Human Nutrition And Digestive System Assignment Sample

Dietary Analysis and Recommendations for Balanced Nutrition

Introduction

This essay aims to highlight and critically analyse the given dietary scenarios and thoroughly discuss about the consequences of not achieving a balanced diet. In this essay, recommendations have also been offered on how the diet could be improved for three different case scenarios.

Discussion

Dietary Scenario 1:

In-depth analysis of Michael's dietary plan, a few notable aspects that be seen that can have a negative impact on their overall health and well-being. According to the diet plan, the energy intake by Michael is 11,347 kJ, therefore, his micro nutritional distribution and intake amount of nutrients need further assessment for a balanced diet.

• Macronutrient Imbalance: As per the diet plan, Michael has consumed 151 grams of fat along with 38 grams of polyunsaturated fatty acids, 51 grams of saturated fatty acids along with 168 grams of intrinsic sugar, and 54 grams of extrinsic sugar. This diet plan indicates that Michael's diet plan is relatively high in fat. 51 grams of saturated fat is notably high and could contribute to the risk of cardiovascular disorders. A balanced diet should include a low amount of saturated fat content
• Carbohydrate Intake: According to the diet plan, the consumption amount of carbohydrates by Michael is 222 grams, with a significantly high amount of extrinsic sugar content. High intake of intrinsic and extrinsic sugar can lead to the onset of diabetic mellitus, increase the chance of weight gain, and dental caries (Cardo et al., 2021).
• Nutrient Gap: The diet chart of Michael is lacking essential nutrients like Vitamins A, D, E, and K and minerals like iron, and magnesium. The lack of nutrients and minerals, in the diet chart can affect immunity, bone health, and overall vitality negatively.
• Fibre Intake: As per the diet chart, the total fibre intake by Michael is 14.3 grams, which is relatively low. Insufficient fibre in the blood can cause digestive disorders, and increase the risk of colorectal cancer, and other intestinal or digestive disorders (Amirruddin et al., 2020).

Consequences of not achieving a balanced diet:

• Bone health: lack of calcium and vitamin D in the diet plan can weaken the bone, and cause synoptical disorders. Insufficient amounts of minerals in food habits can increase the risk of bone fracture, decay of bone, and joint pain for Michael to a considerable extent.
• Digestive issues: low fibre can cause digestive discomforts, irregular bowel movement, and syndromes, and can increase the risk of gastrointestinal disorders (Grech et al., 2022).
• Nutritional deficiencies: Inadequate consumption of essential vitamins and minerals can cause developmental failure and loss of different body functions. Nutritional deficiencies can cause diabetes, loss of vision, and loss of immunity and can also increase the incidence rate of cancer.
• Cardiovascular disorder: High levels of cholesterol in the blood and diet charts can increase the risk of heart disease. High cholesterol, Michael can lead to the development of fatty acid disposition in blood vessels which eventually slows down the blood flow through arteries and increases the chance of cardiovascular disorder (Tateishi et al., 2023).

Dietary Scenario 2:

Stephanie's desire to conceive and recent diagnosis report regarding the onset of anaemia highlight the importance of a balanced and nutrient-rich diet in reference to her fertility and potential pregnancy. Making the right dietary changes can significantly improve her chance to conceive and promote a healthy pregnancy.

• Iron-rich foods: As Stephanie is suffering from anaemia, she needs to increase the consumption rate of iron. Iron is essential for promoting oxygen transport, and healthy blood cells, which add value to both the development of the foetus and the increasing fertility rate (Ganguly et al., 2021). Stephanie should also focus on the consumption of iron-rich foods like legumes, spinach, nuts, poultry, fish, fortified cereals, and so on.
• Folate Intake: Adequate folate intake is also important when it comes to preventing neural tubes from any kind of defects at an early stage of pregnancy. Stephanie should include folate-risk food in her diet plan, like citrus fruits, fortified grains, and leafy vegetables in her diet plan to increase the rate of iron in her blood (Zabaleta, 2020)
• Healthy Fats: Stephanie needs to include some sources of healthy fats, like nuts, seeds, avocados, and fatty fish. This can support hormone production and help to improve overall reproductive health.
• Protein Source: Adequate protein intake is also important for egg production-protein helps the fetus to grow normally while it contributes to other important areas of development. Specifically in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, protein needs increased by an average of 21g/day which resulted in an EAR of 0.89g/kg bw/day (Grieger, 2020).
• Complex Carbohydrates: Opt for whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat bread, and oats. These provide a steady release of energy, help in regulating blood sugar levels, and help maintain healthy weight during pregnancy. Complex carbohydrate provides a quick burst of energy. Complex carbs include whole grains such as oatmeal, and bulgur, legumes like dried beans, and starchy vegetables (Alesi et al., 2023).
• Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is important for overall health and fertility. Drinking plenty of water can help her maintain the health of cervical mucus, which plays an important role in sperm transportation to the ovary.

