Eating enough calories and protein is necessary to maintain good skin integrity. Unfortunately, individuals experiencing illness often lose their appetite and have difficulty eating. This results in weight loss, decreased movement due to debility, and increased incidence of infections due to a compromised immune system.
The populations at higher risk for developing pressure ulcers include those with decreased ability to move by themselves. The weight loss incurred during times of illness or when confined to bed or wheelchair results in loss of muscle. Muscle is where the body stores protein and wounds need extra nutrients to heal.
Since nutrients have many roles in the body, instead of isolating single nutrients to treat wounds, providing a combination of nutrients is a best practice used by registered dietitians nutritionists (RDN). Providing food first, instead of supplements, nurtures the mind as well as the body.
The Winter 2013 issue of the Healthy Aging Dietetic Practice Group newsletter Spectrum, included an excellent article on this subject. To read Nutrition: An Intrinsic Factor of Pressure-Ulcer Healing click on the link below.
High calorie, high protein beverages and foods can be the safety net for many compromised individuals. Use the recipes in Flavorful Fortified Food - Recipes to Enrich Life to do just that - enrich the life of that individual! Check out the samples pages and order your copy today.