Asynchronous Academy

Dietary Restrictions

Department
PHYS-ED

Most people take the process of eating for granted, but for those with digestive disorders or severe allergies, every meal requires a strategy. In this module, you will trace the path of the digestive system, investigate the critical role of vitamins and minerals, and learn how to adapt nutrition for various health conditions.

The Digestive System

Before we can look at what goes wrong with nutrition, we need to understand the "machinery." Your digestive system is a complex assembly line that breaks down food into the nutrients your body needs to survive.

  • Watch: The Digestive System - How it Works
  • Reflect: As you watch, identify the specific organs responsible for nutrient absorption. How might a disease in one of these areas disrupt your overall health?

Essential Vitamins & Minerals

Beyond calories, your body requires specific micronutrients to function. A lack of even one essential vitamin can lead to significant health issues.

  • Explore: Listing of Vitamins - Harvard Health
  • Investigate: Pick one nutrient from the list. Find 2–3 online resources to identify what a deficiency in that specific nutrient looks like (e.g., what happens to the body if you don't get enough Vitamin D or Iron?).

Common Digestive Disorders

Many people live with conditions that prevent their digestive systems from working properly, requiring them to completely redesign their diets.

Allergies & Anaphylaxis

Food allergies range from mild discomfort to life-threatening emergencies. Understanding the spectrum of these reactions is vital for personal and community safety.

Assignment

Digestive Disorder Fact Sheet

Using the research you gathered in the previous sections, you will use Canva.com create a resource to help others manage their nutritional health.

You have full access to Canva with your @asyncacademy account. Just choose "Log in with Google".

  • Task: Pick one ailment (a digestive disorder or a severe allergy) that affects how a person gets nutrition from their food.
  • Create: A poster or fact sheet designed for someone recently diagnosed with this condition.
  • Content: Include a "redesign" plan for their diet. What should they avoid? What should they add? How can they ensure they are still getting their essential vitamins and minerals?

Assessment

Pre-Submission

Before you submit, please complete the Pre-Submission Self-Assessment.

What to Turn In

  • 📤
    Pre-Submission Self-Assessment Google Doc
  • 📤

    Digestive Disorder Fact Sheet

Learning Goals

We are learning to:

  • 🎯

    Understand the anatomy of the digestive system and its role in nutrient absorption

  • 🎯

    Investigate how digestive disorders and food allergies necessitate dietary strategies

  • 🎯

    Develop practical resources to help individuals manage nutritional requirements despite health challenges

Success Criteria

I can:

  • ✅

    Explain how specific digestive disorders or allergies affect the body's ability to get the nutrients it needs

    Expectations Covered: C2.1
  • ✅

    Strategize a dietary plan for a person with a specific health condition to ensure they meet their nutritional goals

    Expectations Covered: C2.1
  • ✅

    Identify ways to redesign a kitchen or eating environment to accommodate someone with severe food allergies or disorders

    Expectations Covered: C3.1
  • ✅

    Create a fact sheet that clearly outlines the symptoms and management of a digestive ailment

    Expectations Covered: C2.1