Myasthenia gravis is a chronic neurological condition characterized by loss of muscle coordination and movement. People with myasthenia gravis often experience an increased risk of malnutrition, and special dietary and nutritional considerations are often necessary. If you have myasthenia gravis, consult your doctor or a nutritionist to develop a nutrition plan specific to your needs.
Timing of Meals
Myasthenia gravis often causes periods of extreme weakness, which can make eating very difficult, especially finishing a large meal in one setting. Eating small meals 4 to 6 times each day instead of larger meals three times a day can help ensure you are not too weak to finish a meal, advises the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America. Also try to time your meals to avoid the times of day when you feel the weakest.
Chewing and Swallowing Difficulties
Muscles in the head that control chewing and swallowing are often affected by myasthenia gravis. Difficulties chewing and swallowing can increase fatigue and also increase the risk of choking. You may need to make special food choices and adjust the consistency of your food if you have difficulty swallowing. Try chopping, mashing or pureeing foods to make them softer and easier to chew and swallow. Also try drinking sips of water with food to soften the food and make it easier to swallow. Very thin liquids can also cause difficulties by accidentally entering the lungs. Try adding thickeners to liquids to help prevent this problem.
Diarrhea
Certain medications often prescribed for myasthenia gravis, such as anticholinergic medicines, may cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea and abdominal cramping. If you are experiencing diarrhea, avoid foods that are hard to digest, including spicy, greasy or fatty foods. Also avoid foods that contain high levels of insoluble fiber, such as raw vegetables, wheat bran, whole grains and unpeeled fruit. Dairy products may also be hard to digest, except yogurt containing probiotic bacteria, which may help digestive problems.
Bone Thinning
Steroid medications used to treat myasthenia gravis, such as prednisone, may also require special dietary considerations. Steroids like prednisone can cause bone thinning over long periods of time. To reduce the risk of bone thinning while taking prednisone, be sure to include plenty of vitamin D and calcium in your diet, the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America advises. Dark green, leafy vegetables, dried beans, milk and fortified cereals and juices all contain high levels of vitamin D and calcium.
