A college student returns home at the end of the school year. His mother is shoc

Question

A college student returns home at the end of the school year. His mother is shocked by the large number of unhealed scrapes and sores on his knees and arms. She also notices that he has put on a few pounds. The student tells his mother that the scrapes are just left over from a skateboarding mishap a few weeks ago and that he guesses he could cut back on some of his snacks. A few weeks after coming home, he goes to the dentist for his yearly checkup. The dentist is alarmed by his bleeding and swollen gums. When asked about his diet, the student notes that he and some of his friends challenged one another to see who could go the longest eating nothing but eggs, mac 'n' cheese, and toast with butter. He proudly announces that he had stayed on this diet for 6 months!

Could this student be suffering from malnutrition? Explain your answer.

What mineral(s) or vitamins(s) (or both) are you most concerned about, given the symptoms noted by the dentist?

What dietary recommendations would you make for this student?

Explanation / Answer

Answer:

In the question it is given that, the student has taken only a particular type of diet for 6months.

i.e,eggs, mac 'n' cheese, and toast with butter,w hich is not a balanced diet.

*And as per doctor,he is suffering frombleeding and swollen gums.

Reason might be:

When people don't practice proper dental hygiene, bacteria in the mouth forms plaque on the teeth. These bacteria may cause your gums to become inflamed, which results in red, swollen, or bleeding gums. For many people with gingivitis, this inflammation is not painful. ... gums thatbleed during and after toothbrushing.

So,the diet requirements must be as follows(basing on symptoms noted by dentist):-

***Eat a well-balanced diet. A balanced diet, including plenty of vitamin C and calcium, may minimize the likelihood you'll have gum problems.

Vitamin C is essential for good periodontal health. It helps build and repair connective tissue, which aids in preventing gum inflammation

*. For people who are deficient in vitamin C, the body is more likely to have trouble maintaining healthy connective tissue in the gums.

*This could lead to a serious gum disease called scurvy, explains Dr. Christine Botchway of Edmonton, Alta. Since it is a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C helps boost the immune system and speed healing.

Sources:

***Find it in citrus fruit, broccoli, kale and berries, among many other fruit and vegetable sources.

Most of the body’s calcium is stored in the bones, where it helps provide strength and structure. “We don’t want our teeth to get wobbly,” says Dr. Botchway.

*Calcium is constantly circulating in small amounts through the bloodstream and carefully regulated by your body.

*so it’s important to ensure that you get enough through your diet – otherwise it is leeched from your bones. Calcium also helps prevent osteoporosis, which can lead to bone fractures and weak bone tissue around the teeth.

****While dairy products are often cited as the best source of calcium, other good sources include sardines, canned salmon, green leafy vegetables, cauliflower, cabbage, almonds, and fortified orange juice and soy milk.

coenzyme Q10 appears to help heal, reduce pain and decrease the bleeding associated with gum disease. It has also been shown to reduce inflammation in the gums.

**Find it in pork, beef, chicken liver, some vegetable oils (including canola and soybean)

In fact, without adequate vitamin D, your body can’t absorb the calcium it needs to keep your bones and developing teeth strong. While 15 minutes of bright sunshine three times a week should give you enough, many people choose supplements to help ensure they’re getting enough.

**Milk and some breakfast cereals are fortified with vitamin D. Cod liver oil capsules are also an excellent source.

B vitamins can improve oral health by helping to reduce tongue inflammation and keep canker sores from making a painful appearance.

**B vitamins are found in poultry and meat, as well as in beans, legumes and green vegetables.

vitamin A helps maintain healthy mucous membranes and salivary flow in the mouth. It also helps keep your gums healthy and ensures proper healing.

**Find it in fish, egg yolks and organ meats, like liver.Orange and yellow foods like carrots, mangoes and sweet potatoes, and dark leafy greens such as kale, spinach and collard greens contain large amounts of beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A for use.

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