Dieting while wheelchair bound can be difficult because of the restricted mobility, but it's not impossible. People in wheelchairs must take extra care not to put on excess weight that will impair transferring in and out of the chair, spinal alignment and internal organ function. In addition, the body needs fewer calories to function properly, which can require dietary changes for people new to a wheelchair, doctors at the Spina Bifida Association report.
Calories
People confined to a wheelchair typically need fewer calories than those who can walk. Doctors at the Spina Bifida Association, a group that provides support and education for people with the disorder that typically causes paralysis, report that most adults in wheelchairs only need fewer than 1,100 calories per day, significantly less than other people.
Carbohydrates
Maintaining a diet high in complex carbohydrates is important for people who are wheelchair bound because it can help to maintain a healthy body weight by filling dieters up faster for longer periods of time. High fiber diets also help those with compromised digestive systems to maintain proper bowel movements and healthy skin, avoiding pressure sores and constipation. Complex carbohydrates also contribute to sufficient energy needed to make transferring in and out of the chair easier.
Vitamins
Diets rich in vitamins A and C are vital for people confined to wheelchairs because they promote a healthy urinary tract and build immunity to skin problems. Calcium is important to prevent osteoporosis, a common disease that affects people in wheelchairs because weight-bearing exercises are not possible. Vitamin D must be included in a daily diet to help with calcium absorption.
Protein
Nutritionists at the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability report that while protein is important for cell regeneration and resisting disease, most protein is high in fat, cholesterol and calories and should be kept to a minimum to avoid weight gain. Portion size and fat content of high protein foods is important to calculate to avoid excess weight and to help those trying to lose weight.
Fruits and Vegetables
Diets high in fruits and vegetables help provide needed vitamins and daily fiber requirements. Fruits and vegetables also can provide needed amounts of potassium required for regulating blood pressure, improving heart and kidney functions and maintaining a proper fluid balance in the body. Additionally, fresh fruit and vegetables aid in nerve function and muscle contraction, important issues for people who are wheelchair bound.
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