The role of nutrition in health after spinal cord injury
Nutrition is important to maintaining many aspects of health, especially when living with a spinal cord injury (SCI). Nutrition plays a key role in:
- Bowel regularity
- Skin integrity
- Weight management
- Prevention of chronic disease.
Changes in muscle mass and metabolism
In the first few months after a spinal cord injury, muscle loss may be normal depending on your level of injury. The muscle loss should stabilize after a few months. Because of a decrease in muscle mass and a decrease in activity after spinal cord injury, your body may burn fewer calories, and it may be necessary to adjust your caloric intake in order to maintain a healthy body weight.
Maintaining a healthy weight
Staying at a healthy body weight can help you with your ongoing therapy, weight shifts, transfers, skin health, and can help with prevention of chronic conditions and diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. It is important to know the healthy weight range for your body and injury level. Monitor your weight and make adjustments to your food intake and physical activity to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Refer to the weight management section if you need to lose weight.
Nutrition for bowel health
What you eat can also help with bowel regularity and bowel program results. Adequate fiber and hydration are important for optimal stool consistency and regularity. Refer to the bowel health section for further information.
Related section resources
- Nutrition: The role of proper nutrition in supporting overall health and recovery after SCI.
- Balanced nutrition: How to maintain a balanced diet to promote healing and well-being.
- Weight management: Strategies for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight to support physical health and function.
- Bowel health: The link between nutrition and bowel health, and how proper diet supports regularity.
- Tube feeding: An option for individuals who require assistance with nutrition intake.