Today is our topic of discussion Diet in Sickness.
Diet in Sickness
DIET IN SICKNESS
Diet is an important as medicine in the treatment of diseases. A modification in the diet or in the nutrients can cure certain diseases. Nutrition during illness should be adequate to prevent weight loss and weakness. An acutely ill or injured patient is in danger of malnutrition.
Purpose
- To meet the metabolic needs of human body
- To prevent dehydration
- To improve the appetite
- To provide adequate nutrition
- It is necessary for the growth and maintenances of bones and other tissues.
General Rules of Treatment
- The diet must be planned in relation to changes in metabolism occurring as a result of the disease.
- The diet must be planned to agree as nearly as possible with the patients food habits his likes and dislikes and the amount of exercise he takes.
- Changes should be made gradually adequate explanation must be when it is necessary to make dietary changes gradually .
- There should be plenty or variety in the diet hot food should be served hot and cold foods cold.
Problems during Sickness
- There will be disturbance of gastrointestinal function
- Anorexia (loss of appetite)
- Defective digestion and absorption
- NO Lack of exercise decreases need for energy
- The process of anabolism and catabolism are not normal in sickness
- Vomiting and diarrhea are problems in which intravenous fluid administration is required
- In some kinds of illness, protein requirements are more while in some others, both protein and carbohydrate are needed in large amounts.