Therapeutic Diets Copyright 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning

Therapeutic Diets Modification of normal diet used to improve specific health condition n Normally prescribed by physician and planned by dietitian n May change nutrients, caloric content, and/or texture n May seem strange and even unpleasant to patient n Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS 2

Regular or Standard Diet Balanced diet n Usually used for ambulatory patients n May have slight calorie reduction n Decreased or omitted: rich desserts, cream sauces, salad dressings, and fried foods n Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS 3

Liquid Diets Clear and full liquids n Liquid foods at body temperature n Clear: carbohydrates and water n Full: clear liquids plus other liquids n Uses such as the following: surgery, digestive problems, to replace lost fluids, and in preparation for X-rays of the digestive tract n Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS 4

Soft Diet Similar to a regular diet, but foods are easy to digest n Avoid meat, shellfish, coarse cereals, spicy foods, rich desserts, fried foods, raw vegetables, fruits, and nuts n Uses: after surgery, patients with infections, digestive disorders, and chewing problems n Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS 5

Diabetic Diet Used for patients with diabetes mellitus who often take insulin n Exchange lists are used to choose foods on exchange lists n Avoid sugar-heavy foods n Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS 6

Calorie-Controlled Diets Low-calorie—used for patients who are overweight; avoid or limit high-calorie foods n High-calorie—used for patients who are underweight, have anorexia nervosa, hyperthyroidism, or cancer n Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS 7

Low-Cholesterol Diet Restricts foods containing cholesterol n Used for patients with atherosclerosis and heart disease n Limit foods high in saturated fats n Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS 8

Fat-Restricted Diets Also called low-fat diet n Used for patients with gallbladder and liver disease, obesity, and certain heart diseases n Avoid foods high in fat n Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS 9

Sodium-Restricted Diets Otherwise known as low-sodium or low-salt diets n Used for cardiovascular diseases, kidney disease, and fluid retention n Avoid or limit addition of salt; avoid salt-rich foods n Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS 10

Protein Diets Protein-rich foods such as meats, fish, milk, cheese, and eggs n High-protein for children and adolescents for additional growth, pregnant or lactating women, surgery, burns, fevers, infections n Low-protein for certain kidney or renal diseases and allergic conditions n Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS 11

Bland Diet Easily digested foods that do not irritate the digestive tract n Used for patients with ulcers, colitis, and other digestive diseases n Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS 12

Low-Residue Diet Eliminate or limit foods high in bulk and fiber n For patients with digestive or rectal diseases such as colitis or diarrhea n Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS 13

Other Therapeutic Diets Other diets may be ordered that restrict or increase certain nutrients n Check prescribed diet and ask questions if foods seem incorrect n Include patient’s likes if allowed n If patient refuses foods on diet, this will not contribute to good nutrition n Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS 14