It is important for people with paralysis to maintain a healthy diet because they are at a higher risk of developing health complications such as pressure sores and osteoporosis.
Consuming the right nutrients, vitamins, and minerals is essential for their overall health and well-being. Here are our tips and recommendations for maintaining a balanced diet.
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Key Nutrients, Vitamins, and Minerals
Lean Protein
Eating enough protein reduces the risk of developing pressure sores and helps preserve lean body mass.
Lean protein choices, like chicken or turkey, are preferable since heart disease is prevalent in people with spinal cord injuries. Non-animal protein choices include beans, tofu, and other meat substitutes.
Dietary Fiber
SCI can make the digestive tract work slower. Fiber helps keep your intestines active, so your bowel program goes as smoothly as possible. Fiber bars and fiber gummies are popular options.
Foods high in fiber include beans, broccoli, berries, avocados, whole grains, and popcorn. High-fiber crackers, like Triscuits, are also an option.
Calcium / Vitamin D
Calcium and vitamin D are important to combat osteoporosis. Many people with SCI develop osteoporosis within a few years after their injury.
Many dairy foods are good sources of calcium and vitamin D, including milk, cheese, and yogurt.
Non-dairy sources include sardines, pink salmon, fortified cereal, orange juice, almond milk, and rice milk.
Pre/Probiotics
Pre/probiotics help promote a healthy gut, which can help improve your bowel program and overall well-being.
You can get pre/probiotics from whole foods (unprocessed foods), pickled foods, like sauerkraut or pickles, and yogurt. You can also get pre/probiotics pills.
Plenty of Water
The rule of thumb is to drink at least 8 cups of water every day. Drinking water can help prevent urinary tract infections, which people with SCI are particularly at risk for contracting.
Water can also help with your bowel program. If you struggle to drink enough water, try adding lemon or other water flavoring.
Nutritious Foods to Add to Your Diet
Dark Greens
Dark green leafy vegetables are packed with nutrients and vitamins, including vitamin C, potassium, iron, calcium, and folate. Folate is a B vitamin that promotes heart health.
Berries
Berries are nutritious and low in calories. Berries contain potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. They also provide antioxidants, which reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and arthritis.
Peanuts & Tree Nuts
Nuts have a lot of nutrients, such as protein, calcium, and phosphorus to help strengthen bones. Almonds and walnuts are particularly rich in nutrients. Remember to eat nuts in moderation as they can be high in fat.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, beta carotene, and manganese, just to name a few. They also supply antioxidants. Squash and pumpkin are comparable options.
Download the Infographics to Print or Share
Download the Key Nutrients infographic to print (PDF) or to share (PNG)
Download the Recommended Foods infographic to print (PDF) or to share (PNG)
References
"You Are What You Eat: Nutrition After a Spinal Cord Injury". SpinalCord.com.
Barton, Vickeri and Kim, Susie. "Everyday Nutrition for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury". Northwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury System (2011).
Bigford, Gregory, and Mark S Nash. “Nutritional Health Considerations for Persons with Spinal Cord Injury.” Topics in spinal cord injury rehabilitation vol. 23,3 (2017)
