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Shelbe Fowler
Hartley-Lewis
Human Anatomy & Physiology
4 May 2014
Understanding My Health
After a series of tests, done in class, I soon realized my health was deteriorating
drastically because of my poor food choices. I realized that I was 142 pounds with a BMI of
26.2% which is above normal for people of my stature. This information I received held
significance, because it caused me to do more research on health risks I might possibly have.
Although I am pear shaped, which puts me at less risk for heart disease, I am still at risk for
Metabolic Syndrome. Metabolic Syndrome is defined as, a group of conditions that increase a
person's risk of serious illness rather than a disease in its own right (Ferrara 1118). If I make
better food choices I will be able to eliminate this risk entirely.
Chemicals play a major role in the human body. For example, water helps in absorption
of various nutrients present in the food in the digestive system (Khanna 1). Without this function,
it would not matter the amount of food eaten; the body would still not gain any nutrients from it.
Carbohydrates are equally as important, enabling fat metabolism and preventing protein from
being used as energy are a few roles they play in the body (Guezennec 370). Proteins provide the
body with essential amino acids, due to the fact our body cannot make them. And lastly, lipids
provide the body with energy.
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When comparing the stomach to the small intestines there are many notable similarities
and differences. The Small intestine contains enzymes to digest all types of foods (Mader 450).
The nutrients needed are also absorbed by the small intestine. While on the other hand, the
stomach receives the food and breaks down the food, primarily. Both aid in the overall digestion
of food.
Moving along, in order for me to lose weight I will need to learn how to reduce my
calorie intake. But, what is a calorie? Calories are energy needed in order to fuel the body. In
order to lose one pound it is necessary to lose 3500 calories. With dedication, and healthier
eating this is not a hard goal to reach.
The liver serves a very important role in nutrition. Although the liver has many other
functions, when referring to nutrition, the most important function is the production of bile. By
producing bile, the liver aids the body in the breaking down of fats, so it can be absorbed in the
small intestine. Without this function fats would accumulate into the body causing major health
risks.
The pancreas is yet another organ with a major role. The main function of the pancreas is
the production of insulin and glucagon. Insulin is released after the consumption of a
protein/carbohydrate. If the pancreas did not provide the right amount of Insulin, then Type One
diabetes will form.
The gall-bladder, bladder and kidneys aid the body in numerous ways. The gall bladder is
hollowed and its primary function is to store the bile. When digesting food, a certain amount of
bile is needed in order for it to pass through the small intestine (Health-line 1). Without the gall
bladder, the body wouldn’t know the correct amount of bile needed in the small intestine. The
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bladder is also a hollow structure which holds urine until it’s convenient to release. The removal
of urine is important, because extra water in the body is not needed. Urine ultimately removes
toxins that could be bad for the body. The kidneys filter out liquids that come into the body, so
toxins can be removed through urination.
The last structure that will be discussed is the large intestine. After the assurance that all
nutrients and water have been removed from the food, the large intestine prepares the waste for
elimination. Without the large intestine, the body may lose more water than necessary. Another
potential risk is the waste would be housed inside the body causing contamination.
Recently in class, I conducted a urinalysis on myself. My results showed up negative for
everything meaning my kidneys are functioning properly and I have no bacterial infections. If
Ketones/sugar were found in my urine this might mean that I could have symptoms of diabetes.
Thankfully, I did not have any of these in my urine so I fall within the ‘normal’ range.
My Favorite Foods
1. Fried Chicken-320 calories
2. Shrimp Alfredo-280 calories
3. Twizzlers-30 calories
4. Watermelon-20 calories
5. Waffles-82 calories
6. Spinach Dip-25 calories
7. Cantaloupe-186 calories
8. BBQ Ribs-280 calories
9. Tuna-146 calories
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10. Strawberries-4 calories
Although some of my choices are healthy, I have some very unhealthy food favorites as well. I
also noticed that sugars and fats have a lot of calories. In order to stay healthy I need to consume
healthier foods with fewer calories.
The most amazing thing I find about the human body is the body’s need for water. It
would be assumed that food would hold a higher priority than water. By reducing the water in
your body by 20%, a human being could die (Cruising Chemistry). Water is involved in nearly
all of the body’s processes, and I find that really amazing that without it, you would parish.
Surprisingly, I do not think I have not made any changes to my health yet. I haven’t
changed any of my eating habits, simply, because I am comfortable in the body I am. The
numbers do not lie, but without confidence how can a person love who they are? This project has
not been affecting me simply because I have chosen not to take action and live freely and
comfortably. In the future, maybe my mind set will change and I will choose to change my diet
in order to be what society calls “healthy”. In the next 10years I plan on being alive, and only
arranging my meals if I see necessary.
The human body is truly an amazing thing. The organs and glands work in perfect
harmony in order to help us maintain homeostasis. With all the scientific research, I still couldn’t
see myself altering myself to fit someone’s perspective. I understand my health, and I love all
142 pounds of me, 26.2% BMI and all.
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References
"Metabolic Syndrome." Human Diseases and Conditions. Ed. Miranda Herbert Ferrara. 2nd ed.
Vol. 3. Detroit: Charles Scribner's Sons, 2010. 1117-1124. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web.
4 May 2014.
Khanna, Bhism. "What Is the Role of Water in the Human Body?" Creative Commons:
n. pag. Rpt. in Preserve Articles. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag. Print.
Guezennec, C. “Oxidation Rates, Complex Carbohydrates and Exercise.” Sports Med 1995;
19:365-372
Mader, Sylvia S., and Michael Windelspecht. Human Biology. 12th ed. New York:
McGraw, 2012. Print.
Healthline. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 May 2014. <http://www.healthline.com/
human-body-maps/liver>.
Healthline. Healthline Networks, n.d. Web. 4 May 2014.
<http://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/gallbladder#2/10>.
Cruising Chemistry. Department of Chemistry, n.d. Web. 4 May 2014.
<http://people.chem.duke.edu/~jds/cruise_chem/water/watdiet.html>.