Nutrition

Eating a nourishing diet is important to keep us healthy.

What is good nutrition, and why is it important for us? 

Many know what healthy eating entails: less fried food, less sugar, and more fruits and vegetables. But far too many of us need a thorough understanding of the advantages of healthy nutrition and the steps to take to get it. 

Getting nutrition right cannot be overstated because it is crucial to a healthy lifestyle. If you do not have a proper and balanced diet, you lose weight even if you do not want to. In the end, you become malnourished over time.

Main signs & symptoms of unintentional weight loss

Unintentional weight reduction may result in less body fat and weaker muscles and bones. Your recuperation time and the healing process may take longer than you expect. You can have fatigue, poor energy, or difficulty staying warm. However, this could result in other consequences like a lower quality of life, intestinal issues, or possible mood changes. Malnutrition is another term used to describe unintentional weight loss.

Can you be overweight and malnourished?

Although malnutrition is most frequently linked to weight loss, it is possible to be overweight and suffer from malnutrition. With overweight or obese individuals, malnutrition is sometimes overlooked, or weight loss may be seen as a favorable side effect. No matter your starting weight, unintentional weight loss might result in the loss of muscle rather than fat, which can cause malnutrition and all the above-mentioned negative effects.

What is the perfect way to manage your diet when intentionally losing weight?

Ensuring your food provides a balanced mixture of nutrients, such as energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals, are the best strategy to control malnutrition. Yet, getting all essential nutrients from your diet may be challenging if you have a limited appetite or have trouble eating due to a medical condition.

What is malnutrition?

It is called malnutrition when the body lacks the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients necessary to maintain healthy tissues and organ function. Those who are either undernourished or overnourished can develop malnutrition. Undernutrition occurs when insufficient vital nutrients are taken or eliminated more rapidly than they can be supplied. 

Overeating, eating the wrong stuff, not exercising enough, and taking excessive amounts of vitamins or other nutritional supplements all contribute to overnutrition. Being more than 20% overweight or having a diet high in fat and salt raises the risk of overnutrition.

What are the adverse effects of malnutrition?

When a person's diet does not include enough nutrients or the right combination of nutrients for optimal health, it is called malnutrition. Many of the world's population suffers from malnutrition, a frequent, under-recognized, and under-addressed issue. Malnutrition not only contributes to but also causes many diseases. Poor eating habits, a lack of resources, difficulty acquiring food, and various physical and mental health conditions can contribute to malnutrition. A person's health may be seriously impacted if they eat insufficiently, follow a rigid diet, or have a medical condition that prevents their body from achieving the right nutritional balance. In certain situations, this may be fatal.

What are Oral Nutritional Supplements or ONS?

ONS are macro and micronutrient-rich liquids, semi-solids, or sterile powders. They are normally prescribed to people who can not meet their nutrient needs through whole foods alone. On the other side, if a person has dysphagia and needs tube feeding, they may need to swallow ONS as their only source of nourishment. As a result, they can be recommended for short-term or long-term chronic illnesses in an acute situation.

How many ONS do you need in a day?

Your nutritional intake can be improved with the help of ONS, but you must take them daily as directed by your HCP. How many ONS you should consume to achieve your nutritional needs will be explained by your HCP. To help you accomplish your nutritional objectives, you must make an effort to take the prescribed dose each day for the specified period. If unsure, you can ask the pharmacist who filled your prescription.

For how long should you take your ONS?

If you want to maintain or gain weight, have more energy, or wait until you feel you can eat and drink enough to meet your nutritional needs, you should discuss these goals with your HCP. They should review and monitor your progress and will determine how long you need to keep taking your ONS as well. 

For the dietary management of disease-related malnutrition, oral nutritional supplements are considered Foods for Special Medical Purposes and must be administered under medical supervision.

What should you do if you suddenly lose weight or have a bad appetite after stopping ONS?

Talk to your HCP immediately if you observe any changes in your appetite, weight, or inability to consume adequate meals. When you next visit your Physician, you should bring any information you received from the nutritionist. Your preferred pharmacy can fill your prescription for oral dietary supplements.

Do you still need to take your ONS if you manage to eat a meal?

ONS can help you increase your food intake by providing energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals. You must take the recommended dosage daily between meals, much like a snack, because they are meant to be taken in addition to your regular meals. You should consult your HCP before ceasing your prescription dosage if you believe you no longer need them.