Patients in hospital face a unique challenge when it comes to their diet. In addition to standard hospital food, many are also given a variety of therapeutic diets and supplements designed to treat their specific condition. Depending on their underlying medical needs, these can include a strict liquid diet or specialized dietary supplements. These often restrict the patient’s calorie intake and can limit their ability to obtain key
nutrients.
Despite these difficulties, there are steps that patients and their doctors can take to improve the nutritional quality of their diets. In particular, a team approach to eating well can have a positive impact on weight loss and nutrition-related side effects. One study found that physicians teamed with dietitians achieved success in achieving and maintaining a healthful lifestyle change in one-third of their obesity patients.
For those who can’t consume enough calories through their mouth, the hospital diet can help prevent malnutrition and support recovery when a patient’s medical conditions interfere with normal oral intake. 강남다이어트 The menus are carefully planned to ensure a nutritionally adequate diet, taking into account the patient’s specific health conditions, dietary restrictions and recovery goals. Hospital diets include regular soft and clear liquid diets, full liquid tube feedings for dysphagia or critical illnesses, and specialized therapeutic diets such as low-sodium, diabetic or renal diets.
In addition to the obvious health benefits, a diet at the hospital can provide the opportunity to introduce new healthy habits into a person’s life. Those who leave the hospital with a more healthful lifestyle are better equipped to avoid or manage other health risks such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.
Patients can find a wealth of information on the Internet about how to eat a healthful diet and many have dietary concerns or dietary restrictions that must be considered when planning meals.강남다이어트병원 Moreover, some patients may not be used to preparing their own food and may appreciate referrals to books, cookbooks, health-oriented grocery stores or cooking classes. Hospital dietitians are also valuable sources of nutrition education and can offer advice on food-drug interactions.
Physicians should make a habit of discussing nutrition with their patients and helping them to make healthful choices. Although patients are frequently resistant to changing their eating patterns, they are usually more motivated than they give themselves credit for and can be persuaded with a few small changes. In fact, studies have shown that the majority of hospital patients are willing to eat healthier if they’re asked to. A simple step such as a phone call to the nutrition department, along with a basic diet order, can help them make this transition more easily. In addition, a physician’s interest in nutrition can encourage the patient to continue a healthful lifestyle when they get home. These simple interventions can have a big impact on the long-term health of patients. This is especially true for patients with a chronic illness or disability.