University:
Boston University
Course:
SAR HP 151 | Introduction to Health Professions
Academic year:

2021
Views:

437

Pages:

7
Author:

Natalie Patton

Spinal Cord Injury and the Importance of Good Nutrition Nutrition Plays Vital Role  supporting and keeping our bodies healthy  preventing/minimizing health complications  preventing nutrient deficiencies 1 Specifically for those with a SCI     Enhances natural healing potential Fulfills higher need for nutrients Helps prevent secondary complications Targets causes – not just symptoms People with SCI experience an average of 7 health complications per year: Digestive dysfunction Constipation/bowl obstruction Diarrhea UTI’s Obesity Pressure Sores Osteoporosis Arthritis Type 2 Diabetes Heart disease Pain Sleep disorders 2 Overall Nutrition for SCI 1. Protein  Essential for growth and repair of new tissue  Needs increase for wound healing (85-95% risk of developing)  2-3 servings/day  Serving size = palm of your hand       Red meat Chicken/Turkey breast Eggs Plain Greek yogurt Cottage cheese Protein powder Overall Nutrition for SCI 2. Fruit  1-2 servings/day  Provide enzymes that support digestive function  Whole fruits high in fiber      1 Cup of Berries 1 Apple/1Nectarine/1 Orange/1 Pear 15 Cherries 3 Apricots/2 Kiwis ½ cup Cranberries/Blueberries 3 Overall Nutrition for SCI 3. Grains Whole grains high in fiber, higher in protein Serving size = ½ cup or 1 slice of bread Quinoa Steel cut oats/rolled oats Brown rice Spelt Millet Wheatberries Overall Nutrition for SCI 4. Lentils/Legumes  High in fiber, absorbs water, helps bulk stool  1-2 servings/day  Serving size = 1/3 cup cooked    Beans (kidney, black, navy, etc) Hummus Lentils (red, yellow, green) 4 Overall Nutrition for SCI 5. Vegetables  Supportive digestive enzymes  Vitamins & Minerals needed for wound healing:  A, C,E & Zinc  Supports immune system  5+ servings/day  Serving size = ½ cup      Broccoli/ Cauliflower Asparagus/Cabbage Sweet potato Beets/carrots Dark leafy greens Overall Nutrition for SCI 6. Fats     Maintains skin integrity Soften stools/Lubricates bowel 2 servings healthy fat/day Serving size = 1Tbsp of oil or ¼ cup of nuts and seeds       Olives/Olive oil Avocados/oil Flax seeds/oil Nuts and seeds Nut and seed butters Chia seeds 5 Overall Nutrition for SCI 7. Fluids!!      Imperative for bowl function and prevention of UTI’s Flushes toxins Helps skin heal quickly 6-8 Cups of water/fluids per Serving size = 1cup or 8oz (240mls)       Unsweetened Herbal teas Water Seltzer water Broths Soups Cranberry or Blueberry juice Overall Nutrition for SCI Avoid  Refined Carbohydrates – White flour, white pasta, cakes, cookies, bagels  Trans fats – salad dressings, crackers, frozen dinners, commercial baked goods  Avoid added sugar, soda 6 Overall Nutrition for SCI Add  Spices!! Cinnamon, Tumeric, Cumin  Salsas, Chutneys, Vegetable relishes  Daily vitamins Mulitvitamin Vitamin C (1000-2000mg/day) Omega 3 (2-4, 1000mg/day) Probiotic (1/day) Vitamin D (3000-4000IU/day) Nutrition for SCI Whole foods Variety of colors Avoid processed foods Multivitamin daily Probiotic daily FLUIDS! 7