Getting enough to eat – and choosing the right foods and drinks to keep you fit and well is crucial at any stage of life. The idea of food as medicine is not a new one. We all know which foods and drinks are better for us, and which ones should be avoided, tempting though some may be at times!
However, when you are more vulnerable and need enhanced levels of care, proper nutrition can become even more crucial for your physical and mental wellbeing. Older people, and those living with disabilities, or medical conditions – or who are recovering from injuries or surgery at home – must have access to nutritious, tasty meals and snacks in order to stave off malnutrition and fight infections.
What can cause malnutrition or loss of appetite?
Malnutrition can affect anyone who is unable to eat the right amount or types of food. Some diseases and mental health conditions can lead to malnutrition, such as cancer or anorexia. Other people find that certain medicines affect their appetite and restrict the body’s ability to take in essential nutrients. Then, people being cared for at home or in another care setting can experience problems swallowing and chewing, or find it hard to eat with artificial teeth or dentures.
Loss of smell or taste due to some medical conditions can also affect people’s appetite and desire to eat and drink healthily. All of this should be considered carefully and form the basis of any nutrition plans or dietary support for health issues.
General eating tips and nutrition for wellness
If you are receiving care at home, or are looking after someone who needs help with their nutrition, there are a number of foods that can offer excellent overall health benefits. High-protein foods provide increased energy levels, for example, and should be encouraged. These include meat, oily fish (e.g. salmon, mackerel), nuts, eggs and full-fat dairy products.
Make sure the person stays hydrated, with plenty of water, or water-based drinks. Milk can be consumed as a hot or cold drink, as well as added to foods. Choose foods high in vitamins, especially vitamin C (citrus fruits, leafy vegetables…) as this is instrumental in boosting the immune system.
Condition-specific meal programmes
As well as general guidelines for healthy eating, people living with specific health conditions can benefit from more tailored ways of boosting immunity with food. Then, there are allergies to consider and allergen-free meal plans to create. Sometimes, it is best to reduce one main food type. For example, when planning kidney disease diets, look for low salt/sodium options to protect the kidney and reduce the build-up of fluid in the body.
People can also, of course, have several health conditions at once. In this instance, care must be taken when putting together full-fat or low-calorie meal plans that foods and drinks that support recovery and healing through food for all the conditions are chosen. In addition, nothing that actively exacerbates symptoms or causes deterioration of one of more of a person’s medical conditions are included.
Diabetes Meal Plans
People who live with diabetes – types 1 and 2 – must pay great attention to what they eat and drink in order to keep their blood sugar levels within a healthy range. A mistake can lead to serious health repercussions that can become life-threatening. Good foods for people with diabetes include non-starchy vegetables (e.g. broccoli, carrots, leafy greens), wholegrains, dairy products, healthy fats (like nuts, seeds and fatty fish) and lean protein (such as chicken, eggs and plant-based proteins). It is wise to create a personalised meal plan, which can be adjusted according to blood sugar level readings as needed. Serve plenty of water to help the person to stay hydrated.
Heart Healthy Diets
Eating a healthy diet is by far the best route to heart disease prevention. As a rule, fibre rich foods for heart health play a large part in this, as do low-cholesterol choices. This can lower the risk of developing a condition, as well as ease symptoms and improve the prognosis of existing concerns. Lots of fruit and vegetables can help form the basis of a heart healthy diet, as can foods high in fibre, such as starchy carbohydrates and wholegrains.
Dairy products that are not too high in saturated fats (so not butter, cream or ice cream) can also be beneficial. Look for low-fat alternatives to favourite foods and eat plenty of oily fish, beans and pulses. Steer clear of too much red meat, salt and sugary treats to help protect your heart and boost your overall health.
