Sunday, May 13, 2007

Nutrition and PD

Q: Nutrition and PD








Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2007 4:56 am Post subject: Nutrition and PD -----------------------------------------------------------------

How to balance/compromise between the Nutrition and PD treatment as it can cause a Patient developing weight loss and under-nutrition?

How to optimize/manage nutrition with PD patient?

What are the sideeffect the PD medication on patients that PD are at increased risk for malnutrition?

PD is a complicated disease, that affect each person differently,but there are needs for nutrition to sustain the body and stay healthy. Kindly advise.

TEO KIM HOE

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Joined: 22 Jan 2007
Posts: 94
Location: www.nutritionucanlivewith.com
Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 11:51 am Post subject:

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Dear Teo,
These are very good questions, because many people with PD become malnourished. Here are some of the possible causes –

- nausea
- loss of the senses of smell and taste
- loss of appetite
-- sometimes due to medications
-- sometimes due to depression
- loss of manual dexterity
- eating very slowly, unable to finish meals; often because chewing and swallowing becomes tiring
- fear of choking
- difficulty swallowing

To optimize nutrition, it’s first important to determine whether any of the above conditions occur. If so, then the approach must depend upon managing that condition. For instance, if depression is the cause, then the first approach will be to manage the depression. If due to inability to manage eating utensils, then the first approach will be to locate plates, cups, and utensils that are designed for those with limited dexterity; and to provide “finger foods” as often as possible. Thus, it is important to consult a dietitian, for personal help. The dietitian will assess the reason for the poor nutrition and design an eating plan that overcomes the limitations.

For extra calories, add nourishing between-meal snacks, of about 100-200 calories. These should be low in protein -- fresh fruit or juice; a fruit smoothie made with soy or rice milk, vegetables, rice cakes or bread with a little mayonnaise or a teaspoon of peanut butter, salads. Generally, it’s a good idea to begin slowly, adding only 200-400 calories a day and increasing gradually, so as not to stress the system.
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Best regards,
Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD

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