Anorexia nervosa: A literature review

Introduction: Anorexia nervosa is a food intake disorder characterized by acute weight loss that it could cause severe psychosomatic problems. Purpose: To present the data and information as well as the treatment related to Anorexia nervosa. Materials and methods: The study material consisted of reviewed articles on the topic found in Greek and globally accepted electronic databases, Pubmed, Scopus, Medline, Google Scholar, regarding the effects of Anorexia nervosa on health and its treatment. Results: Initial symptoms of Anorexia nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa may be characterised by body-related negative interpretation bias, distorted body image and pronounced body dissatisfaction. Anorexic patients refuse to eat with their family or in public places. They lose weight by drastically reducing their total food intake, with a disproportionate reduction in the amount of meals containing carbohydrates and fats. The term Anorexia is unfortunate, because a decrease in appetite does not occur. Patients are constantly hungry and they are constantly thinking about food, but they refuse it. An indication of their way of thinking is that they often collect recipes or prepare complex meals for others. Conclusions: Anorexia nervosa is a disease that connects the physical with the mental dimension of health. A person's disharmonious relationship with oneself, which may have its roots in a dysfunctional family context or in a demanding and competitive social environment, finds the way to be manifested through the individual's reflection on food

AIDS and nutrition in patients

Introduction: AIDS is a viral infection that particularly affects the nutritional status of patients by complicating the absorption of nutrients and their metabolism. Purpose: The purpose of this retrospective study is to highlight the contribution of nutrition to the wellness of people with HIV in all stages of the disease. Review Methods: The methodology used to select the information used in this study includes review studies and research in leading databases such as PUBMED, MEDLINE, and IATROTEK. The selection criterion of the articles was the Greek and English language.Results: The real goal of the nutritional assessment of patients with AIDS is to improve their ability to consume a sufficient quantity and variety of foods in order to meet their nutritional needs. The evaluation of dietary intake assesses the adequacy of food and nutrients consumed. It includes assessing the dietary patterns, frequency of meals, and the factors that affect food choice. Conclusions: Maintaining a good nutritional status has a significant impact on the functioning of the immune system and the overall health of people living with HIV / AIDS

Nutritional habits in the elderly

Introduction: Aging is accompanied by several physiological and psychological changes in the organism of an individual (e.g., decreased sense of taste and smell, disruption of satiety, depression), which affect the nutritional intake. Purpose: The purpose of this retrospective study is to highlight the nutritional habits of elderly people. Materials and methods: Extensive review of the recent literature in electronic databases (Pub med, Google scholar) and journals. Exclusion criterion for the articles was the language than the Greek and English. Results: The increase life expectancy is important to be accompanied by physical and mental health, quality of life and, where possible, from participation in social, economic, cultural and spiritual life. Adopting healthy dietary patterns, combined with daily physical activity, and factors such as avoiding smoking, could help considerably in reaching these goals. The physical and psychological changes occurring during aging may adversely affect nutritional status. Instead, a proper diet can positively influence the physical and emotional state of elderly people. Conclusions: Diet and generally nutrition habits of the elderly play an important role in their health

Vision problems in children - a review

Introduction: A vision problem is a condition which involves not only visual difficulty but also blindness. Purpose: The purpose of this short review study is the early recognition of vision problems in children, the proper treatment as well as their prevention. Materials and methods: The material of the study has been recent articles on the subject that have been found mainly in the electronic database Medline, (HEAL-Link), with the following keywords: children, vision impairment, blindness, treatment, prevention. Review: A high risk group of individuals that frequently presents ophthalmic severe lesions leading to blindness consists of children with prenatal and perinatal adverse effects. Conclusions: Education gives the opportunity of co-existence between the blind and people who are able to see. This is the path to social inclusion of individuals with vision problems. Moreover, it is estimated these two groups would have more points in common than differences between them through this experience