A diet for a person in a wheelchair
Lean meats such as poultry and seafood, beans, tofu and dairy foods can help you meet your daily protein needs. People in wheelchairs must take extra care not to put on excess weight that will impair transferring in and out of the chair, spinal alignment and internal organ function. For an average adult weighting 60 kg an approximate protein intake of at least 60 gm is required to fight infection. In general, adult women need 46 grams of protein a day, and adult men need 56 grams. Dr. In addition, their body needs fewer calories to function properly. You also need to get enough protein to maintain muscle mass, which is important for strength. Raw vegetables and adequate quantity of cooked vegetables at least twice daily is essential to ensure enough roughage present in the diet. Fruits and vegetables are low in calories and rich in nutrients such as fiber, vitamins A and C and potassium. Proper protein intake diminishes the risks of developing health ailments such as bed sores. This also means you have fewer calories to play with to get all the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy and strong, making it even more important that you make the right food choices. Adequate protein intake is essential for prevention of pressure ulcers. Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables to keep you feeling full while keeping a lid on calories. Most Americans get adequate amounts of protein in their diet, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, so you are more than likely meeting your needs. People confined to a wheelchair typically need fewer calories than those who can walk.
Pressure sores are a common problem for them, and if the diet is inadequate in protein the healing does not happen as protein is important for repairs and builds muscles and body tissues. Maintaining a diet high in complex carbohydrates is important for people who are wheelchair bound because it can help to maintain a healthy body weight. Harita Shyam, a registered dietitian at Apollo Hospitals, says adults in wheelchairs need fewer than 1,400 calories a day. Your doctor or dietitian can help you determine your daily calorie needs. Consult your doctor or a registered dietitian before making changes to your diet. Doctors at the Spina Bifida Association, a group that provides support and education for people with the disorder that typically causes paralysis, report that most adults in wheelchairs only need fewer than 1,400 calories per day, significantly less than other people. It becomes doubly important to keep the wheelchair bound, to take special care of their protein intake. Complex carbohydrates also contribute to sufficient energy needed to make transferring in and out of the chair easier. Therefore fruits high in fibre like guava, pomegranate, pears, etc. , should be consumed on a regular basis or specially when suffering from constipation in particular. Most Americans eat more calories than they need, which is why so many are struggling with excess weight. How many you need depends on your weight, height, gender and the amount of activity you get. Wheelchair users are at a greater risk of developing pressure ulcers, which are sores that occur when you sit in one position for too long. High fibre diets also help those with compromised digestive systems to maintain proper bowel movements and healthy skin, avoiding pressure sores and constipation. Eat a healthy and balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods from all the food groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean sources of protein and low-fat dairy foods.
