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Every chronically ill person knows that they have to visit a doctor regularly, undergo checkups and take medications regularly. Unfortunately, little is said about the proper nutrition of people with chronic disease. See what rules apply to the diet in chronic diseases.
Food should provide all the necessary nutrients. Unfortunately, many chronically ill people do not eat properly. Some people do not have the strength to prepare a wholesome meal, others have trouble chewing, lack of appetite. Often, the disease itself or the medications taken make it difficult to absorb nutrients, which leads to malnutrition. The organism of a chronically ill person functions slightly differently than that of a he althy person and has different needs.Chronic diseaseincreases energy demand. The longer it lasts, the longer the patient takes medication, the more often the metabolism is disturbed, and thus the absorption of proteins, carbohydrates or fats is worse. For some diseases, we get specificdietary recommendations . For others, we must ensure that the diet is very varied, provides substances needed for the construction, reconstruction and work of cells, and for the secretion of hormones and enzymes.
Diet for chronic disease - 6 important elements
The diet of a chronically ill person must not lack protein, carbohydrates, he althy fats, vitamins, minerals and an adequate amount of water.
The proteinthat patients need the most is a wholesome protein, i.e. rich in exogenous amino acids that the body does not produce. They include, among others leucine, isoleucine, valine, lysine. The complete set of these amino acids can be found in protein of animal origin (meat, eggs, milk) and in legumes. These amino acids are responsible for building and working muscles. Their deficiency (e.g. valine) leads to impaired coordination of movements, lack of appetite. Lysine deficiency results in muscle atrophy, bone decalcification, weakened immunity and susceptibility to viral infections.
Carbohydratesis your primary source of energy. In the process of metabolic changes, they are converted into glucose, which is a fuel for the body's cells. An important role of carbohydrates is the oxidation of fatty acids to carbon dioxide and water. If it is in the dietnot enough of them, the formation of ketone bodies acidifying the body. Coarse grain products contain 60-80% pure carbohydrates, but also provide fiber, vitamins and minerals (magnesium, calcium, phosphorus). There are 3 to 30% carbohydrates in vegetables. Raw vegetables are the most valuable and they should be eaten 5 times a day. We eat fruits, which mainly contain simple sugars, twice a day.
Fatsare the building blocks of cell membranes and are used to transport certain vitamins and hormones. Without them, there will be no good absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K from the gastrointestinal tract. The best fats for chronically ill people are oils and olive oil. Avoid animal fat.
Vitamins- just like essential amino acids, they are not produced in our body (except for vitamin D). They must be delivered with food. Vitamin deficiency leads to disturbance of biochemical changes. Vitamins are valuable antioxidants that protect us from free radicals. In addition, some of them alleviate the symptoms of certain diseases, e.g. coenzyme Q supports the work of the heart, and vitamin D promotes good bone he alth.
Mineral s altscontain elements necessary for bone formation, the work of muscles and nerve cells, the secretion of hormones and enzymes influencing the overall he alth condition. The macronutrients are: sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, chlorine, sulfur, and iron. Micronutrients, trace elements are: selenium, zinc, copper, manganese, iodine, fluorine, cob alt, molybdenum. They are found in milk, whole grains, cocoa, vegetables, fruits, meat.
Water- without proper hydration, blood will not flow properly through the internal organs. Dehydration may lead to a drop in blood pressure, fainting, and renal dysfunction. Sick people often do not feel thirsty, but you need to drink. Daily water consumption is at least 1.5 liters.
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