How To Spot, Prevent Malnutrition

Up to 40 percent of patients in hospitals, care institutions and nursing homes are malnourished. Although poor nutrition can hugely affect recovery, it commonly goes overlooked and untreated.

Most patients become malnourished because of an inadequate diet–either due to loss of appetite, chewing or swallowing issues, or medication side-effects. Seniors are particularly affected by nutrition concerns, but those with infections and long-term health conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, dementia and lung disease are also at risk for disease-related digestion concerns.

When dietary needs are not being met, patients have difficulty healing and staying well. The body needs extra protein, vitamins and minerals to repair bones and skin, as well as strengthen muscles and prevent infection.

Malnutrition results in longer hospital stays for patients, increased infection rates, twice the need for rehabilitation or long-term care, and a 2.3 times higher rate of death while in the hospital. Beyond the human toll, malnutrition raises hospital costs by 73% and can cost an added $10,000 in hospital readmissions.

Know the signs of malnutrition

If you or your loved one is experiencing any of these, it is important to speak to your healthcare provider:

• Unplanned weight loss
• Loss of appetite for 5 days or longer, especially without illness
• Inability to eat or eating much less than usual
• Unexplained swelling or fluid accumulation

Quick tips to prevent malnutrition before it becomes an emergency

Eat small meals
Many seniors or chronically ill patients are unable to eat large quantities of food. Eating 6-7 snacks per day instead of 3 large meals can help make mealtime less overwhelming while dietary needs are being met.

Bite on protein first
In the U.S., we tend to eat our bread and salad prior to our main meal. Focus on eating the high-protein food first (chicken, beef, eggs, tofu, beans, etc.) before filling up on other foods. This can help those with decreased appetite get adequate protein, minimizing the loss of lean body mass.

Include healthy fats
Foods like avocados, nuts and healthy oils are calorie- and nutrient- dense. Adding just a tablespoon of healthy fat to meals or snacks can help increase caloric content, while providing the many benefits of healthy fatty acids.  

Prioritize food safety 
One of the best ways to make sure appetite doesn’t plummet is to keep as healthy as possible. This includes avoiding foodborne illness. Avoid unpasteurized dairy and raw meats, and make sure to store and cook foods properly.

Check on supplementation
An outpatient dietitian can advise which, if any, oral nutrition supplements are needed. They can also help design a nutrition plan that works for every individual situation.

Speak to your doctor or dietitian if you have any nutritional concerns

Inpatient dietitians are available in the hospital to provide individualized medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for patients. As part of the medical team, they conduct nutrition screening and promote health and wellness. They can also help patients meet their dietary requirements using supplementation, vitamins, minerals and more.

Outpatient dietitians specialize in providing nutrition education and counseling for various conditions. They can guide people toward health before they reach the hospital with malnutrition. To speak to a dietitian, visit https://chesapeakeregional.com/index.php/services-specialties/diabetes/nutrition-counseling. These appointments are often covered by insurance.