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Useful Nutrition Information for Nurses

Nearly every function in the human body requires proper nutrients and part of a nurse's responsibility is to ensure her patient is getting the right amount of nutrients to support these functions. Proper nutrition is essential to survival and an integral part of healing. Nurses continually evaluate and monitor patient nutrition, and perform interventions when problems arise. Well-balanced nutrition includes carbohydrates, protein, lipids vitamins and minerals.

  1. Carbohydrates

    • Carbohydrates are made up of one or more sugar molecules, including glucose, fructose and galactose. The body breaks needs these sugars to provide energy for cells. Muscles use protein and sugar, but the brain relies entirely on glucose for energy. Too much sugar, however, can have adverse effects including obesity, diabetes and behavioral problems in children. Carbohydrates also provide fiber, which helps prevent constipation, obesity, heart disease and intestinal diseases.

    Protein

    • Every tissue and fluid in the body, aside from urine and bile, contains protein. Protein is made of anywhere from a few dozen to hundreds of amino acids. There are 20 common amino acids used by the body, nine of which cannot be reproduced in the body and must be taken in through diet. By eating protein, you are giving the body access to these amino acids to create more protein. The enzymes that are behind many chemical processes in the body, including digestion, are made of protein. Excess protein is converted to fat and stored in the body.

    Lipids

    • Lipids are more commonly known as fats and include triglycerides, phospholipids and steroids. The body uses lipids along with proteins and carbohydrates to make fatty acids, which are integral to maintaining healthy skin and supporting normal growth in children. Unsaturated fats, which are soft or liquid at room temperature, are healthier than saturated fats, which are solid at room temperature. Too much saturated fat can increase cholesterol and lead to heart disease. Trans-fat, which is almost entirely man-made and includes products with partially hydrogenated oil, can also raise cholesterol and cause an unhealthy response in the cells.

    Vitamins

    • Vitamins are essential to life because they help create chemical reactions within the cells. Most vitamins cannot be made in the body and need to be supplied through diet. Vitamins A, D, E and K are stored in the liver and fat tissue and do not need to be consumed daily. Vitamin C and the B-complex are stored in limited amounts and need to be replenished regularly. Vitamin deficiency can cause a wide range of problems from bleeding gums due to a lack of vitamin C to sudden heart failure due to a lack of thiamine. Although the body doesn't differentiate between vitamins from food sources, and those made in a laboratory, natural sources may be more easily absorbed.

    Minerals

    • Minerals are found in every single body tissue and fluid. They provide structure to the tissue and regulate processes such as nerve cell transmission, muscle contraction and hormonal activities. Electrolytes, including potassium, sodium and chloride, balance the body's fluids and help maintain proper blood acidity. Calcium and phosphorus are required for healthy bones. Some minerals can be harmful in excessive amounts. For example, too much calcium can increase the risk of kidney stones and too much sodium can cause high blood pressure.

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