DISEASES OF THE LIVER: CIRRHOSIS This is a chronic disease with considerable loss of liver cells, fatty infiltration, and fibrosis. It is sometimes the outcome of inadequately treated hepatitis, and more often is associated with chronic alcoholism. Among the changes frequently seen are anemia, prolonged bleeding time, lowered serum albumin, and jaundice. In severe damage [...]

DISEASES OF THE LIVER: HEPATITIS The liver is probably the most complex organ in the body with numerous functions that are listed only briefly here. It synthesizes plasma proteins, hemoglobin, prothrombin, heparin, glycogen, lipoproteins, phospholipids, cholesterol, and numerous other substances. It stores glycogen, iron, copper, and vitamins A and D. It participates in the metabolism [...]

DIET THERAPY FOR MALABSORPTION DISORDERS: GLUTEN-INDUCED ENTEROPATHY Gluten-induced enteropathy is also known as celiac disease in children and non-tropical sprue in adults. Gluten occurs in wheat, oats, rye, and barley. When gluten is ingested changes occur in the epithelial cells of the jejunum, and absorption of sugars, fats, and amino acids is greatly reduced. The [...]

MALABSORPTION DISORDERS: LACTOSE INTOLERANCE Congenital lactase deficiency A small percentage of infants are born with a lack of lactase and therefore are unable to digest the lactose in milk. These infants become severely ill within a few days of birth. They must be given a formula that is free of all sources of lactose, such [...]

MALABSORPTION DISORDERS: DIARRHEA AND ULCERATIVE COLITIS Malabsorption is a general term that describes incomplete absorption of one or more nutrients. Among the causes are increased motility of the gastrointestinal tract; inadequate supply or absence of pancreatic or intestinal enzymes or bile; defect in the structure of the villi so that the area of absorbing surface [...]

DIET THERAPY AND DISEASES OF GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT: DIETARY FIBER The terms “fiber” and “residue” are often misused. Dietary fiber consists of the indigestible parts of plants. It includes cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin, gums, pectins, and mucilage occurring in the cell structure of plants. Residue refers to the bulk remaining in the lower part of the gastrointestinal [...]

DIET THERAPY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISEASES OF GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT The planning of the diets for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract must consider: (1) the nutritional status of the individual; (2) the adequacy of the proposed diet; (3) the secretion of enzymes, gastric juice, and bile; (4) the motility of the tract; (5) the integrity of [...]

DIET THERAPY FOR PEOPLE WITH KIDNEY DISEASES: URINARY CALCULI Most kidney stones contain calcium as calcium carbonate, phosphate, or oxalate. There are also uric acid stones and cystine stones. Some stones dissolve in acid and some in alkali. Medications are usually prescribed to increase the acidity or alkalinity of the urine. Diet alone does not [...]

DIET THERAPY: FOOD LISTS AND MEAL PLANS IN RENAL FAILURE A protein-free electrolyte-free diet may be used for a few days if the patient is anuric. This supplies sufficient calories to prevent tissue breakdown. Calories are furnished by hard candies and butter balls consisting of a mixture of butter and sugar flavored to improve palatability. [...]

DIET THERAPY AND KIDNEY DISEASES: PLANNING NUTRIENT LEVELS IN RENAL FAILURE The diet in renal failure is planned individually for each patient. It takes into account the symptoms, the blood levels of urea and electrolytes, and the nutritional status. Laboratory studies from time to time determine whether the diet needs to be adjusted for one [...]