Digestion

Learning Outcomes By the end of this section, you should be able to: The Digestive Process The digestive process includes four steps: ingestion, digestion, absorption, and metabolism. Ingestion is the first step and involves the process of bringing food and liquids into the body…

Introduction

Figure 4.1 The digestive process breaks down food and fuels the body for function. (credit: modification of work “Chef Salad” by Gesalbte/Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0) Chapter Outline 4.1 Digestion 4.2 Physical Assessment of Digestive Organs 4.3 The Function of Digestive Organs 4.4 The Nurse’s Role in…

Supplements

Learning Outcomes By the end of this section, you should be able to: Regulations and Recommendations for the Use of Supplements Eating a diet with fresh and minimally processed foods is the best source of vitamins and minerals. However, even…

Minerals

Learning Outcomes By the end of this section, you should be able to: Mineral Function Minerals are common in cereals, bread, meat, fish, milk, dairy, nuts, fruit (especially in dried form), and vegetables. About 20 minerals are essential for body function, all…

Vitamins

Learning Outcomes By the end of this section, you should be able to: Vitamin Function The human body obtains vitamins—nutrients the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy—in two ways: food and supplementation. Vitamins were first referred to…

Introduction

Figure 3.1 Vitamins and minerals are found in vegetables and fruits such as strawberries, which are high in vitamin C and antioxidants. (credit: modification of work “Pike Place Farmers Market Express June 25” by Seattle City Council/Flickr, Public Domain) Chapter Outline 3.1 Vitamins…

Hydration

Learning Outcomes By the end of this section, you should be able to: Hydration Function Water is the universal solvent; every cell, tissue, and organ requires water to transport essential substances. Molecules dissolve into the watery blood environment and move…