Post-polio syndrome can strike polio survivors in the later years of life. The syndrome is characterized by a gradual weakening of polio-stricken muscles, along with muscle wasting and fatigue. Post-polio syndrome can also impact muscles that had never before been affected by the virus. Although the exact cause of this disorder is not well understood, it may involve degradation of nerve cells or an autoimmune reaction, according to MayoClinic.com. In any case, attention to nutrition can help mitigate the symptoms of post-polio syndrome. Seek the advice of a dietitian or doctor before making drastic changes to your diet.
Protein
Because a primary function of your dietary protein is building and maintaining muscle tissue, adequate protein in your everyday diet can help you maintain your lean body mass when you are affected by post-polio syndrome. Although the disorder may limit your physical activity, modest exercise, as directed by your physician, and high-quality, lean sources of protein can mitigate the degree of muscle atrophy associated with this condition. Animal proteins, such as fish, lean meat and reduced-fat dairy products, all supply the essential amino acids you need every day to help replenish and offset those lost during muscle degradation.
Calories
In addition to high-quality protein, you need carbohydrates and fats in your diet to optimize your health when coping with post-polio syndrome. However, because you may be less active as a result of increasing fatigue and muscle weakness, consuming too many of these macronutrient calories can lead to unwanted weight gain. Therefore, including modest amounts of complex carbohydrates from whole grains, fruits and vegetables in addition to heart-healthy unsaturated fats can supply your body with adequate energy to meet your needs without excess calories that add body fat.
Other Nutrients
Whole grains, fruits and vegetables contribute not only energy to your diet but also vitamins, minerals and fiber. These nutrients help keep your physiological processes working properly, and they provide bulk to the foods you eat to keep you feeling full so you do not overeat, a feature that may be especially important if you spend time in a wheelchair. Unsaturated fats, such as those in olive oil and nuts, keep your cell membranes healthy to keep your tissues working as they should, and, in moderation, are an essential part of your post-polio nutrition plan.
Foods to Avoid
Foods that contribute empty calories include soft drinks, candies and sugar-laden baked goods. These items give you calories with little other nutrition, or none at all, and can displace healthier, nutrient-dense foods, if you consume too many of them. In addition, Dr. Richard L. Bruno, writing for “New Mobility,” suggests avoiding high-fat foods even if they are rich in protein, particularly if the number of fat grams in the food outweighs the number of protein grams.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Post-Polio Syndrome; March 2011
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Post-Polio Syndrome Fact Sheet
- "Post-Polio Health"; Nutrition and Post-Polio; Lauro S. Halstead; Winter 1998
- “New Mobility”; The Post-Polio Institute Protein Power “Diet”; Richard L. Bruno; August 2001
