Diet and Nutrition

Food & fruits Food & fruits
Nutrition is the science of foods. It is the study of nutrients and the effect they have on our body. It includes all the processes of the human body like ingestion, digestion, absorption, transportation and utilization of nutrients and then eventually the disposition of the end product, the entire function which is termed as “Digestion”. Nutrition includes every thing that happens to food, from the time it is eaten until it reaches its end process. There are many social, economical, cultural aspects of food all of which is included in the study of diet and nutrition.

Dietetics is a science as well as an art of the dietary intake of either individuals or a group of people under different economic and health conditions and then studying them according to the principles of nutrition.

Geriatric Nutrition

Physiological changes take place with increasing age hence the nutritional requirements also change accordingly. During old age, energy requirements are less as the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) starts decreasing from the age of 35. The requirement of energy reduces at the rate of about 5% to 20% between the age of 35 to 70 years. To cater to this change in requirement calorie intake should be reduced to maintain ideal body weight as per age and body frame. Overweight individuals need to reduce and attain ideal body weight.

While protein, minerals and vitamins requirements remain unchanged, higher intake of minerals and vitamins especially calcium, iron and B complex vitamins may help. These aid the processes of digestion, absorption and utilization as they do not function at an optimal level.

Dietary considerations
Intake of adequate amount of soluble and insoluble fiber to combat constipation.
Sufficient intake of fluids for proper elimination of waste products, stimulates peristalsis and thereby reduces constipation.
Intake of easily digestible and soft food.
Small & frequent feeds.

Teen Nutrition


Teens Diet Teens Diet The period of transition from childhood to adulthood is called adolescence (teen age). There is an accelerated physical, mental and emotional growth and developments occur during this period. It is in fact the second and final growth spurt. Growth spurt for girls is between 10 to 13 years of age and that for boys is between 12 to 15 years. Nutritional requirements are higher during these different periods of growth spurt. Other reasons for different nutritional requirements for boys and girls is different hormonal secretions and also bigger frames of body in case of boys than in girls.

Physical, psychological and social pressures influence adolescent’s eating habits. They may skip meals, prefer fast foods which are inadequate in essential nutrients especially calcium and vitamin A but high in calories, saturated fat and sodium. Sometimes self imposed diets to maintain their figure may result in complex and far reaching disorders like anorexia nervosa or bulimia.

Ways to provide good nutrition to Teenagers.
Meals taken at home, breakfast & dinner to include most of the vitamins and minerals.
Leafy and other vegetables can be incorporated in the form of snack preparations.
Fruit juices, lassi, milk shakes may be taken in place of carbonated drinks.
Girls should pay special attention to protein, vitamin C and iron intake.
Monitor weight gain, gain in height and body build. Consult expert at the earliest if feeding problems are suspected.