Many people suffer from anxiety and depression during their hospital stay. Pre-existing mental health conditions or the stressful nature of being hospitalised put a person at a greater risk of developing these conditions. This, in turn, can lead to serious complications. There has been a lot of research into dietary and lifestyle habits that can help to prevent or reduce the severity of these complications. In this article, we will discuss the most up-to-date evidence-based recommendations for diet during hospital stays.
Benefits Of A Healthy Diet
A healthy diet can have many positive effects on the human body. There is evidence to suggest that a healthy diet can help to prevent certain types of cancer, increase energy levels, enhance mental function, and reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. There is also a wealth of data available that demonstrates the positive influence of diet on the skin. Eating a healthy diet can result in clearer skin and better overall appearance.
The good news is that you can incorporate a healthy diet into your hospital stay. There are many options available and it is not difficult to find food that is suitable for you to eat while in hospital. It is crucial, however, to consult your doctor or dietician about what kind of diet will benefit you while you are in hospital. If you are not sure what the best diet for you is, then ask them to help you figure it out. Once they know your medical history and how long you are expected to be in hospital, they will be able to give you the best advice on what to eat to maximise your health.
Grain-based Starches
The majority of people are used to eating bread and rice each week. These kinds of grain-based starches are digested slowly compared to other food sources. This means that they provide a steady and consistent source of energy for the body. There is also plenty of evidence to suggest that diets rich in bread and rice can reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. These are factors that medical professionals take into consideration when prescribing medication or suggesting dietary changes for their patients.
If you are considering changing your diet while in hospital you should try and incorporate more grain based starches into your diet. One option is to eat cereal for breakfast every day. You can also try making your own fresh bread to have with your meals. This will help to increase the fibre and nutrients in your diet. If you feel like you are not getting the nutrients you need in sufficient amounts from the food that you are eating, then there is always the option of taking supplements. They can be prescribed to you by your doctor or dietician so that you get the best results from changing your diet.
Veggies And Fruit
Fruit and veggies are two of the healthiest foods that you can eat. They are both low in calories and high in fibre. This makes them the perfect choice for those seeking to lose weight or keep it off. You should aim to eat at least five portions of fruit and veggies per day. These are perfect for you if you want to stay healthy while in hospital.
It is also a good idea to add more veggies to your diet than fruit. This is because fruit provides simple carbs which are quickly absorbed by the body. The result is a quick energy burst which can be followed by a lull in energy as the body processes the simple carbs. The body does not need to digest as much fibre to get the same effect. On the other hand, a lot of the nutrients in veggies are not readily available to the body unless they are digested first. This is why you should always have plenty of fruit and veggies on hand in case you fall ill and are unable to eat the food that you are provided with. You can also snack on them when you feel hungry between meals, but ensure that you eat the right ones to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
To conclude, eating healthy while in hospital can be relatively simple. The key is to make sure that you are always mindful of what you are eating and ensure that the food is prepared correctly. There are numerous options available and it is important to find foods that you can enjoy while in hospital so that you do not suffer from any dietary restrictions. Your doctor or dietician should be able to offer more advice on what kind of diet is best suited to you so that you can stay healthy during your stay.