Pneumonia is an inflammation of your lungs, usually caused by a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. It can range from mild to life-threatening. The elderly, individuals with a depressed immune system and those suffering from a chronic disease are at the highest risk for developing pneumonia. Pneumonia is debilitating condition that requires medical and nutritional therapies. It is important to consume an adequate amount of calories and other nutrients to avoid deficiencies and further complications.
Diet Therapy
The symptoms of pneumonia include chronic coughing, chest pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, fever, shortness of breath, excess mucus production and difficulty breathing. Coupled with the increased energy expenditure from difficulty breathing, your energy needs will be higher than normal. However, as a result of not feeling well you may experience a lack of appetite and weight loss, ultimately causing malnutrition. Therefore, the goals of nutrition therapy for pneumonia patients are to meet nutritional needs, preserve lean body mass, restore damage tissues, maintain fluid balance, improve resistance to infection and avoid complications. A healthy diet rich in calories, protein and micronutrients is essential.
Getting Enough Calories
Eating enough calories will give your body energy and help you gain weight. Rather than consuming three large meals, aim for five or six small meals and snacks each day. This will spread out your calorie intake and help you reach your daily requirements. You can drink high-calorie beverages such as juices, soft drinks, smoothies or milkshakes in place of water. This will help you meet your fluid and calorie needs. Choose high-calorie snacks like custard, ice cream, pudding, peanut butter. Add cheese, butter, olive oil and other high-calorie condiments to your meals.
Importance of Protein
Protein is necessary to help your body heal and grow strong. Pneumonia causes tissue damage; protein will aid your body in rebuilding new tissue and providing you with energy. Protein-rich foods should be an integral part of your pneumonia diet. Choose from dairy, meat, poultry, chicken, fish, soy products, nuts and seeds, flax, tofu and soybeans. Be sure to eat protein at the beginning of your meal before you fill up. If you do not feel you can take in enough calories, or you are losing weight, you might want to try a high-protein, high-calorie supplement you can drink between meals. Your doctor will be able to recommend the right supplement for your needs.
Eat More Fat
Eat fat in moderation, however, fat can help you add calories to your diet if you suffer from pneumonia. A tablespoon of oil, butter or margarine is equal to 100 calories. Use mayonnaise, salad dressings and peanut butter freely, fry foods in margarine or oil and add butter or oil to your bread, vegetables and soups.
Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables
Consuming an adequate amount of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals will help boost your immune system and speed your recovery. The nutrients are primarily found in fruits and vegetables. Although these foods are low in protein and calories, you should make them a regular part of your diet. You can increase the calories and protein by adding a cheese sauce, butter, oil, gravy or salad dressing to vegetables, dipping chips in cooked beans or guacamole, choosing fruits canned in heavy syrup instead of water and selecting starchy vegetables such as peas, corn and potatoes.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Pneumonia; May 9, 2009.
- American Dietetic Association: High-Calorie, High Protein Nutrition Therapy
- "Krause's Food Nutrition and Diet Therapy"; L. Kathleen Mahan, M.S., R.D.,CDE and Sylvia Escott-Stump, M.A., R.D., LDN; 2007.
- 'Nutrition and Diagnosis-Related Care"; Sylvia Escott-Stump, M.A., R.D., LDN; 2007.
