Most ailments that plague people from time to time tend to have debilitating effects on the body. They weaken the body system and its defenses thereby reducing its ability to function properly. This results in weakness and general fatigue of the body.
Getting the body back to form again takes more than just medication. A good nutritious diet, combined with the right treatments will aid recovery and get the patient back on his feet in no time.
What you eat while recuperating from an illness may depend on the nature of the ailment. For those who have undergone surgical procedures such as appendectomy, doctors usually recommend a special diet, which is fluid-based. For other convalescents recovering from illnesses such as malaria, emphasis should be on foods that aid recovery and regaining of health and strength. These include foods that contain protein, minerals, vitamins and other essential nutrients that the body needs to recover. Protein is especially recommended for the invalid as it is essential for the growth, maintenance and repair of body tissues, and is also a good source of energy.
Unless advised otherwise by the doctor, the invalid should take lots of fluids to replace body fluids lost during illness and to prevent dehydration. Fluids could be in the form of water or fruit and vegetable juices. Fruits are especially important as they contain essential vitamins and minerals, as well as fibre, which help in the indigestion and constipation problems that plague most invalids.
The ideal diet for the invalid should be fluid-based, semi-solid and soft foods that are nutritious and easily digestible. Light foods such as soups, porridge dishes, pudding, light salads and fruit juices should be taken at first. Later, as the invalid begins to get better, other easy-to eat, nourishing foods like eggs, fish and ground meat, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables should be reintroduced into his diet.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
RECOVER FAST AFTER ILLNESS_2
A little exercise for the invalid will also help in speeding up his recovery. Engaging in activities such as brisk walking, cycling, tai-chi and aerobics will boost his strength and get him back to optimal health within a short period of time. However, it is important that the invalid does not overexert himself doing those exercises. The invalid should talk to the doctor about the appropriate workout program for his condition.
If, however, the invalid has to stay in bed during the period of convalescence, there are other ways through which caregivers can keep him cheerful and comfortable, and help him on the way to full recovery. Bed, as most of us know, is not such a comfortable place when you have to stay there for days on end.
Provided the doctor agrees, it better to let the person get up, at least for part of the day, rather than staying cooped up in bed. It is important that the invalid stays active and occupied, so as to reduce loneliness and boredom. Children can play with toys, picture books, pencils and crayons for writing, drawing and painting. Teenagers will likely be happy with simple adult activities like collecting coins, stamps, badges or photos, carving, sewing, doing crossword puzzles, reading, or listening to music.
Television is, of course, popular with all age groups, and it does help to keep an invalid amused–in small doses. It is not wise to make the TV a babysitter by leaving the invalid alone with it for long stretches. The caregiver should always check beforehand on the programs the invalid is to watch. Violent or over-exciting movies, for example, could be especially distressing for a sick person.
Except his illness is contagious and he has to be in isolation, the invalid should be made to feel he is “one of the family” by including him as much as possible in home life, and letting relatives and friends pay regular visits. Sick people feel better, and get better more quickly, if there is activity going on around them and they can share, even a little, in normal day-to-day life.
For the invalid, even though you are burning to get back to work, or school, it is important that you actually rest during your convalescent period. With the proper diet, adequate rest, quality treatment and a little bit of exercise, you should be up and fully recovered in a short space of time. When you are recovered, make the necessary lifestyle changes that will help to keep you healthy. Lose weight if you are obese, exercise regularly, eat natural and low fat foods, including fruits and vegetables, manage your stress levels, cut down on alcohol consumption and quit smoking.
You should also pay adequate attention to your personal hygiene and sexual habits. Get well soon.
If, however, the invalid has to stay in bed during the period of convalescence, there are other ways through which caregivers can keep him cheerful and comfortable, and help him on the way to full recovery. Bed, as most of us know, is not such a comfortable place when you have to stay there for days on end.
Provided the doctor agrees, it better to let the person get up, at least for part of the day, rather than staying cooped up in bed. It is important that the invalid stays active and occupied, so as to reduce loneliness and boredom. Children can play with toys, picture books, pencils and crayons for writing, drawing and painting. Teenagers will likely be happy with simple adult activities like collecting coins, stamps, badges or photos, carving, sewing, doing crossword puzzles, reading, or listening to music.
Television is, of course, popular with all age groups, and it does help to keep an invalid amused–in small doses. It is not wise to make the TV a babysitter by leaving the invalid alone with it for long stretches. The caregiver should always check beforehand on the programs the invalid is to watch. Violent or over-exciting movies, for example, could be especially distressing for a sick person.
Except his illness is contagious and he has to be in isolation, the invalid should be made to feel he is “one of the family” by including him as much as possible in home life, and letting relatives and friends pay regular visits. Sick people feel better, and get better more quickly, if there is activity going on around them and they can share, even a little, in normal day-to-day life.
For the invalid, even though you are burning to get back to work, or school, it is important that you actually rest during your convalescent period. With the proper diet, adequate rest, quality treatment and a little bit of exercise, you should be up and fully recovered in a short space of time. When you are recovered, make the necessary lifestyle changes that will help to keep you healthy. Lose weight if you are obese, exercise regularly, eat natural and low fat foods, including fruits and vegetables, manage your stress levels, cut down on alcohol consumption and quit smoking.
You should also pay adequate attention to your personal hygiene and sexual habits. Get well soon.
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