Being in a wheelchair comes with a unique set of dietary considerations.
By going over the three most notable dietary considerations you must keep in mind, you can be healthy and happy, while in a wheelchair.
Dietary Consideration 01: A Lack Of Vitamins Can Lead To Pressure Sores
A pressure sore – or, alternatively, “bed sore” – is a sore that arises when there is a prolonged amount of pressure on a particular part of your skin.
Just as an example, if you sit in a position that puts a great deal of pressure on one of your inner thighs, and you sit in that position for a long period of time, a sore could arise on that inner thigh
The limited mobility that being in a wheelchair creates can make it very easy for pressure sores to arise. But, you can make it harder for pressure sores to develop by eating foods rich in vitamin A, C, and E.
Some of the best foods, that happen to be rich in vitamin A, C, and E, are as follows:
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Strawberries
- Spinach
If you eat these foods, while drinking lots of water, pressure sores will have a harder time forming. This will make it a lot easier for you to avoid the discomfort, and tissue damage, pressure sores often create.
Dietary Consideration 02: You Don’t Need As Many Calories
If you are bound to a wheelchair in any manner, your mobility is far more limited than it might otherwise be.
The above leads to one major dietary consideration that must always be kept in mind: you don’t need to eat as many calories as you might normally need to.
The best way to deal with this dietary consideration is by eating fewer calories than you normally would.
Just as an example, if you normally eat four slices of pizza, you could eat three slices of pizza. Or, even, two slices of pizza, depending on your level of hunger.
Outside of that, you can focus on eating smaller portions of nutrient-rich food, which will keep you full while ensuring that your caloric intake isn’t excessive.
Dietary Consideration 03: Protein Is A Necessity
Being in a wheelchair means you need to reduce your overall caloric intake. But, what you may not need to reduce at all, is the amount of protein you are eating.
Your muscles can atrophy while you are in a wheelchair. And, if they atrophy too much, you may have a hard time engaging in all of the activities you love.
To prevent your muscles from atrophying, you can engage in regular wheelchair exercise. On top of that, you can eat a protein-rich diet, comprised of foods like the following:
- Beans
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Fish
- Nuts/Seeds
Eating the foods outlined above, and engaging in regular exercise, will allow your muscles to retain their strength.
Conclusion
Being in a wheelchair comes with its own unique set of dietary considerations.
By keeping these dietary considerations in mind, you will have an easier time doing what you love, while in a wheelchair.
If you want to learn more about wheelchair nutrition and exercise, you can click here to subscribe to our publication!
Max Akin Writing 