Malnutrition is a condition which results from poor food intake, or intake of food which are lesser in nutritional value than that required for an individual. It can affect individuals of every age group and may result in reduced growth, weakened immunity system, and more increased vulnerability to diseases. While pharmacological treatments include supplements and providing medications in reducing malnutrition, non-pharmacological management is long-term and helps better in reducing malnutrition. Here we will see some of the non-pharmacological managements of malnutrition.
Non-Pharmacological Management of Malnutrition
A. Dietary Modifications
For malnutrition
- Balanced Diet: Protein-rich foods (eggs, fish, dairy), high-calorie foods, and essential fatty acids like omega-3-fatty acids.
- Therapeutic Diets: WHO-recommended Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF) like Plumpy’Nut.
- Hydration Therapy: Oral Rehydration Salts for dehydration-related malnutrition in patients.
B. Lifestyle and Behavioral Modifications
- Physical Activity:
- Performing physical activities like exercise can help in recovery of muscle loss.
- Partcipating in sports, can help in increasing muscle power.
- Behavioral Therapy:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for patients with eating disorders or obesity can help in reducing malnutrition.
- Nutritional Counseling: Educating patients on meal planning, portion control, and healthy food choices. Helping patients in making a diet plans that includes no junk foods, can contribute to reducing malnutrition.
C. Lifestyle Modifications
• Introducing light exercises (e.g., walking, yoga) to improve appetite and digestion will be beneficial.
• Adequate Rest: Ensure proper sleep and stress management.
• Hygiene & Sanitation: Prevent infections that contribute to malnutrition.
D. Behavioral& Psychological Support
• Counseling: Address psychological factors such as depression and eating disorders, binge eating.
• Family Support: Family members should be supportive, and they should take proper care of the patients.
• Food Security Programs: Access to nutritious food for economically weaker section so that malnutrition can be reduced in the weaker section people also.
Conclusion
Managing malnutrition in a non-pharmacological way is definitely a long-term approach. By changing lifestyle and choosing to add some changes in the daily routine can give a person healthy life they deserve. Pharmacological way of treating malnutrition may give result fast, but comes with a lot of side effects. So, we should try to focus more on the non-pharmacological way of reducing malnutrition, and contribute to a healthy lifestyle.