Metabolism is the term used to define the various changes which continuously take place in the body in everyday life. An example of these changes is the breakdown of food substances into suitable substances which can be used by the body for the provision of energy and the repair of cells and tissue. The metabolism of the body requires very so many different factors if normal health is to be maintained. The body continuously uses up energy, not only whilst working but even when at rest, even fast asleep, as the various functions of the body go on all the time. The heart never stops pumping blood around the body and the lungs never cease to expand to supply the vital oxygen. To provide this energy, fuel is needed and this is supplied in the form of foods and other vital factors. The sugar food called carbohydrates, is the main source of energy and form the main constituent of most normal diets. Butter, margarine and fats are classified as fats, are Next in importance to the carbohydrates in supplying fuel to the body is fats, which we get from butter, Margarine, vegetable oils and animal meats. Protein is the food which our body primarily uses for the replacement of normal wear and tear of tissues and for the growth of new tissues and rebuilding tissues which have become worn out. It can also be utilized as a source of energy, usually only in cases where we are deficient in carbs and fats.
In addition to the three main foods the body must have several other items if it is to function properly. Several mineral salts are also needed in small amounts. Sodium (salt) is necessary to maintain a proper fluid balance in the tissues and the blood.
Calcium is required to build up the bones and controls the functioning of the nerves and muscles. Iodine is essential for the formation of the hormone of the thyroid gland.
Iron is necessary for the building up of the hemoglobin which are the red blood cells in our blood. Hemoglobin is essential for the carriage of oxygen throughout the body.
There are certain other essential factors which are present in certain foods which control different forms of bodily activity and these are called vitamins. There are many different vitamins, all of which tend to have some specific action on some part of the body's metabolism. Lack of a vitamin usually leads to certain well recognized changes in the body. Inadequate diet is a frequent cause of vitamin deficiency. Again deficient absorption from the gastro-intestinal tract may lead to vitamin deficiency, therefore it is always important to eat fruit and vegetables as part of a balanced diet.
Vitamin A, is necessary for the proper growth of certain epithelial cells of the body especially those of the eyes.
Vitamin B complex is mainly concerned with the function of the nerves, blood, skin, tongue and eyes.
Vitamin C is for the normal development of the lining endothelial cell of the small vessels. A deficiency of this vitamin is hemorrhage from the capillaries.
Vitamin D is required for the proper growth and development of the bones and the nerves.
Vitamin K manufactures an essential constituent of the blood called prothrombin which is necessary for the clotting of blood.
These are the main food, minerals and vitamins. Once these foods and other essentials have been ingested it is vital that they should be properly utilized. For this purpose there exist various glands called the endocrine glands which produce secretions called hormones. This is essential for our metabolism to work correctly.
The pituitary gland secretions are responsible for the growth of the body.
The parathyroid glands either side of the neck control calcium metabolism neuromuscular irritability and the development of the bones.
The adrenal glands control salt and the carbohydrate metabolism.
The pancreas is the most vital in the proper control of carbohydrate metabolism.
The liver stores the carbohydrates, prepares proteins for proper use and forms bile salts which are essential for the absorption of fat and vitamin K from the bowel.
Diseases affecting the gastro-intestinal tract may cause disorders and upsets of metabolism. 70 per cent of the body is composed of water. Remember excess of water in the body leads to Edema and deficiency of water leads to Dehydration.
Author Resource:
Medicine for Nurses by Mike Toohey and Dr Arnold Bloom, authored by Sister Annaleen who is a veteran registered nurse with 30 years experience and is sponsored by Peachtree ink which is the best place online for " target="_blank">http://www.usainktank.com/"> cheap ink
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