Ingestion, Digestion, Absorption, and Metabolism

Eating is something we all probably love to do, which is a good thing so we can get all the nutrients our bodies need in order to stay healthy and in tune.  Once we chew up our food and swallow it, or swallow what we are drinking, a bunch of new processes begin in order for our bodies to squeeze out all the nutrients it needs to function.  This is where ingestion, digestion, absorption, and metabolism come into play.

Ingestion is the process that occurs when food is consumed by our mouth and then moved through the digestive system.  Digestion is a systemic process that includes the breakdown and absorption of various nutrients.  Absorption occurs as different nutrients pass through the digestive system into your bloodstream and lymphatic system.  Metabolism then is the sum of all the chemical processes that occur on a cellular level in order to maintain your health.

Sounds like quite a process, doesn’t it?  It occurs so fast that we usually don’t even pay any attention to it…all we do is hope that it works like it’s supposed too.  Total Home Health has various programs for all your nutrition needs and understand that even though we love eating, sometimes it can be discomforting.  When our professionals come into your home we understand that your health and well-being is a huge responsibility.  Our goal are to promote your health and prevent you from having any complications that could have negative effects on your way of life.  We know that taking multiple medications is something you most likely do on a daily basis.  Our professionals with Total Home Health understand that your nutrition can play a crucial role in how your medications work and affect your body.  Therefore, it is very important to us to be aware, and always take into consideration what your daily medication regimen is along with what your daily diet consists of.

At this point we will shift our focus to the next and final point of this discussion, the metabolic rate.  What is the metabolic rate?  It refers to the speed at which food energy is burned.  In general men have a higher metabolic rate than women because of their higher amount of body muscle and decreased amount of fat.  If you experience acute stress, it could cause an increase in your metabolism and blood sugar levels, and the following could also happen:

·         A deficiency in protein is a major nutritional concern during acute stress, because stress hormones target protein and break it down very rapidly.

·         Protein deficiency then increases your risk of complications including skin breakdown, delays in wound healing, infections, failure of organs, makes you more prone to ulcers, and could make your medications work differently.

·         Inadequate intake of protein in your diet can prevent your body from adapting correctly and compensating during times of stress.  This is why close monitoring of your diet is important to us at Total Home Health.

Other important tips and good things to know related to your metabolic rate include what both increases and decreases it.  The following items will increase your metabolism:

·         Having a fever

·         Muscle tremors that you cannot control (shivering or with Parkinson’s)

·         Hyperthyroidism

·         Cancer

·         Heart failure

·         High blood pressure

·         COPD

·         Burns and surgery

·         Wound healing

In contrast if you or your loved one has hypothyroidism, it will decrease your metabolism.  Total Home Health understands how complicated this process can seem, despite it happening all so quickly.  Our nursing professionals will do all we can to the best of our abilities to provide you with a diet regimen that is well-balanced for your specific needs.  Following are some tips we would like to extend to you and your loved ones if you need to increase your dietary calories and protein:

·         Substitute whole milk for water in recipes when cooking.

·         Add cheese, peanut butter, or yogurt to foods.

·         Dip meats in eggs or milk and coat with bread crumbs before cooking.

·         Remember that nuts and beans are significant sources of protein, and they are good alternatives for a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance.

Once you enroll with Total Home Health, our professionals will always be attentive to your holistic care.  Holistic care means we will include every aspect of your plan of care and treatment, whether it is administering your medications or helping you to make positive changes to your diet.  We understand that all parts of the spectrum related to your care will be in our hands and we are ready to show you how we can create positive changes in your life.  Let’s get started today!