The Role of Nutrition and Diet in Faster Recovery at Hospitals
When anyone says speedy recovery, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Good hospitals and advanced treatments, right! But we often overlook the star performer, ‘Nutritious Diet’ and its role in healing. A healthy meal lays the foundation behind faster recovery. It is that unsung hero that is behind every patient’s early discharge from the hospital.
Food has a direct impact on how our body functions. It acts as fuel that keeps us running. A nutrition-rich diet can help us to regain strength, repair, and cure after surgery. This is the reason why healthcare providers make customized diets for those who undergo treatment. The post COVID era has also increased the importance of diets in hospitals.
Let's break down why a balanced diet has a lion’s share in the early recovery and how medical care providers are moving towards wholesome diets for the patients.
Why is Nutrition the Backbone of Recovery?
As the saying goes, ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’. A balanced diet helps in building immunity against infections and works as a blanket that protects you from falling sick. Healthy nutritious food is a forerunner for a long life. It should be like a daily habit-pre or post any medical treatment. You shouldn’t wait to go to the hospital to start eating healthy-start from today to avoid diseases.
How Clinical diet and Recovery are Related to each other?
Hospitals have an expert team of clinical nutritionists that know what the patient needs. They design personalized diets based on current treatment. E.g., A diabetic patient would be asked to include more lean protein and whole grains in his diet. Whereas someone with cardiovascular issues should be more focused on cutting down fats and carbs intake.
They work as a guiding light telling people what is right and what they should avoid! These experts can run some tests to find out any deficiencies in your body and then suggest a meal plan based on your requirements. Clinical dieticians act as the catalyst that speeds up your recovery process after any medical treatment.
Therapeutic Diet Plans: Nutrition for every Patient
In today’s fast-paced world, where everyone is hustling, finding time for yourself is a must! You need energy to work better and live to the fullest and what better than a plate loaded with nutrients. On average, your daily meals should consist of protein, fiber, vitamins, and carbohydrates in a moderate amount.
Here are some of the elements which should be a part of your diet after the treatment;
Protein
Also known as the building blocks, protein helps with the repair work after injury. Some natural protein sources are Legumes, eggs, fish, and dairy products. They are non-negotiable for muscle strength and for immunity to fight against diseases.
Fats
There is a myth that fats are only needed in muscle building, but in reality, they are essential in overall functioning of the body. These energy-rich sources regulate hormones and help in absorbing nutrients.
Carbohydrates
The powerhouse of energy is essential to carry out daily life chores. They are also essential after treatment to help patients recover from fatigue and energy loss. Carbs help in re-building blood cells, which boosts the speed of healing.
Fibers
After any surgical treatment, digestion takes a hit! But with the help of fibers, gut health can be easily restored. And not just stomach issues; they help in managing high blood sugar and cholesterol levels-something most of the patients struggle with.
Minerals
Blood pressure is a common concern in today’s world. But a balanced intake of vitamins and minerals can help you keep a tab on high BP. These are suppliers of micronutrients required for complete healing.
The Role of Technology in Better Nutritional Recovery
Technological advancements in health have changed the dynamics entirely. What used to be done manually is now only a matter of seconds. With the latest apps and inventions, healthcare providers can find out the cause, give better suggestions, and even track the recovery, effortlessly with a few clicks. They:
Can track the meals digitally.
Use AI to find out what is missing in the diet.
Suggest balanced meals with the help of technology.
Quick and better health checkups.
The latest apps can track healing.
Smartwatches can provide real-time analysis.
The integration of tech into health has improved the accuracy in results and increased the patient’s satisfaction level. They are no longer passive participants, with modern health tools-they can keep a check on their health, themselves.
Challenges in Post Surgery Nutrition
Post Surgery is a critical phase which requires utmost care and expert monitoring. But even the hospitals face several roadblocks in providing the guidance that patients need. This can be due to the following reasons;
Lack of awareness among the patients.
Budget constraints in families.
Common belief to avoid any supplements.
Patients refuse to eat prescribed meals.
Some hospitals do not have certified dieticians.
Even the healthiest meal plan will not work if the patient is not ready to alter his normal diet. Choosing a healthy lifestyle post any medical treatment goes both ways- a dietician can guide you the direction. But it is you who must travel all the way to reach your destination-your health!
Conclusion
It is said that a healthy diet is one that impacts your physical wellbeing and mental abilities. It provides a means to increase immunity and fight infections. A balanced diet influences your mood as well. Eat good and you will feel good from within. A wholesome meal has a major role in faster recovery. It helps in healing the wounds and supplies the energy your body needs to return to its normal functioning.
A healthy diet can look different for different people-it depends upon the treatment you go through and the deficiencies in your body. A dietician can make your meals better and healthier. A nutritious meal is directly proportional to an increased life expectancy.
FAQs
Where do most clinical dieticians lack?
Clinical dieticians face the following issues:
Understaffed experts as compared to the patients.
Lack of resources.
Absence of advanced tools.
No importance of diet in hospitals.
Myths and misinformation.
Can a common diet plan work for all patients?
No, a generic diet will fail to work for all patients. The post-surgery nutrition depends upon the treatment and the deficiencies.
How can technology help with better analysis?
Technology can help the hospitals with better data collection, quick findings, and better treatments for patients.
Which foods can help in building immunity?
Spinach, almonds, berries, carrots, sweet potatoes, etc. can help in building immunity.
What diet should be given to a patient after his knee replacement surgery?
The diet after knee replacement surgery should include whole nutritional elements such as protein, zinc, vitamin C, fibers, and calcium.