Question

1. How does the slowed GI system that often accompanies severe stress affect a person?

Select ALL that apply.

[mark all correct answers]

a.Diarrhea

b.Poor tolerance of diet or tube feeding

c.Lowered immune response.

d.Slowed metabolism

e.High blood pressure

2. What will be increased in nutrition therapy for acute metabolic stress?

Select ALL that apply.

[mark all correct answers]

a.Calories

b.Protein

c.Fluid

d.Sodium

e.Zinc

f.Vitamin C

Answer 1

Digestive system consists of gastrointestinal tract and the accessory organs. The digestion process includes break down of complex substances into simpler form. The organs of digestive system includes mouth, esophagus, stomach,small intestine,large intestine (colon ) and anus. Human brain is synchronized with the gut. Digestive system is lined with neurons that helps the gut mainatain a constant communication with the brain. Stress disturbs the gut - brain communication that creates abdominal pain,bloating,diarrhea and constipation. The correct answers are :

a.Diarrhea - Stress send signal to digestive system and release hormones Corticotropin releasing hormones that in turn acts on intestines and try to expel excessive toxins in the gut. This leads to stress induced diarrhea.

b.Poor tolerance of diet or tube feeding - Stress triggers the response of inflammatory mediators and this inturn disturbd the digestive process and poor digestion and absorption of food.

c.Lowered immune response - Immunity is classified into natural and acquired. During stress the ability of immune system to fight against the antigens or foreign bodies are weakened. This increses the individual susceptible to infections.

d.Slowed metabolism - In stress there is excess release of cortisol (stress hormnes) that affects metaboism.

2. Acute metabolic stress occurs as a result of sepsis,trauma,burna and surgery that leads to excessive accumulation of metabolites. The correct answer are:

a.Calories - increase calories as the trauma,stress,sepsis need additional calories.

b.Protein - Increase protein requirements to 20-30 % as this helps in wound healing.

c.Fluid - Fluid and electrolyte replacement should be done inorder to meet the excess fluid loss.