Rehabilitation

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Recovering from a long-term illness or serious operation can be a slow, difficult process. It can be hard to adjust to the body’s limitations, and frustrating being unable to return to normal straight away.

Building up the body’s strength and natural defences is an important part of the road to recovery. Nutrition is key to this, providing the body with the vitamins and minerals it needs in order to get stronger. However, this must be done in a controlled, measured way, building up bit by bit. A nutritionist will be able to devise a plan in order to gradually increase the body’s strength and return it to full health.

Weight loss

Often, a long-term illness or operation can result in weight loss, due to inactivity and a loss of appetite or being unable to eat. This may cause issues, such as:

• Being underweight can lead to a weakened immune system, making the body more vulnerable to colds and viruses.

• The weight being lost may be muscular, meaning the body is further weakened physically.

• Weight needs to be gained gradually, by eating the right food which gives a slow energy release and helps build muscle rather than fat.

Loss of appetite

Loss of appetite can be an obstacle when it comes to recovery. Getting back into the habit of eating regular meals can be difficult after a period of disruption or lack of food. A nutritionist will be able to suggest ways of making food more appealing, such as:

• Eating several smaller meals rather than 3 larger ones.

• Eating with others, to help distract from the task in hand and detract the focus from the food.

• Trying new foods – old favourites may seem less appealing, so a nutritionist can recommend new ideas.

• Working out ways to make eating become part of a regular, daily routine.

• Monitoring liquid intake, which can make you feel full.

Cancer and Nutrition

Around one in three people will experience cancer during their life. Many patients now have a nutrition screening to help determine what form of cancer treatment will work best for them. Having a nutritionist on hand whilst undergoing treatment can help:

• maintain energy
• reduce side effects from aggressive forms of therapy
• reduce the risk of infection by strengthening the immune system
• maintain normal life as much as possible.

To find out more about cancer symptoms, recovery and rehabilitation, visit our Cancer page.  

Exercise

Exercise is also an important part of building up strength, but must be done gradually, without overdoing it. Some of the difficulties with exercise that a nutritionist can help with include:

• Lack of motivation – after a period of inactivity in can be hard to take the initial step.

• Knowing when to stop – it’s important to stop before the body reaches it’s limit and build up gradually.

• Knowing the right kind of exercises to help build up all over strength.

• Maintaining motivation – it may be a while before results start to show, so it can be hard to stay motivated.

Recovery and rehabilitation is a slow, complicated process, but a nutritionist can recommend the most effective and safe methods.

All content displayed on Nutritionist Resource is provided for general information purposes only, and should not be treated as a substitute for advice given by your GP or any other healthcare professional. Whilst some people have benefited from nutritional therapy, no claims can be made to treat, cure or heal specific conditions, and we strongly advise individuals with any health problem to seek independent medical advice from their GP before considering nutritional therapy.