For instance, men need anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000 calories each day, while women need about 1,600 to 2,400. Check here to see what your recommended calorie intake is: https://www. fda. gov/media/112972/download. If you’re underweight with a BMI under 18. 5, consume the number of calories based on your current rather than your ideal weight. Otherwise, you’ll be at risk of refeeding syndrome, which causes a disturbance in mineral balance that could be dangerous. You can increase your food intake more once your condition is stable. [2] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
A sandwich gives you 2 servings of grain, while ½ cup (92. 5 g) of brown rice is 1 serving. Sandwiches, subs, and any other bread-heavy meals are great options for your diet. Try preparing main dishes with pasta, like spaghetti or lasagna.
One serving of fruit is about the size of your fist, while 1 serving of vegetable juice is about ½ cup (118 mL). Red produce, like tomatoes and watermelon, is full of lycopene, which helps protect your body from serious illness. Leafy green vegetables, like kale and spinach, are loaded with zeaxanthin and lutein, which helps prevent certain eye diseases. [5] X Research source
A single serving of beef is 3 oz (85 g), while a single serving of cooked black kidney beans is ½ cup (30 g). Jerky is a great way to snack on protein on-the-go. Peanut butter is an easy but effective way to add protein to a person’s diet. Look for granola bars and other snacks that are naturally high in protein.
A single serving of low-fat or fat-free yogurt is 6 fluid ounces (180 mL), while 1 serving of low-fat milk is 1 cup (240 mL). [8] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source Any kind of milk will work, whether it’s whole, skim, or 2%. If you’re in the mood for a soft cheese, try ricotta or cottage varieties. If you’d prefer a firmer option, opt for Parmesan and cheddar instead.
Ground almonds are another great way to increase the calorie count of a dish.
Fortified cereal is a great option for breakfast.
If malnutrition is confirmed, a doctor will likely perform bloodwork to check for deficiencies, such as CBC, glucose, lipid panel, kidney panel, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron. They may also check other levels depending on the severity of the malnutrition.
For instance, the meal plan for a malnourished child will probably differ from the meal plan for a malnourished adult or senior.
This type of treatment might not be recommended for every patient suffering from malnutrition. Talk to your doctor to figure out the best option for you.
A nasogastric tube goes through the nose and into the stomach, while a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube goes directly into the stomach.
There are many ways to treat malnutrition both at home and in a hospital setting.
Note that it’s important to identify the underlying cause of any sudden weight loss. Talk with your doctor if you’ve lost weight suddenly without trying. Don’t mistake weight loss with your own efforts to get fit. If you exercise a lot while maintaining a healthy diet, your weight loss isn’t caused by malnutrition.
Look for multiple symptoms of malnutrition, not just one. Muscle weakness could be a sign of a different ailment; however, both muscle weakness and unintended weight loss usually indicate malnutrition.
While malnutrition mainly affects the body, it can also have negative impacts on the mind. Keep in mind that depression and memory loss could be symptoms of another condition altogether.
