Like any other physiological functions, eating food and its further mechanical as well as biochemical processes are controlled by the nervous system. It involves both voluntary actions and involuntary functions
On the other hand, the nervous system needs macronutrients and micronutrients to regulate neurotransmission.
Neurological disease conditions like Alzheimer's disease, parkinson's disease, stroke, seizures where basic voluntary activities to take food into mouth, chew it, swallow it are severely impacted either totally or partially. Similarly involuntary functions like hunger control, digestion, absorption and last excretion are also adversely affected.
Common complaints with these patients are because of disturbed gut brain axis. They experience low appetite, feeling bloated, constipation, diarrhoea.
By considering above all, nutrition care should be on priority for these patients to heal, to prevent further complications and to improve cellular health for faster recovery.
_Care takers guidance for nutrition care of neuropatients._
Key nutrients which plays hero role in nervous system and musculoskeletal systems
are vitamin B complex, calcium, vitamin D, omega 3 fatty acids, protein, complex carbohydrates.
Therapeutic meal plans for Neurological disease conditions are Liquid Diet, Semisolid food, Soft food.
They varied depending on their current voluntary ability to eat, chew, swallow food.
Few suggestions for
-Liquid Diet - dal pani, soup, milk.
-Semisolid Diet Blenderized Dal khichdi, ragi porridge, stewed fruit.
-Soft food - Soft rice with dal, mashed potato, curd.
Those who are facing trouble in involuntary functions like absorption and assimilation of food, Ryles Tube feed is suggested. Few examples are medically formulated protein feed, thoroughly blended cereal pulse vegetables oil mixture.
Hydration:-
75% of our body is made of water which plays an important role in electrolyte balance, blood circulation and temperature regulation.
Dehydration may lead to impaired neurotransmission, thickens blood. This won't allow oxygen, nutrients supply throughout the body which in turn can worsen the problem.
In patients with neurological disease conditions, sensation for thirst is also severely affected.
Therefore the caregiver should make sure the patient takes frequent water intake.
A total of 1 to 2 litres of water is recommended a day.
Sipping water through straw or with spoons or drinking with small glass is recommended depending on their voluntary actions abilities.
Along with plain water, fruits, soup, electral water can also be considered.
Weight Management:-
Weight Management is a simple equation between Calories Input and Calories Output.
Patients with neurological diseases are either totally or partially impaired to do basic body movements like walking.
Physiotherapy exercise and Body's BMR are only channels for calories output.
Those who can eat food well but can not move, weight gain could be a possible issue for which we need to be careful beforehand.
- Plan balanced intake of all food groups as per food pyramid e.g. cereals, dal and pulses, milk and milk products, poultry, fruits and veget, lastly oil and nuts.
- Avoid any processed foods like instant noodles, bakery items, and deep fried foods.
- Avoid or minimize intake of high calorie foods like biryanis, pizza, restaurant curries.
- Avoid sugar syrups, packaged fruit juices.
- Frequency and portion size should be customized as per age, ideal body weight composition.
Nutrition for Better Sleep
Sleep is an undervalued habit when it comes to health and fitness.
Sound sleep improves recovery and growth of new cells.
Physical as well as emotional stress, increased blue screen exposure and sedentary lifestyle interferes with the sleep cycle.
Hormone melatonin, amino acid tryptophan, and mineral magnesium are helpful in regulating sleep cycles by reducing stress, relaxing muscle.
Foods like bananas, warm milk, cashews, chamomile tea calms the mind, relaxes muscles.
Avoiding harmful practices:-
# Do not force feed. Small portions with frequent meals are suitable.
# Avoid raw, stale, uncooked food. Boiled water, Freshly cooked food is highly recommended.
# Avoid Artificial sweeteners and preservatives.
# Stimulants like caffeine, aerated beverages, and alcohol should be strictly avoided.
# Avoid sleeping or laying down immediately after food intake. Use chair or bed with adjustable positioning is highly recommended.
Prachi A. Managute
Dietitian & Health Coach
📞 8433770411
