During_Pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through changes such as physical, hormonal, and psychological changes. To ensure one is acquiring all the nutrients needed during pregnancy, is eating a variety of foods from each food group daily, and with the help of prenatal vitamins prescribed by the doctor. Protein for a pregnant women is important because it is the building block of the body’s cells that makes up amino acids, which makes protein for both the mother and the baby (Healthline Networks, 2011). Water carries nutrients through blood for the body and baby. The body cannot function properly without water. Lack of water can cause contractions or early labor. Consuming the right amount of calories helps the mother and baby gain the proper amount of weight during pregnancy (Tummywear, 2011). Women of normal weight need 300 calories extra each day for 6 months. Underweight, overweight or obese pregnant women need different calorie intakes and should talk to a health care provider to ensure the right amounts of calorie intakes (MamasHealth Inc., 2011). Glucose intolerance during pregnancy is known to be called gestational diabetes. There is no known cause. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause sensitivity to the effect of insulin. This can cause high blood sugar levels and is dangerous for the mother and the baby (Discovery Communications, LLC, 2011). Pregnant women who have never had diabetes but have high blood sugar are known to have gestational diabetes and affect 18% of pregnant women. If the gestational diabetes is not treated or controlled, it can hurt the baby because the pancreas works more to produce insulin, but the insulin does not lower the mother’s sugar levels. When extra blood goes through the placenta, the baby will have a high glucose levels which causes the baby’s pancreas to make more insulin that it should. The baby acquires more energy than normal to develop and grow. This leads to extra fat known as macrosomia. A serious problem such as damage to the baby’s shoulders during birth is one health problem from macrosomia (American Diabetes Association, 2011). Newborns to infants six months of age meet their nutritional needs through breast milk or formula. Newborns need to double their calorie intake more than adults to sustain his or her growth. Infants up to the age of six months need at least 95 to 115 calories for each two pounds of body weight each day. Infants who are four to six months consume 28 to 45 ounces of formula daily (Livestrong.com, 2011). Proteins are necessary for infants to grow. Proteins provide calories and building blocks for proper growth. Two major proteins are casein and whey found in the mother’s milk and milk-based formulas. Immunoglobulin's is a protein found in breast milk fights infection-fighting immunity. It is effiently metabolized and is considered a nutritional source (MedicineNet, Inc., 2011). Lipids are a huge energy source for all ages. Infants have a high requirement for lipids. About 40% to 50% of calories are derived from fat. Important roles of lipids are growth of the brain, vision or cognitive development, and the transmission of neural impulses. Another important role is the formation of myelin. Myelin forms an insulating cover around nerves to allow them to rapidly transmit impulses (Livestrong.com, 2011). As a teen, the body is constantly growing and changing. Specific nutrients for teen males and females are calcium, iron, and grains. Females need more iron to replace lost blood during their menstrual cycles. Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth. Teens needs iron to support rapid growth. Teens should acquire six to ten servings a day of grains. Lean beef, iron-fortified cereals, fish and whole grains are some foods that contain iron (Livestrong.com, 2011). The benefits for eating healthy for the elderly are higher energy levels, better immune system, and the resistant to illnesses. Eating a healthy is the key to a positive outlook and staying emotionally balanced. Nutrition helps keep the bones, muscles, and organs strong for a longer life span. Key nutrients are essential for the brain to do its work. Nutrients can also improve focus and decrease the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. When the body has the proper nutrients, it feels good inside and out (HelpGuide.org, 2011). The loss of smell and taste has an effect on the elderly. If the elderly can not taste or smell food, they will not eat. The loss of teeth can be a problem. If an elderly person has dentures, and they do not fit properly, this can change their eating habits because of the difficulty in chewing food. Exercising and a diet high in calcium helps protect against osteoporosis. Treatments include exercising, calcium supplements, and estrogen replacement (Anderson, 2011). Taking folic acid vitamins over a period can lead to the risk of heart disease. Folic acid is one of the B vitamins that isof the most serious risks to plaque build-up in the arteries and heart attacks. Studies show taking anti diabetic medications inhibit enzymes that are necessary for the synthesis of an important antioxidant called coenzyme Q10, which are two members of the sulfonylurea class that do not deplete coenzyme Q10. Anti-acids and anti-ulcer medications inhibit the absorption of many vitamins and minerals. Anti-ulcer medications deplete vitamin D and may result in skeletal problems such as osteoporosis, muscle weakness, tooth decay and hearing loss (Virginia Hopkins Test Kits, 2011). Try not to over eat and do not be concerned counting calories. Think of diet in terms of color, freshness, and variety. It will become easier to make healthier choices. Find enjoyable foods and easy recipes that call for fresh ingredients. Chew food slowly to enjoy every bite. People eat too fast and forget to actually taste the flavors and the feeling of the texture of what is in the mouth. Stop eating before feeling fullness. The brain takes a few minutes to tell the body that it is full and has enough to eat. Eat slowly to give the brain enough time to tell the body it is full. Eating a healthy breakfast jumpstarts metabolism and eating small portions throughout the day keeps metabolism and energy going all day.