Spina bifida transpires when the fetal spinal column does not completely close during her first month of pregnancy. This condition causes fetal nerve damage that can result in total or partial leg paralysis upon birth. Although no cure exists for spina bifida, adhering to a specialized diet can eliminate or alleviate some symptoms of common conditions associated with this disease, according to Children's Memorial Hospital.
Foods to Avoid
Fecal incontinence, the inability to control your bowels, is common for spina bifida sufferers. Therefore, avoid foods that soften your stool and provoke this condition. These foods include chicken, veal, skim milk, soda, refined sugar and canned fruit juices and fruits. Chocolate, pineapples, citrus fruits, nuts, dried fruits, corn, baked beans, coffee and refined, or white breads, cereals and pastas are also foods that can initiate fecal incontinence.
Foods to Eat
Osteoporosis, or weak, brittle bones that easily break, is another common condition that you must protect yourself from developing when living with spina bifida. Ask your doctor to test you for vitamin D and calcium deficiencies that can lead to osteoporosis. If your doctor finds you vitamin D-deficient, augment your diet with vitamin D-rich foods, such as oysters, fortified milk, cheese, butter, mackerel, tuna and salmon. Fortified margarine, soy milk and cereals are also good sources of vitamin D. If your doctor finds you calcium-deficient, add calcium-containing foods, such as white beans, kidney beans, fennel, celery, brussels sprouts, cinnamon, cheese or yogurt to your daily snack and meal menus.
To alleviate fecal incontinence symptoms eat more of certain foods. Consume fresh, raw fruits and vegetables; whole grains, such as bran, granola and oatmeal; whole milk; pizza; nuts; sausage and ground beef to better manage your fecal incontinence symptoms, advises Continence Management and Spina Bifida.
Considerations
Your lack of mobility with spina bifida can cause you to become obese. Therefore, you should prepare most of your meals at home to better control your calories, fat and salt. Talk to your doctor about safe exercises, such as such as yoga, tennis or weightlifting, to keep your mood elevated, strengthen your immune system and develop the strength and endurance you need to remain as well as you can.
Warning
Talk to your doctor about the recommended spina bifida diet before you begin the program. You might tolerate certain restricted foods better than some recommended foods for fecal incontinence. Therefore, your doctor might suggest that you hire a registered dietitian to help you design an individualized diet based upon your personal preferences and suggested spina bifida dietary guidelines.
References
- Children's Memorial Hospital: Spina Bifida
- MayoClinic.com; Spina Bifida; February 2011
- Continence Management and Spina Bifida: The Urological System and Continence Control Issues in Spina Bifida
- Medline Plus: Vitamin D
- HelpGuide.org; Calcium-Rich Foods, Vitamins and Supplements for Strong Bones; Maya W. Paul, et al.
