Lady Lourdes Hospital & Colleges

College of Nursing
LECTURE NOTES
ON
NUTRITION AND DIET THERAPY
By: Erwin M. Escober B.S.N.,R.N.,M.A.N.(u.e)

Nutrition- study of nutrients and the processes by which they are used by the body. It is
the combination of processes by which the body utilizes food for growth, energy, and
maintenance. It is concerned with the study of food and its relation to health and
disease.
***Nutrition= digestion, metabolism, circulation and elimination
Nutritional Status= refers to the state of ones nutrition
Wellness= state of good health with optimal body function (requires good nutrition
***Malnutrition-results when the organism fails to receive or cannot utilize the essential
nutrients.
Dietetics-is the application of the science of nutrition and food management to the
feeding of individuals or groups
The DIETICIAN is particularly aware in the variation on nutrient needs determined by sex,
age, activity, and physical condition of the individual or group. Psychology as well as
socioeconomic factors plays an important role in the functions of the dietician

Basic Concepts of Nutrition

1. Nutrition is the food you eat and how the body uses it. We eat food to live, to
grow, to keep healthy and well, and to get energy for work and play.
2. Food is made up of different nutrients needed for growth and health.
a. All the nutrients needed by the body are available through food.
b. Many kinds and combination of food can lead to a well balanced diet.
c. No food, by itself has all the nutrients needed for full growth and health.
d. Each nutrient has its specific uses in the body.
e. Most nutrients do their best work in the body when teamed with other
nutrients.
3. All persons, throughout life, have need for the nutrients but in varying amounts
a. The amounts of nutrients needed are influenced by age sex, activity and the
state of health.
b. Suggestions for the kinds and amounts of food are made by trained scientist.
4. The way food is handled influences the amount of nutrients in food, its safety,
appearance, and taste.
a. Handling means everything that happen to food while it is being grown,
processed, stored and prepared for eating.
Nutrition plays a large role in determining:
Height
Weight
Strength
Skeletal and muscle development
Physical agility
Resistance to disease
Appetite
Posture
Complexion
Mental ability
Emotional and psychological health

Variables Affecting an Individuals Calorie Needs

1) Age and Growth
2) Gender
3) Climate
4) Sleep
5) Activity
6) Fever
7) Illness
Food and Fluid Intake Regulating Mechanisms:

HYPOTHALAMUS
1. Thirst- triggered by loss of body fluid more than 2%
2. Hunger- triggered by low blood glucose level
3. Appetite triggered by sight, smell, and thought of food
4. Satiety- triggered by gastric distension

Nurses Role in Diet Therapy

A. Assess nutritional status
B. Observe nutritional intake
C. Evaluate response to diet therapy
D. Support dietary teaching and regimen ordered

*The nurse plays and important part in the nutritional aspect of pt care.

*Because of being close and continual contact with the patient, the nurse is able to
evaluate the pts nutritional status and provide input to the dietician about the pts
nutritional needs and acceptance of the nutritional plan of care.

*Good nutrition is essential to good health throughout the life cycle and the nurse is an
excellent position to encourage sound nutritional practice whenever possible in each
pt encountered.

An immediate effect of good nutrition includes:

Healthy appearance
Good attitude
Proper sleep and bowel habits
High energy level
Enthusiasm
Freedom from anxiety