Diet & Nutrition

Diet

Diet refers to the food and drink eaten by a person or group.

Nutrition

Nutrition refers to the substances that you take into your body as food and the way that they influence your health.

Why is eating healthily so important?

May help you live longer
Keeps skin, teeth, eyes and brain healthy
Supports muscles
Boosts immunity
Strengthens bones
Lowers risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers
Improves sleep
Supports healthy pregnancies and breastfeeding
Helps the digestive system function
Helps achieve and maintain a healthy weight
Improves your mood
Improves the health of the next generation through leading by example

Healthy balanced meals

We should all aim to be having a wide variety of foods in the right proportions every day.

The NHS Eatwell Guide outlines what a healthy and balanced diet should include

Basic nutrition – Eatwell Guide

This Eatwell Guide shows us how to achieve a healthy and balanced diet by outlining what food we should be eating from each food group.

It is understood that achieving this balance with every meal is very difficult, but emphasis is placed on overall balance per day or over the course of a week.

Food functions

Carbohydrates

Give us energy, calcium and B vitamins

Proteins

Building blocks for the body. They help us grow and repair

Dairy Products

A source of calcium, protein and vitamins such as A,D and B12. They keep our bones and teeth healthy

Fruit & Vegetables

Packed with health-giving vitamins, antioxidants and fibre which keep us feeling full and our digestive systems moving

Fats & Sugars

It is important not to have too many foods from this food group since they are not as nutritious

Some top tips for healthy eating

Drink enough water

Record your food intake

Read the label

Plan for the week ahead

Allow yoursef treats

Prepare more of your own meals

Think smaller portions

Take your time when eating

Make healthy swaps

Have a good stock of healthy snacks

Eat with others to avoid mindless eating in front of the television

Eat breakfast - especially something with slow release energy

Add colour - e.g fruit & veg

Only eat things you like the taste of

How does this link with neurological conditions?

Neurological conditions can affect eating, drinking, and how the body responds to medication. It is important to follow any guidance about when to take medications in relation to food or drink.

In some conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, eating larger meals may reduce the effectiveness of certain medications.

Some people with neurological conditions may also experience swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). Further information about dysphagia is provided in the following section.

Dysphagia (swallowing difficulties)

Dysphagia is a condition that affects swallowing. Some people may have difficulty swallowing certain foods or drinks, while others may be unable to swallow at all.

A common complication of dysphagia is chest infection, such as aspiration pneumonia, which can occur if food or drink enters the lungs. These infections require prompt treatment.

Treatment depends on the cause and severity and may include speech and language therapy, changes to the texture of food and fluids, alternative methods of feeding, or surgery.

Seek medical advice as soon as possible if you experience any of the following:

· Coughing or choking when eating or drinking

· Food or drink coming back up, sometimes through the nose

· A feeling that food is stuck in the throat or chest

· Ongoing drooling or excess saliva

· Difficulty chewing food

· A wet or gurgly voice when eating or drinking

Over time, dysphagia may also lead to problems such as repeated chest infections or weight loss.

Local services to support with meals

For some people with neurological conditions, preparing meals can be challenging. There are several services available that can support with ready-prepared meals or meal delivery. The following are examples only and are not intended as specific recommendations: