People with SCI have slightly different dietary and fluid requirements than non-injured people. After a SCI, people are more prone to diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, pressure ulcers, osteoporosis, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and neurogenic bowel.
Diabetes and high cholesterol are closely linked with food and lifestyle choices. An active lifestyle and low fat diet can help prevent this complication. It's crucial to keep weight within a normal range because being underweight or overweight can increase the risk of pressure ulcers due to less padding around bony prominences in the former, too much weight on the buttocks in the latter. Being overweight is also major risk factor for diabetes. A person with pressure ulcers requires a diet with twice the recommended amount of protein as it will be lost through the wound. Osteoporosis can develop due to inactivity and non-weight bearing. A diet high in calcium and magnesium as well as the use of a standing frame can help to prevent this. UTIs necessitate a high fluid intake in order to flush out the bladder. Some people report less UTIs with cranberry juice or cranberry pills although they don't tend to be very effective once symptoms are present. Neurogenic bowels require a high fiber dient to assist with the passage of waste.
For more information and in preparation for tomorrow's class, please read pages 116-119 of the Nutrition chapter of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation's Paralysis Resource Guide.
