Nutrition

nu·tri·tion

/n(y)o͞oˈtriSH(ə)n/

noun

the process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health and growth.

What is Nutrition?

Nutrition is a branch of science that studies the nutrient content of food and the nourishment of living organisms; particularly in humans. Research on nutrition combines molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics to determine the relationship between our body and food. By looking at biochemical and physiological processes, nutritionist can determine how nutrients in food provide energy and create body tissue.

The six essential nutrients humans cannot live without are carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water. Carbohydrates fuel our body with energy that can be quickly utilized, fats provide energy, build cells, and support the absorption of vitamins and minerals, proteins provide the building blocks for every cell in the body, vitamins are essential for preventing and fighting disease and proper body function, minerals are also important for immune strength, proper body function, and regulating metabolism, and water is crucial for every system in the body as it flushes out toxins, hydrates, and acts as a shock absorber and lubricant. Adequate nutrition includes getting the proper amount of these nutrients from a variety of food/drink sources to meet our daily needs.

The World Health Organization states that nutrition is a critical part of health and development. "Better nutrition is related to improved infant, child and maternal health, stronger immune systems, safer pregnancy and childbirth, lower risk of non-communicable diseases (such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease), and longevity (WHO, 2021). These findings suggests that the importance of nutrition starts during early development and continues throughout our lifespan.

An example of how the importance of nutrition continues throughout our lifespan is seen with the gut-brain axis. The gut-brain axis is the connection between the gut microbiome (our diet) and the brain (our mood). It is important that when we talk about this connection, we

Macronutrients - Carbs, Proteins, and Fats

consider the fact that 95% of serotonin receptors are located in the gut (Carpenter, 2012). This is important because serotonin is often known as a neurotransmitter in the brain that is involved in mood stabilization and satisfaction. However, this neurochemical plays a larger role in the gut as it is also involved in mood stabilization and gut motility. "When someone is prescribed an antidepressant such as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), the most common side effects are gut-related, and many people temporarily experience nausea, diarrhea, or gastrointestinal problems" (Naidoo, 2019). This evidence reveals the significant presence of serotonin in the gut, and also reveals how our interconnected bodily systems make it difficult for medications to reach specific targets.

The gut and brain communicate with each other through the vagus nerve, which alters mental states and appetite. Nutrition plays a role in this connection by creating healthy gut bacteria, that responds well to nutrients and neurochemicals like serotonin. A healthy gut microbiome is created within the first 1,000 days after birth and can be maintained with a healthy diet. However, a poor diet can lead to an increase in bad gut bacteria that does not respond well to nutrients and neurochemicals. Therefore, to ensure a quality gut-brain connection we need to prioritize healthy foods that will maintain a healthy gut microbiome, so we can function properly as a result of sufficient nourishment and neurochemicals like serotonin. In addition, understanding nutrition and making proper food choices can help us optimize our health long-term.