Therapeutic Diets Chapter 11 – p. 309-312

Overview Therapeutic Diets – modifications of the normal diet that are used to improve specific health conditions Normally prescribed by a doctor and planned by a dietician Many patients will not like being on these diets Appetite may be affected by anorexia (loss of appetite), weakness, illness, loneliness, self-pity, etc.

Regular Diet Balanced diet usually used for the patient with no dietary restrictions At times, it has a slightly reduced calorie content. Desserts, cream sauces, salad dressings, fried foods decreased or omitted

Liquid Diet Clear liquids and full liquids Served at body temperature Nutritionally inadequate – used only for short periods Clear liquid diet – apple/grape juice, fat-free broths, plain gelatin, fruit ice, ginger ale, tea, black coffee Full liquid diet – clear liquids PLUS strained soups, fruit/veggie juice, yogurt, hot cocoa, custard, ice cream, pudding, sherbet, eggnog

Liquid Diet This diet is used after surgery, for patients with acute infections or digestive problems, to replace fluids lost by vomiting or diarrhea, and before some x-rays of the digestive tract

Soft Diet Similar to the regular diet, but foods require little chewing and be ready to digest. Foods to avoid – meat, coarse cereals, spicy foods, rich desserts, fried foods, raw fruit and veggies, nuts Used following surgery or for patients with infections, digestive disorders, or chewing problems

Diabetic Diet Used for patients with diabetes mellitus These patients do not produce enough insulin to metabolize carbohydrates  take insulin injections Diet contains exchange lists tat group foods according to type, nutrients, and caloric content Patients are allowed a certain number of foods from each exchange list according to their needs Sugar heavy foods (candy, soda, desserts) are avoided

Diabetic Diet

Low- Calorie Diet For patients who are overweight High calorie foods are avoided No butter, cream, whole milk, cream soups, gravy, soft drinks, alcohol, fatty meat, candy, rich dessert

High-Calorie Diet For patients who are underweight, anorexia nervosa, hyperthyroidism, or cancer Extra proteins and carbohydrates are included High bulk foods (watermelon, fibrous fruits, green salads) are avoided – Why? High fat foods are avoided because they digest slowly and spoil the appetite

Low Cholesterol Diet Restricts foods that contain cholesterol Used for patients with arteriosclerosis and heart disease Foods high in saturated fat (red meat, egg yolk, cheese, shellfish, whole milk) are limited

Fat-restricted Diet Also called low-fat diet Avoid cream, whole milk, cheese, fatty meats, rich desserts, chocolate, nuts, fried foods, salad dressings Used for obese patients or patients with gall bladder and liver disease or atherosclerosis

Sodium-Restricted Diet Also called low-sodium or low-salt diet Patients use lists similar to the exchange lists diabetics use Avoid/limit adding salt, smoked meats, processed foods, pickles, olives, processed cheese Used for patients with hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, and edema

Protein Diet Low-Protein High-Protein For patients with kidney and renal disease For growth delay in children, pregnant & lactating women, before/after surgery, burns, fevers, infections Meats, fish, milk, cheeses, eggs

Bland Diet Easily digested foods that do not irritate digestive system Avoid fried foods, highly seasoned foods, raw fruits/veggies, alcohol, soda Used for patients with ulcers, colitis, other digestive diseases

Low-Residue Diet Eliminates/limits foods that are high in bulk and fiber Raw fruits and veggies, whole grain breads and cereals, nuts, seeds, beans, peas, fried foods For patients with digestive and rectal diseases, such as colitis or diarrhea

Exit Slip Identify the type of therapeutic diet that may be ordered for patients with the following conditions: Gallbladder or liver disease Diabetes mellitus Hypertension or heart disease Ulcers, colitis, or disease of the digestive tract Pregnant or lactating women Severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea