Ch 6: Nutrition-Related Physiology
About This Chapter
Nutrition Related Physiology - Chapter Summary
In this chapter, our instructors review the human digestive system and how it functions. You will be introduced to the upper gastrointestinal tract, the lower gastrointestinal tract, problems of malabsorption, essential nutrients, and the role of stress in digestion. You'll find out about inflammation and oxidative stress, and how they play a role in your overall health. After completing this chapter, you should be able to:
- Explain the anatomy of the upper gastrointestinal tract and how it functions
- Describe the anatomy of the lower gastrointestinal tract and its functioning
- Identify the nutrients needed for gastrointestinal health
- Recognize the processes by which malabsorption can occur in the gastrointestinal tract
- Discuss the impact of chronic stress on the functioning of the digestive tract
- Define inflammation, free radicals, and oxidative stress, and explain how these processes negatively affect health
All of these topics are taught through the use of brief, engaging video lessons that capture your interest and make learning fun. Our instructors also present you with self-assessment quizzes that can help you gauge how well you know the material, as well as lesson transcripts. The key terms you need to know are highlighted for you, and the timeline's jump feature will make it easy to find exactly the right spot in a video that you want to review. And all of these lessons are put together by our subject experts.
1. Digestive System I: The Upper Gastrointestinal Tract
Did you know that there are digestive enzymes in your saliva? It's true. As soon as you put a piece of food in your mouth, the digestive process begins. Join us with this first of two lessons about the human digestive system, where we'll follow food through the upper gastrointestinal tract from the mouth through the stomach.
2. Digestive System II: The Lower Gastrointestinal Tract
The lower gastrointestinal tract is the part of the digestive system that is responsible for the last part of food digestion and the expulsion of waste from the body. In this lesson, we'll look at each part of the system and what functions each serves in the process of digestion.
3. Malabsorption in the GI Tract
We will cover the major causes and processes of malabsorption in the GI tract and how they may connect with one another in different ways. This will include taking a look at the organs of the GI tract and their respective diseases.
4. Essential Nutrients for Gastrointestinal Health
Gastrointestinal health is important to your overall health and wellbeing. Learn how fiber, short chain fatty acids and glutamine support your gastrointestinal tract and help you avoid conditions such as constipation, diverticulosis and colon cancer.
5. How Stress Affects Digestion
Stress can do more to your digestive system than leave you with an upset stomach. Learn how stress affects digestion, including conditions that have been linked to stress, such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
6. Inflammation, Oxidative Stress & Free Radical Damage to Health
In this lesson, we define inflammation, free radical activity, and oxidative stress. We also explore how elements in our modern world, such as environmental toxins, diet, stress, and drugs, contribute to these conditions.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS): Test Prep & Study Guide course
- Fundamental Principles of Nutrition
- Life Cycle Stages & Nutrition
- Energy Balance & The Body
- The Chemical Composition of Nutrients
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Digestion & Nutrient Absorption
- Metabolism of Nutrients
- Carbohydrates in Health & Nutrition
- Protein's Role in Nutrition
- Lipids in Health & Nutrition
- Vitamins in Nutrition
- Minerals in Health & Nutrition
- Symptoms of Mineral Deficiency & Toxicity
- Meeting Nutrient Requirements
- Nutritional Assessment
- Clinical Intervention & Monitoring
- Drug & Nutrient Interactions
- Dietary Therapeutics & Behavior Optimization
- The Risk of Eating Disorders to Nutrition
- Professional Issues in Nutrition
- Certified Nutrition Specialist Flashcards