellular activities, and to build and repair tissues.

Often grouped into four major categories: Carbohydrates Lipids Proteins Nucleic acids Together, the four major categories of macromolecules are known as essential nutrients.

Carbohydrates Are macromolecules that always contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen Almost always in the same proportion: 2H : 1O : 1C. Provide short-term or long-term energy storage for organisms. There are two main types of carbohydrates: simple sugars and polysaccharides.

Monosaccharides (Simple Sugars) Carbohydrate molecules with three to seven carbon atoms. Examples: glucose (the sugar found in blood) and fructose (the sugar found in fruit). Disaccharides Made up of two simple sugars (di- = two). Examples: sucrose (table sugar), and lactose (the sugar found in dairy products). Polysaccharides Complex carbohydrates that consist of many linked simple sugars (poly- = many). Examples: Starch stores energy in plants, and glycogen stores energy in animals.

Carbohydrates

Lipids Are insoluble in water. The basic structure of lipids is a molecule of glycerol 3 carbon atoms, each attached to a fatty acid chain Store 2.25 times more energy per gram than other biological molecules; function as energy-storage molecules. Examples of lipids are fats, such as butter and lard, and oils, such as olive oil and safflower oil.

Proteins Assembled from small sub-units known as amino acids Polypeptides are chains for hundreds of amino acids joined together by peptide bonds Most enzymes are proteins, and so are antibodies, which combat disease. Proteins help build and repair muscles and cell membranes

Nucleic Acids Nucleic acids direct growth and development of all organisms using a chemical code. The two types of nucleic acids are ribonucleic acid (RNA) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

Minerals and Vitamins Inorganic and organic substances that enable chemical reactions to occur and aid in tissue development, growth, and immunity. Needed by a healthy, functional human body.

A Few Minerals Mineral Key function in the body Possible Sources Calcium Forming bone, conducting nerve signals, contracting muscle, clotting blood Dairy products Iron Producing hemoglobin Red meat Magnesium Supporting enzyme functions, producing protein Dark, leafy greens Potassium Conducting nerve signals, contracting muscle Grains Sodium Conducting nerve signals, balancing body fluids Salt

A Few Vitamins Vitamin Key function in the body Possible Sources A (carotene) Good vision, healthy skin and bones Fruits B1 (thiamine) Metabolizing carbohydrates, growth and muscle tone Beans C (ascorbic acid) Boosting immune system, healthy bones, teeth, gums, and blood vessels Fruit D Absorbing calcium, forming bone Fish E Strengthening red blood cell membranes

Water Needed for the proper functioning of all cells and organs. Makes up 2/3 of body mass. Functions include: Transporting dissolved nutrients into the cells that line the small intestine Flushing toxins from cells Lubricating tissues and joints Forming essential body fluids, such as blood and mucus Regulating body temperature (by sweating) Eliminating waste materials (in urine and sweat)

Digestive Disorders

Peptic Ulcers Description: a sore in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, where hydrochloric acid and pepsin are present. The unprotected tissue comes into contact with acidic gastric juice. Symptoms: abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and loss of appetite. http://youtu.be/K-Ao6kyoaNk

Peptic Ulcer Causes: an acid-resistant bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, attach themselves to the wall of the digestive tract and prevent that area from producing the protective mucus. Treatments: antibiotics that kill the bacteria, and medications that reduce acidity in the stomach.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease A general name for a group of diseases that cause inflammation in the intestines. Prevalence is increasing in Canada over 200 000 people (1 in 160) Is a chronic disease, meaning that it is long lasting or recurrent. Can only be treated - not cured - by a special diet and by taking medication to reduce pain and inflammation

Crohn’s Disease Can affect any part of the alimentary canal from the mouth to the anus. Children with Crohn’s disease develop thinner bones that increase the future risk of fractures, and they experience poor muscle development. http://youtu.be/l94f-6b8IZ4

Ulcerative Colitis Attacks the colon. Symptoms include loose and bloody stools, cramps, and abdominal pain. In severe cases it may be necessary for surgeons to remove the affected part of the colon and create a new external opening for digestive waste.

Colon Cancer Description: cancerous cells (tumours) are present in the wall of the large intestine (colon). Causes: A mix of genetic and environmental factors can cause cells in the lining of the bowel to turn cancerous. http://youtu.be/rl4s1D4MGH8

Colon Cancer Symptoms: The passage of bright red blood in the stool or a change in the frequency, consistency or thickness of stool are the most typical symptoms. Treatment: resection surgery where the diseased segment is removed and the bowel on either side of the cancer is reunited.

GERD Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a disorder affecting the lower esophageal sphincter. Reflux refers to a reverse flow of the stomach’s contents into the esophagus. Most people living with GERD suffer from indigestion, heartburn or acid reflux.

GERD Lifestyle and dietary changes to reduce the reflux and the potential to damage the esophageal lining. Medical treatment involves the use of antacids to neutralize acid in the esophagus and stomach or drugs to reduce the amount of acid secreted into the stomach in response to meals.