March is National Nutrition Month and seniors, handicapped or bedridden people can have special nutrition dietary needs when bedridden. We hope you find the info below helpful for you when caring for someone in this situation.

Diet for Handicapped or Bedridden People

Crystal Welch

Crystal Welch has a 30-year writing history. Her more than 2,000 published works have been included in the health and fitness-related Wellness Directory, Earthdance Press and Higher Source. She is an award-winning writer who teaches whole foods cooking and has written a cookbook series. She operates an HON-code-certified health-related blog with more than 95,000 readers. Welch has a B.B.A. from Eastern Michigan University.

A diet for handicapped or bedridden people will be the same as for anyone else, a well-rounded diet consisting of a variety of foods from each of the food groups. In order to prevent weight gain, fewer calories will be needed since fewer calories are being used. Following a healthy diet will help your body operate and recuperate properly from an injury.

Protein

Getting the proper amount of protein plays an essential role in diets for handicapped or bed-ridden people. Protein repairs and builds muscles and body tissues. Excessive protein can damage the body, according to Disabled World. Protein contains essential building blocks known as amino acids. Your body synthesizes all but nine of these acids. Dietary sources can supply the nine. Dietary sources include fish, turkey and chicken, soy, meat, yogurt, milk and eggs. Your daily allotment depends upon your size, age and calories burned.

Well-Balanced

For optimum nutritional results, your diet needs to be well-balanced. Eating a balanced meal plan assures getting well-rounded nutrition for optimum functioning. Proper nutrition diminishes risks of developing health ailments such as bed sores, according to Disabled World. Vitamins A, C, E and B play important roles in a healthy diet. A well-balanced meal plan assures proper nutrition includes eating foods from each food group as stipulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Frequency

Changing meal frequency may help stimulate enjoyment. Instead of eating the standardized amount of daily meals, break the meals into smaller portions. Eat these portions periodically throughout the day. Do this only with the permission of a medical provider, according to University of Iowa Health Center. Make certain the meals are contain the same total daily calorie count, however. Include plenty of fluids.

Calorie Conscious

To prevent weight gain, your diet needs to contain fewer calories than diets for more active people. Lower calorie foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and low-fat or nonfat dairy products. These foods fall within the healthy diet for living a heart-healthy lifestyle, according to the American Heart Association. Consuming fewer calories can reduce risks of developing obesity or being overweight, two factors that can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure and/or high blood sugar levels.

Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids play an essential role in bone health. Bone strength may be diminished in disabled and/or bed-ridden people due to lack of weight-bearing activities. Weight-bearing activities strengthen bones, according to the Mayo Clinic. Essential fatty acids can increase mineral absorption of bone-healthy selenium, iron, silica and potassium, according to Disabled World. Fatty acids produce hormones that can balance and counteract hormonal depletion caused by life-events such as menopause. Eating fatty acid-rich foods including salmon, wheat germ, pecans, soy, sardines and cod can help.

Caution

Handle your diet with care. Nutritional and caloric intake needs vary individually. Individuals on restricted or special diets need to consult with their medical care provider prior to starting any new diet. Some foods can counteract medical treatments, medications or cause allergic reactions.