Post Polio Resource List

This page contains links to articles and some posts about Nutrition .



Post-Polio Health - Nutrition and Post-Polio

Livestrong - Post-Polio Nutrition

The Post-Polio Institute Protein Power "Diet"

Janice Hartman - Eating Better for Better Health

Polio Survivors Network - Nutrition and Post Polio Syndrome


Subject: Re: High protein diet
   From: JKH

> ronboy  writes:
> I heard that Dr. Bruno recommends a high protein diet for his patients. 
> Has anyone had an experience with this diet?

Ron,

Just to correct a misconception, Dr. Bruno does not recommend a "high protein diet" but a dietary plan that includes plenty of protein, especially at breakfast. It seems many of us have been skipping breakfast, and that is not good; and many times when we do eat, it is less than adequate for our PPS bodies, as we all need more nourishment to "break the fast" after sleeping. He has been saying that we need to get at least 16 grams of protein at breakfast to get a good start on our protein needs for the day. But, along with animal protein there is often a type of unhealthy fat (whole milk, sausage, even hash brown potatoes, and other fried breakfast foods) so you need to choose well. Bacon is practically all fat, and should be used very, very sparingly, if at all. You can also use the imitation bacon bits (made from naturally low fat soy) in things like sauces, omelets, quiches, etc instead of real bacon. To cut back on fat but keep high quality protein, you can use the "egg substitutes" or egg whites (the fat is in the yolk). If you have a problem with cholesterol the elimination of the egg yolks is the most important. But, otherwise you can certainly have a couple of egg yolks a week, and as many whites as you want!

High protein diets are unsafe for most people because the amount of protein is usually so high that it can be hard on your kidneys. A normal diet consists of 50% to 60% carbohydrates (whole grains, and other complex carbohydrates with much less sugar and other simple carbs). But, when you increase protein and fats to try to replace the carbs, you are not taking in the complex carbs your body needs to function. Fats have been shown in many reputable studies to contribute to cardiovascular problems. Some people do lose weight by mistreating their bodies with these "all you want to eat protein/fat diets," but I also hear many stories of people who end up in the hospital from these poorly constructed diets, too. Not something *I* care to risk.

Keep to a sensible diet of complex carbohydrates, proper fats, and enough good quality protein (both plant and animal). Lean meats are best for those who need to increase iron, for others, plant protein is often a good substitute for at least some of the animal protein. Soybeans (granules, tofu, etc.) are the only complete protein in the plants, but other beans, legumes, and vegetables offer various amounts of protein, too. It is best to try to get all the nutrients you need by eating as large a variety of foods as possible, and not to eliminate any one food or food group. The less you eat the harder it is to get all you need from your food, and then a supplement may be needed.

I would suggest to all who are able to take a college level class on Nutrition, especially as it applies to eating well. If you are over 55, many of the college classes (at community colleges and others) are free or at reduced rates. Call around to find out. It is very helpful to know all the facts as there is much nutritional misinformation out there.

Jann
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Subject: Easy diet?
From: JKH

Well, not to put down the "easy" diets as it would be great to have one that works, but anyone who knows me at all knows I have been dealing with nutrition (and weight loss) for a very long time...and I am learning every day how much I don't know, LOL.  There is an amazing amount of help on the internet for diabetes education, weight loss and more.   Try googling"  "Joslin Diabetes." They have a great website, and discussion group.

  I would suggest that anyone wanting to eat better should start with nutrition, a basic book or course.  There are many free courses taught at hospitals and clinics (usually for diabetes, or heart health).  You might want to call around and see what's available in your area.  I love the recipes (nutritious and good) from a book called "Power Nutrition for Your Chronic Illness" by Kristine Napier.  It can be ordered through any of the bookstores (often available used).

  The thing I don't like about the "diabetic" recipes is that they often just take a calorie ladened recipe and try to substitute an artificial sweetener for sugar.  They often do nothing at all about the carbs in the flour.  You need to read labels and nutrition facts.  I look for carbs per serving (15 is generally my limit per serving).  They do a lot of carb counting with diabetes since carbs (which are necessary) do drive your blood sugar up.  Also, be sure to increase fiber, as that is very necessary for regularity of blood sugar and other things, too.  An apple with its peel is better for you that even the sauce (which is best with no added sugars).  Cinnamon seems to be good for you, too (and may help lower cholesterol some).

  WIth recipes you can change your favorite ones to make them more heart healthy (better fat choices), less salt (using other flavorings, etc), and good carbs (less carbs).  For instance, I no longer make (or eat) pies for various reasons, but do make the custard fillings (with a nutty streusal topping or even a nut crust pat-in-a-pan, for special ocassions).  Nuts are a source of protein, fiber, and good fats...just be careful as they do count with calories.

  Every one of us with PPS needs to try to limit portions and make better food choices in order to at least maintain our weight.  I encourage people to take one step at a time...to maintain weight and once they are good at that, then try to lose weight.  Eating the best we can is essential to our health.  And, all of this would work so much better if we could do some meaningful exercise.  Even getting outdoors with our power chairs and scooters is helpful.  Swim, if you can.

  Not easy for us, but if we do the best we can, it will just benefit our overall health.  I for one don't want to be eating a bunch of artificial foods (or drinking my calories), I want food that tastes good and is good for me...including ocassional chocolate treats!  Well, that's my 2 cents on the subject for now...Jann

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