Managing Eating Difficulties
It is very common to find eating difficult after a critical illness. While these problems usually improve as you get stronger, the following tips can help you manage symptoms in the meantime.
Weight Check: You can monitor your recovery progress using the Malnutrition Self-Screening Tool.
Critical illness releases hormones that slow down your stomach. To counter this:
- Fortify: Add milk powder to milk, or cheese/butter to potatoes and soups.
- Little & Often: Aim for 6 small snacks/meals a day (every 2-3 hours).
- Fresh Air: A short walk before a meal can help stimulate appetite.
- Avoid "Diet" versions: Use full-fat milk, yogurts, and spreads for extra energy.
Nausea is a common side effect of medication or the stress of illness.
- Try Ginger: Ginger tea, ginger beer, or ginger biscuits can soothe the stomach.
- Avoid Smells: Cold foods (sandwiches, salads) often have less aroma than hot meals.
- Posture: Sit upright for at least an hour after eating.
- Seek help if vomiting lasts >24 hours or if you see blood.
If food tastes metallic, too sweet, or salty:
- Metallic Taste: Use plastic cutlery instead of metal. Try sharp/tangy flavours (lemon, vinegar).
- Unusually Sweet: Add a pinch of salt or choose acidic flavours like lime.
- Unusually Salty: Add a teaspoon of honey or sugar to the dish.
- Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth or rinse your mouth before eating.
Weak muscles from ventilator use can make swallowing scary or difficult.
- Texture: Focus on soft, moist foods with plenty of sauce or gravy.
- Safety: If you cough or choke when drinking, ask your GP for a Speech & Language Therapist (SLT) referral.
- Thickening: Naturally thicker fluids (smoothies, tomato juice) may be easier to control than water.
Medications and stress can upset the digestive system.
- Indigestion: Avoid spicy/fatty foods and caffeine. Do not wear tight belts.
- Diarrhoea: Reduce caffeine and alcohol. Keep a food diary to identify "trigger" foods.
- Steatorrhoea: If your stool is pale, oily, and hard to flush, your body may not be absorbing fat. Inform your doctor.
Quick Guide: Fortifying Your Food
| To these foods... | Add these for extra energy... |
|---|---|
| Soups & Stews | Cream, milk powder, beans, or ground nuts. |
| Mashed Potato | Butter, cheese, full-fat milk, or olive oil. | Desserts/Fruit | Honey, syrup, condensed milk, or ice cream. |
Need a Dietitian?
If you are losing weight unintentionally or cannot manage these symptoms at home, ask your GP for a referral to a registered Dietitian.
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