Patient Information
Nutrition and Diet: Introduction
More nutrition information can be found
at the American Dietetic Association and
MUSC Nutrition Services web sites.
Our diet refers to the foods and fluids we eat and drink. Our dietary intake is composed of the following:
We need to consume a balanced diet to maintain health. The gastrointestinal tract is central to health maintenance, since nutrients are absorbed in the small bowel (or small intestine), and water predominantly absorbed by the colon (or large intestine).
The energy provided by the food we consume is measured in Calories (the amount of energy needed to heat a kilogram of water by 10 degrees Celsius). Our weight is simply a function of the energy we consume and the energy we expend. Too much energy consumed and we put on weight; too little energy and we lose weight. The amount of energy we need to achieve or maintain our optimal weight depends upon age, body height, present weight and energy expenditure (level of physical activity). Older persons and people who take little exercise require fewer Calories than young adults and those who are physically active.
One of the keys to staying healthy is a balanced diet. Dietary guidelines drawn up by U.S. health care agencies suggest that we should consume adequate amounts of complex carbohydrates and proteins, and limit the amount of fats, sodium and refined sugars we eat. In general, meat should only be eaten once a day, and white meat and fish are especially approved because of their low fat content. Fresh fruit and vegetables are also recommended because they contain little fat and large amounts of fiber. A varied and healthy diet combined with routine mild or moderate exercise will insure that our bodies are maintained in their healthiest possible condition.