Best Dietary Tips for Spinal Cord Injury Recovery

Taking care of the spinal cord is not only a treatment but also includes nutrition to maintain your whole body. Dieting becomes more vital in the process following spinal cord injury because it is related to the energy levels in your body and how your digestion works. What’s more, healthy eating would reduce the influence of other complications and ensure your body is well prepared for a rehabilitation process to avoid it as much as possible. In the guide, we will share with you the best foods that you can add to your daily diet.

Why does Nutrition matter in Spinal Cord Injury?

For individuals with spinal cord injuries, nutrition is very important for the following reasons:

• Maintenance of Muscle and Bone Mass: After a spinal cord injury, muscle and bone mass usually deteriorate. A proper diet, especially one containing adequate protein, helps in the maintenance and rebuilding of bone density and muscle mass.
• Preventing Complications: People with spinal cord injuries are more prone to complications such as bowel problems, pressure sores, and UTIs. A balanced diet rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals can help prevent these complications.
• Weight Management: Due to their reduced mobility, people with SCI are more likely to gain weight. Healthy eating helps manage weight, which is important for maintaining one’s independence and mobility.
• Strengthening Immunity: Healthy nutrition strengthens the immunity system, hence reducing the possibility of infection and other diseases.
• Improving Mental Health: Nutrition can also boost mood and overall well-being, which can contribute to mental health improvement.
• Stamina and Energy: A healthy diet equips one with stamina and energy for the tasks of the day and exercises at the rehabilitation clinic.

Foods You Should Eat

Protein-Rich Foods:

Protein helps protect muscle mass and promotes tissue repair. Provide these options:

• Meat (lean cuts of poultry, such as turkey or chicken)
• Fish high in omega-3s (salmon)
• Dairy and eggs
• Plant-based sources (quinoa, chickpeas, lentils, and tofu)

High-Fiber Foods:

For people with SCI, constipation is a very common issue; fiber is the best friend when it comes to easy digestion of food.

• Whole grains (brown rice, oats)
• Vegetables (spinach, carrots, broccoli)
• Berries, pears, apples

Healthy Fats:

Healthy fats reduce inflammation and enhance the brain. Do these:

• Nuts and seeds like almonds, flaxseeds, and avocado.
• Fatty fish in olive oil.

Hydrate 

Stay hydrated by taking enough water since drinking much of it helps a lot in digestion; besides, it prevents UTIs as well. Ensure to take up many water-giving foods in your diet, including watermelon and cucumbers.

Things You Should Avoid Eating

Processed foods: You may end up with slow healing and weight gain. Avoid snacking on frozen meals, cookies, and chips.

Sweet and Sugary Food and Drinks: Consumption of too much sugar can change blood sugar levels and cause inflammation. Reduce your desserts, soda, and candy intake.

High-Sodium Foods: Retaining water and high blood pressure are some results of eating food that contains high salt. Cut back on your canned soups and fast foods.

Drinking Alcohol: Alcohol should be strictly avoided because it can impede recovery and also interact with medication.

Stem Cell Therapy as Treatment

This hope is through stem cell therapy, which is employing specialized cells to repair tissues that have been damaged due to the injury. The treatment is still developing, but the results are encouraging. Talking to our professionals at Global Stem Cell Care is very important for more guidance about stem cell therapy and better results