Convalescing Diet after Emergencies

Ads

As in most other medical conditions, diet plays an important role in the prophylaxis of and recuperation from emergency medical conditions. One of the most common of such conditions are fractures caused by falls, or accidents at home or on the road. Contrary to popular belief, broken bones, heal at any age, although the process takes longer in an older person, often a full year compared to 3 to 6 months for a child or young adult. To facilitate bone healing, however, the diet must provide an ample supply of calcium, the major mineral in bones: Vitamin D, which the body needs to absorb calcium; protein, which is also necessary to build bone; and zinc which promotes healing. Milk and dairy products are our best sources of calcium; choose low-fat versions to avoid unwanted weight gain.

Other foods that are rich in calcium include canned sardines, and tuna, and small fish like kajuli and kejki, provided the bones are also consumed. Fish heads of ruhi, pan-gash and hilsha are also recommended. Good plant sources of calcium include, broccoli, kohl-rabi (olkopi), mustard shag, Chinese cabbage, date and almonds. However other plants high in calcium also contain sub-stances that hinder its absorption: for example sesame seeds, spinach, beet greens. Similarly bran and brown rice contain phytic acid, which increases excretion of calcium.

Tea, coffee, cocoa, ovaltine and many whole-grain products are also high in oxalates; limit their consumption when recuperating from a fracture. Excessive intake of high-fibre foods reduces calcium absorption as well. Adequate levels of Vitamin D are needed from fortified milk, eggs, liver and oily fish like hilsha and pangash.

Any substance that is introduced into the body in a sufficient amount through wounds or in accidents or by force or unwittingly are toxins. These substances cause toxaemia, and is another emergency condition. Most plant oils (especially from herbs and spices) contain toxic compounds that are often the source of the flavour. Myristicin, the compound mat flavours nutmeg and mace (jaitri, jayphal), is also found in carrot, parsley, coriander leaves, and celery seeds. Used in culinary quantities, myristicin, is only a flavouring. In massive doses (about two whole nutmegs) myristicin causes hallucinations, headaches, nausea, cramps. Thujone, the anise-flavoured compound in wormwood caused an epidemic of brain diseases in drinkers addicted to the now-banned liquor absinthe. Very high doses of menthol, from peppermint, may cause dangerous irregularities in the heart's rhythm. The expensive spice saffron contains the toxic compound safrole, which in high doses can cause unconsciousness, even death.

Nowadays pesticides and additives that ripen or colour fruits and vegetables are toxic in nature. Always scrub fresh produce under running water. Use a knife to peel citrus fruits instead of biting to remove peel. Peel waxed vegetables and fruits, as well as those that have been exposed to pesticides. Discard the outer leaves of leafy vegetables like lettuce and cabbage, which may harbour pesticides.

Herbs which are known to be therapeutic, cannot be judged for active ingredients in a dose without the prescription of a medical doctor. For example, a measured dose of the heart drug digitalis under a physician's supervision is safe; in contrast, taking a handful of foxglove the plant from which digitalis is derived) may be lethal.

Another major cause of trauma in our country is acid bums. This is also a significant factor in violence against women.

In order to promote healing and tissue repair, it is essential for victims of extensive burns to have a well-balanced diet that provides extra amounts of most nutrients. These victims also require extra fluids sodium, and potassium to replace those substances, that seep out through damaged skin; otherwise there is a danger of dehydration and an unbalanced body chemistry. Second and third-degree bums that cause blistering and tissue damage are very serious; they have a high risk of becoming infected by germs that enter the body through the damaged skin.

Patients hospitalised with extensive burns are usually given intravenous fluids and antibiotics. If they are unable to eat, they will also be fed intravenously. A diet that pro-vides extra calories, protein and zinc is needed for tissue repair.

Zinc, found in lean meat, shell fish, yogurt, and some fruits and vegetables, is essential for wound healing; it also bolsters the body's immune defenses to fight infection. To build and maintain skin and ward off infection, the diet should also include Vitamin C. Tea, coffee, and other caffeinated beverages should be avoided; they have a diuretic effect that accelerates fluid loss.

Wounds may turn gangrenous if the patient is diabetic. Such patients need diabetic diet.

Those patients whose internal organs have been damaged or ruptured, should be fed under the strict supervision of the doctor.

Submitted By
Mahbub Husain Khan

Similar of Convalescing Diet after Emergencies