Nutrition for eating disorders, epilepsy, HIV, and cancer
Eating disorders
Treatment for eating disorders includes psychological, behavioral, and nutritional therapies. Some patients with eating disorders have medical complications from malnutrition. Dietary needs for people with eating disorders are aimed at correcting nutritional imbalances and restoring their weight. Nutritional plans focus on consuming a wide and balanced range of foods. Eating regularly spaced meals is also important. As a medical assistant, your role is to reinforce the provider’s or registered dietitian’s nutrition plan and report concerns - not to independently manage the patient’s diet.
Epilepsy
Some patients with epilepsy follow a ketogenic diet. This diet consists of very low-carbohydrate, high-fat, and adequate protein foods. Some people have also used this type of diet to lose weight. Without carbohydrates, the body metabolizes fat, and the ketones are used for energy. Patients on a ketogenic diet need regular monitoring of kidney function, since the diet increases the risk of kidney stones.
HIV and AIDS
When a person has HIV infection or AIDS, it is important to eat a well-balanced diet. Making sure the immune system is nutritionally supported is critical. People with AIDS can struggle with several issues, including nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and poor appetite. The provider may order medications to help with the nausea. Drinking extra fluids will help with both diarrhea and constipation issues. Restricting milk products with diarrhea and increasing fiber intake with constipation can help. A poor appetite can cause weight and nutrient loss. Frequent small meals, nutritional supplements (e.g., Ensure), and light exercise may help. A provider may encourage a daily vitamin and mineral supplement. With unintended weight loss, additional “healthy” calories should be added to the diet.
Cancer
Patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy can experience issues that affect eating. The treatments can harm fast-growing cells in the lining of the mouth, lips, and intestinal tract. Patients may have mouth sores that cause pain and swallowing problems. Taste and smell changes can occur. The treatments can cause appetite changes, diarrhea or constipation, fatigue, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, and weight gain or loss. Good nutrition is critical for people to regain their strength and heal after the treatments. A registered dietitian is commonly involved with the team of healthcare professionals caring for patients undergoing treatment. Nutritional tips for patients undergoing cancer treatments include the following:
- Eat a soft, bland diet.
- Eat six to eight small meals a day instead of three meals. Attempt to eat high-calorie, high-protein snacks (e.g., hard-cooked eggs, peanut butter, nuts, supplements, trail mix, and canned chicken).
- Take only sips of liquids during meals. Drink most liquids between meals. Drink 8 to 10 cups of liquid a day to prevent constipation. Water, prune juice, and warm liquids are helpful.
- To reduce mouth dryness and sores, limit caffeine and alcohol; keep the mouth clean using water or a mild mouth rinse; avoid tart, acidic, or salty foods; eat lukewarm, cold, soft, and creamy foods; and use anesthetic rinses prior to eating.
- Avoid foods with strong odors and those that are overly sweet, spicy, greasy, or fried.
- Eat small bites and chew the food well. Eat dry foods (e.g., crackers, toast).
- In addition, use a straw or a small spoon and puree food as needed. Suck on hard candies and ice chips to soothe the mouth and prevent mouth dryness.