Finding the diet that works best for you is difficult enough, so imagine the challenges that go into finding a diet that accommodates major health complications.
That’s what Vishal Patel, founder of Hilliard-based Live Well Nutrition, did. Patel, and other dietary professionals like him, are constantly looking for new and inventive ways to make life a little easier for those with significant health issues.
After all, no single dietary plan functions optimally for everyone, especially those whose health is less than optimal – people just coming out of surgery, for instance. In those cases, a customized diet may be the best approach.
Celiac disease flare-ups and chronic gluten intolerance are among the most common problems that can throw patients for a loop, especially if the problem has only recently surfaced, Patel says.
“You have to take flour out of the equation, so we've been experimenting with various ingredients to recreate the same mouth feel, texture and flavors,” he says.
Patel has recently found that grasshopper protein offers an unorthodox method of mimicking gluten to help avoid future reactions.
Another common situation that requires restrictive diet is acid reflux disease. For those with this condition, a “soft diet” is recommended. The focus shifts to foods that require low mechanical work to swallow. Pretzels, chips and some breads are to be avoided at all costs to avoid further irritation.
While chronic illness is one issue that requires dietary constraints and considerations, those recovering from surgery also have their own set of problems and recommendations. The diets of children and young adults are particularly targeted.
Some children who prepare for treatment are malnourished, so ensuring they receive the necessities – and then some – is of high importance. Before surgery, Nationwide Children's Hospital clinical dietitian Terri Capello works to get the child into good health standing.
“If a child is in poor nutritional condition, he or she is already behind,” Capello says. “We want them to have excess so they will be ready for the hardships that come with surgery. The body will use the stores, which are already being depleted quickly because of (the young) age.”
Simply consuming more calories is of crucial importance at the recovery stage.
“When some people have surgery, they get scared of gaining weight because they're bed-ridden,” Patel says. “But eating less is probably one of the worst things you can do. Eat more. The body needs that extra energy. I suggest patients eat anywhere from 15-20 calories per pound. This way, there’s extra energy to actually heal.”
Post-surgery, patients typically show signs of nausea and weakness, along with other symptoms that curb appetite.
“Once they’re eating, I usually recommend 100-150 percent of their normal intake of protein,” Capello says. “At Children’s, we put patients on monitored calorie counts. If they don’t want to eat, they won’t, so we try to get them on a nutritional drink to help them along and get calories to them. We may also put them on a mineral supplement and start them on a multivitamin.”
For those with severe burns, foods high in vitamin C and zinc are recommended to help promote skin growth.
“We have to make sure iron stores are full to ensure oxygen gets to red blood cells,” Capello says. “Good, healthy hemoglobin is key.”
In any situation, whether it be a chronic illness or an inopportune surgery, obtaining all nutrients will help the patient on the road to recovery. Vitamins and minerals are best absorbed from food sources, but if this is impossible, supplements are recommended.
“They are a lot better than nothing,” says Capello.
An operation that leaves a patient with the physical inability to eat – such as facial reconstruction or jaw trauma surgery – is a big limitation on options, but professionals have found simple ways to get the necessary nutrition into the body of someone whose mouth is wired shut.
“The patient can easily get frustrated, because now he or she has to drink a puree instead of picking up a burger,” Capello says. “We have to liquefy the food so it can be pushed through a straw, but we can’t water it down too much because that will cut down on nutritional value. We have to create a balance and avoid any choking hazards. It’s a process.”
And hydration, while recovering, is more important now than ever.
“Your body is using more, so you need to drink more water,” Patel says. “Some of the medicines that are used to help you may dehydrate you. Listen to what your body needs and always consult your doctor.”
Stephan Reed is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at ssole@cityscenemediagroup.com.
