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| Healthcare » the need for balanced nutrition |
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The importance of adequate nutrition in maintaining good health is well recognised and in recent years the benefits of a balanced diet during illness have been more fully appreciated. A balanced diet is an essential part of the treatment of illness and when patients are unable to eat properly alternative means of nourishment must be found.
There have been many reports highlighting the problems faced by patients entering hospitals in a poor state of nutrition. The additional stresses of illness or surgery can result in further deterioration of the nutritional status of patients. This progressive malnutrition can delay recovery from medical and surgical disorders and may even be life threatening.
Ideally, everyone should consume a varied diet containing foods from each of the major food groups in adequate amounts to meet energy requirements. However, ill people may be unable to take their usual diet; they may feel too sick or weak to manage solid foods or they may be unable to absorb the nutrients from a normal diet.
With the current concern over obesity, much attention from policy makers and health promotion campaigns is aimed at reducing calorie intake and improving nutritional habits. Yet a forgotten facet of poor nutrition is malnutrition, defined as an imbalance of energy, protein, and other nutrients, causing measurable adverse effects on tissue and body form and function as well as clinical outcomes.
The hazards of undernutrition
Clinical consequences of undernutrition include:
Prolonged recovery from illness
Impaired immune response
Delayed wound healing
Muscle wasting and weakness - affecting mobility, cardiac and respiratory function
Increased risk of pressure sores
Increased tiredness, lack of concentration, apathy
Depression, self neglect and reduced social interaction.
Busy and demanding lifestyles
Healthy people can quickly become malnourished when they don't make time to eat a full balanced diet on a regular basis. Busy lifestyles can mean that food becomes a low priority. For example, when people are managing heavy work schedules or enduring periods of intense stress or study, rather than taking care to fuel themselves properly they often let their food intake slip.
Intensive athletic programmes can also take their toll when a person's usual day-to-day diet may not be able to provide their increased nutritional needs.
Good nutrition starts from birth
At each stage of brain development, achieving optimum nutrition is essential to guarantee that your child achieves his or her full potential.
Who needs nutritional support?
Dietary supplements may be recommended for people who:
Have a small appetite or are off their food
Have a recent unplanned weight loss
Are recovering from illness or surgery
Cannot eat solid foods or have poor teeth
Are confused or absent minded and forget to eat regularly
Are too busy to eat or do not have time to prepare a nutritious meal
Have increase nutritional needs due to exercise or lifestyle
Need to gain weight
Simply want to maintain good health.
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