Editing Nutrition (section)

=== Carbohydrates ===

Carbohydrates are the body's preferred energy source and the only fuel the brain and red blood cells use efficiently under normal conditions. They are classified as simple sugars (monosaccharides and disaccharides) and complex carbohydrates (starches and fiber).

* Roughly 130 g/day of carbohydrate is needed to prevent ketosis from fat breakdown.
* '''Fiber''' is the indigestible carbohydrate fraction. Recommended intake is about 25 g/day for women and 38 g/day for men.
** '''Soluble fiber''' (oats, barley, legumes, apples, citrus, psyllium) slows gastric emptying, blunts postprandial glucose rise, and lowers LDL cholesterol.
** '''Insoluble fiber''' (wheat bran, whole grains, vegetable skins) adds bulk and speeds transit, relieving constipation.

'''Nursing application:''' When increasing dietary fiber, increase fluid intake at the same time and advance the fiber gradually. Adding bran to the diet of a dehydrated or fluid-restricted patient can precipitate impaction or obstruction.