As humans continuously evolve to elude perishing, nature provides all the elements in bounties for this race to thrive. The instinctual curiosity of the human mind drives scientific discoveries to overcome all adversities. Hunger and food are at the core of our existence; all breakthroughs revolving around nutritional science take precedence over others.
Sophisticated devices and evolving treatment guidelines have radically transformed critical care in the last five decades. Parenteral nutrition, an integral part of patient management in critical settings, is delivered with finely calibrated solutions of lipids, amino acids, and glucose. Although, high-osmolar glucose solutions and normal saline are the most widely recognized infusions used in hospital management, the prolong use of the former is associated with inducing hyperglycemia, respiratory stress, excessive carbon dioxide production, fever, additional metabolic stress, and liver steatosis. Parenteral lipid emulsions have played a crucial role in the last 50 years to reduce such metabolic stress and provide slow, sustained energy. The first generation of lipid emulsion was rich in only Omega-6 fatty acids which is pro-inflammatory. The latest third-generation lipid emulsion includes Omega-3 fatty acids that counters the actions of Omega-6. SMOFlipid, a component of SmofKabiven is a third-generation lipid emulsion that specifically contains linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid which targets to prevent essential fatty acid deficiency. It has proven to have favourable outcomes in controlling infections, and reducing length of stay in hospitals, specifically ICUs.
Globally the second commonest cancer in male is prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD). It is common in Bangladesh as well. The gene- forkhead box A1 or FOXA1 is a pioneer transcription factor that interacts with histones and opens sites in the compacted chromatin for other transcription factors and a study claimed that in 28% of PRAD cases, this FOXA1 gene is mutated. Numerous investigations have demonstrated that high levels of FOXA1 expression in different malignancies is linked to favorable prognosis. The results generated from these studies bring forth the proposal to use FOXA1 as a diagnostic biomarker for detecting the development and prognosis of PRAD. If the data truly holds clinical value and if it can be easily obtained from body fluids or accessible tissues, then clinicians and diagnosticians would welcome the use of this to avoid painful interventions.
We are what we eat. Yet, knowledge about food chemistry, breakdown of the nutrients to supply energy and ultimately the storing of the excess nutrients is not widely dispersed. Genetics, body type, family history are important co-factors along with the diet to maintain or transform individual’s body. Carbohydrates, fat, and protein are the macronutrients that are involved in generating energy for the biochemical and bodily functions, providing insulation and movements of the body, building the body structure and regenerating tissues after wear and tear.
The specific actions of macronutrients are well categorized, and most people are also aware of the diseases that can happen due to excess consumption or absence of these macronutrients in the diet. Despite that, we have normalized the culture of getting diabetes or hypertension after a certain age. It can be avoided. Switching to portion controlled resistant carbs in the form of brown rice or whole grain from refined carbs like white sugar, white rice, white flour will ensure slow release of glucose, give a feeling of fullness, will help in less fat absorption, and avoid insulin spike. Even with fat, if we consume more good fats or unsaturated fats, it will make the cell membranes more fluid for nutrient passage.
Different diets are trending at different times. Intermittent fasting, keto-diet, low-carb diet, paleo diet, high-protein diet, etc are all well established. All three macros need to be included in all kinds of diet unless the whole program is being monitored by a professional expert or is driven due to an underlying condition. For instance- diets prescribed for diabetics might be considered for girls suffering from PCOs, too much resistant carb might not be good for people suffering from a digestive disease, high-protein diet is not conducive for kidney failure patients or patients with gouts, etc. Obesity is a disease that needs major supervision by healthcare professionals, nutrition coaches and physical exercise trainers. As people become more and more sedentary, exercise needs to become a part of our daily regime.
Micronutrients on the other hand are the trace elements needed in the body for catalyzing the chemical reactions and some are the main component of physical structures. Vitamins and minerals play pivotal roles in maintaining health. Fluid constitutes the largest part of our bodies. Dehydration is more common than fluid overload and given the climate change inducing heatwaves, people need to be made more aware about the fluid and electrolyte intake to maintain blood pressure and body temperature.
Food dominates a signifacant space in Bangladeshi culture. Businesses are built aroud this industry and the temptation of indulging is very strong. However, many noncommunicable diseases are food related. The cost of health due to the modernization of food culture is becoming a burden for families. Everything should be done in moderation; if a person is disciplined with their diet and exercise then there can be weekly cheat day of eating whatever they want. Understanding the nutrients, how they are digested, how the nutrients are absorbed, how much of it is burned to yield energy, what excess is turned to fat, what kind of exercises or body movements will essentially burn carbohydrate and fat, how to increase our metabolic rate, and why protein needs to be always repleshied for manufacturing cellular proteins responsible for bodily functions and building our structure- it can all be resourceful information for everyone. Just like we are conditioned to eating three meals a day, making a lifelong habit of regular exercising will help sustain a healthy life. We, at The Coronal tried to deliver the underlying basic science of nutrition and exefcise for our readers in this issue.