Nutritional Needs for MG Patients
By The Myasthenia Gravis Association of Western PA
Proper nutritional intake on a daily basis is a vital component for the health and well being of all people. It is equally important for persons suffering from myasthenia gravis. However, the intake of a proper diet may prove difficult for those individuals who are experiencing chewing and swallowing difficulties, or for those whose medications necessitate dietary restrictions. Below are several tips for having a healthy, nutritional diet.
Three meals a day is the first requirement for a balanced diet. Each meal should include not only the food one likes or enjoys, but also the essential nutrients selected from the four basic food groups, which include: Breads/Cereals (good for carohydrates and a source of energy), Fruits/Vegetables (good for carbohydrates and provide the body with vitamins & minerals), Fish/Poultry/Meats/Eggs (good for protein), and Milk/Dairy (good for calcium, vitamins, and provide the body with healthy bones).
There are certain dietary problems, which might be encountered by the individual with MG. One such problem might be chewing and swallowing, which are frequently difficult for the person with MG. The use of some medications or steroids and eating away from home may also cause difficulty in eating healthy. Some things that a person with MG can do to help make eating easier include:
1. Sitting upright while eating or drinking to reduce the chance of choking.
2. If coughing occurs, lean forward. Close your mouth and take small amounts of air through your nose. A strong forceful cough will help push the irritating substance out of the throat. Try to remain calm.
3. Plan meals at times when muscle strength is best. Some patients feel stronger an hour after medication is taken. A 1/2 hour rest before meals is also a good idea. It may also be wise to eat the main meal in the morning if muscle strength is best at that time.
4. Take small portions into the mouth and rest frequently. Small portions require less movement of the jaw.
5. Remember that the texture and consistency of food can either help or interfere with chewing and swallowing. Preparing foods to a softer consistency will be less strenuous on the jaw muscles.
6. Drinking small amounts of liquids with solid food will also soften food consistency.
7. Have a dental exam regularly and follow a good dental hygiene, which includes brushing and flossing after meals and snacks. Good dental hygiene assures that your teeth are able to do the work of chewing. Teeth and gums that are not healthy only add more problems to those already encountered by weakened jaw muscles.
8. Some medications taken by myasthenics can have side effects that necessitate dietary modifications. Regardless of what side effects might occur, it is vital to take the medication as ordered by the doctor. Diarrhea may occur as a result of taking mestinon, mytelase, or prostigmin. If diarrhea occurs, drink extra liquids (in addition to the eight glasses necessary per day) to replace the fluid lost. A liquid diet consisting of broth, jello, and clear juices can be taken for one of the daily meals to allow the bowel to rest. The next meal can be solid food, but should be bland (i.e. plain baked/broiled meats, soft cooked eggs, rice and cooked fruits/vegetables. These foods are low in fiber and will also allow the bowel to rest. Do not include salads, spicy/fried foods, casseroles, or fresh fruits because they can aggravate diarrhea. Lastly, always check with the doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications that control diarrhea and consult your doctor with diarrhea persists.
9. High doses of steroids such as ACTH or prednisone may cause the body to retain more water than normal. This is because steroids cause retention of salt or sodium, which in turn retains water. To help decrease the amount of water retained, salt intake should be reduced. This can be done by:
- Not adding salt to foods when cooking or eating
- Avoiding certain foods such as commercially prepared soups, smoked or prepared meats and other pork products
- Reading labels foods bought in the grocery store for sodium content. If sodium or salt appears as one of the first three ingredients listed on the label, avoid the product
- Avoiding snacks such as potato chips or pretzels - or consume types that are made without salt added
- Selecting fresh vegetables instead of canned - fresh vegetables do not have the salt that is added during the canning process
- Avoid frozen vegetables that are packaged in any sauce or glaze
10. Caution should be exercised regarding fad diets that are not nutritionally balanced.
11. Your doctor should be consulted before starting any weight reduction plan. The doctor should also be consulted regarding the use of any nutritional supplement such as vitamins or minerals.
12. When eating at restaurants, parties, social events, or when traveling - plan ahead. Many restaurants, hotels, and airlines are very cooperative about preparing special foods if needed, as long as advance notice is given. Also keep in mind that the host/hostess at most parties and social affairs will go out of their way to make an invited guest feel comfortable and welcome, particularly if given advance notice about any special needs.
13. Drinking alcohol in moderation (1-2 drinks) is acceptable for some people with MG. However, others may not be able to tolerate any alcohol if weakness is severe. Check with the doctor to determine if drinking alcohol is advisable.
In summary, if there are questions regarding specific dietary needs, ask the doctor or nurse. Special dietary counseling with a trained dietician to discuss a particular nutritional problem may also be available - utilize these services. By practicing the simple measures of planning ahead, taking time while eating, and applying the basic principles of good nutrition, the person with MG can live a more fulfilling and healthy life. There is no reason why most people with MG cannot continue to enjoy the good things in life, with family and friends, at home or away.
##########################
This is an excerpt from a publication that was written by the Myasthenia Gravis Association of Western Pennsylvania. For more information on this topic or for a free copy of the entire publication, please contact the MGA of WPA office at (412) 566-1545 or via email at mgaoffice@mgawpa.org. Please do not copy or reproduce this article without the written permission is of MGA of WPA.
Did you come to this page from a search engine such as Yahoo or Google? Click here to visit our entire website!