These are the diet plans that Stephanie should follow to increase the chance of her pregnancy. Regular prenatal check-ups by healthcare providers can ensure Stephanie's overall health and well-being and increase the success rate of the pregnancy journey (Skoracka et al., 2021).

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Dietary Scenario 3:

Imran, a 12-year-old heavy gamer is now leading a sedentary lifestyle by spending extended hours in his dimly lit room by playing video games while consuming an unhealthy diet. Concerns were raised by his sister about the habit which made her mother realize that Imran is becoming overweight. The turning point came when Imran started suffering from a fracture at his left tibia after tripping (Hill et al., 2019). At that time, it was becoming important for him to visit the hospital. The diagnosis by the doctor revealed that Imran was not only dealing with a fractured bone but also he was suffering from malnutrition.

The doctor underlined the pressing necessity for dietary modifications and the significance of including vitamin-rich meals. His mother received a diet plan to help her with this nutritional change. In addition, Imran's doctor suggested increasing outside activities and recommended a vitamin D pill owing to his lack of sun exposure (Jesus and Stevenson, 2020). Beyond the fracture, the doctor had serious concerns about Imran's bone health due to lower-than-expected bone density and the emergence of bowed femurs (Compher et al., 2022). The doctor said that the deterioration in Imran's bone health was an indication of an illness that had been almost eradicated in Britain but was again reemerging, especially among young people. Imran's age group's bad food habits and minimal sun exposure are blamed for this revival.

In-depth analysis of the Imran case, it can be realised that this case scenario is a poignant reminder of the profound impact of lifestyle choices which have a direct impact on anyone's overall health and well-being (Ko et al., 2020). The guidance by the doctor underlines the significance of consuming a balanced diet and nutrition-rich food along with the necessity of spending time outdoors to maintain bone health, overall health, and well-being.

Conclusion

To conclude this essay, it can be stated that consumption of a balanced and nutritionally rich diet is essential for every individual to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The recommendation for Michael's balanced diet:

A balanced diet is what Michael needs to pursue to maintain his health and well-being. By selecting lean protein sources, healthy grains, and an abundance of fruits and vegetables, Michael can reduce the consumption of excessive sugar and saturated fat contents. By incorporating physical activities regularly, Michael can look after maintaining his weight (Cardo et al., 2021). He might practice portion management and eat more nutrient-dense foods to address his present weight. You can get specialized advice by speaking with a licensed dietician.

Diet recommendation for Stephanie's fertility and pregnancy issues

Stephanie needs a significant dietary overhaul. Since she is trying to get rid of anaemia and to conceive, therefore her diet plan should be rich in minerals and vitamins, including vitamin D to reduce the chance of malnutrition and improve bone health (Hill et al., 2019). She also needs to consume nutrient-rich and iron-rich food to support the potential pregnancy and increase the fertility rate (Jesus and Stevenson, 2020). To address the anaemia, she must prioritize the consumption of folate-rich foods like leafy and green vegetables, fortified grains, healthy fats, lean protein, and complex carbohydrates.

The recommendation to Imran for malnutrition and bone health

Imran should consume vitamin and mineral-rich foods to control malnutrition and improve bone health issues (Ko et al., 2020). He has to limit his screen time and increase engagement in outdoor activities and time of exposure to the sun. Imran's intake of nutrient-poor foods like sweets and crisps should be minimized and substituted by wholesome foods like vegetables, and fruits. Whole grains and lean proteins (Compher et al., 2022). Consumption of hydrated fruits like citrus fruits and water should also be important to improve the overall health and well-being of Imran.

References

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