326 Chapter 13 ENHANCING COMPETENCIES ON NUTRITION FOR WELLNESS Lucila B. Rabuco INTRODUCTION Over the years, there have been significant changes in dietary patterns of individuals i;rnd pop\tlations. These ch Mges are brought about by advances in food technologies, including improvements in prescrvntion, storage, transport and distribution. Changes in social values, attitudes and lifestyles have also influenced patronage of convenience foods as evidenced by the ever increasing fast food industry. Dietruy changes have nutritiomil implications which impact on the overall health and well-being. Because of this, there is a growing concern and interest to achieve good nutrition and wellness among the public. This chapter deals with the basic principles of nutrition that will provide tools to achieve wellness Uuough good nulrilion. As integral part of health care, adequate nutritional status should be achieved ·with the help of the health care team,vhich includes the doctor, nurse, dietitian, social worker, occupational, physical and speech therapists, and pharmacis t. NUTRITION Nutrition is the science which deals with food and how the body uses it. Man needs food to live, to grow, to keep healthy and well, and to get energy for work and play. Several factors affect food consumption and utilization of an individual. These include the emiroumen l (natural or man-made), psychosocial, cultural, social and even philosophical. The choice of diet influences long term health within the range set by genetics hence some diseases may or may not be influenced by nutrition. The lnteragency Committee on Nursing Education (ICNE, 1964) enumerated the following basic concepts of nutrition: 1. Nutrition is the Food you eat and how the body uses it. We eat to live, to grow, to ke'ep healthy, and to get energy for work and play. 2. Food is made up of different-nutrients needed for growth and health. a. All nutrients needed by the body are available through food. b. Many kinds and combination of foods can lead to a well-balanced diet. c. No food by itself, has all the nutrients needed for full growth and health. d. Each nutrient has a specific role in the body. e. Most nutrients do tlieir best work in the body when teamed with oilier nutrients. 