The aim of this leaflet is to provide advice on appropriate nutrition and exercise to provide your body with all the energy and nutrients needed to be in optimal health, at a time where you may be feeling more unwell or undergoing investigations.
If you have a problem with your oesophagus (food pipe) or stomach, it can be difficult to eat enough food.
This can be for a variety of reasons, some of the factors include:
- Low appetite
- Difficulty swallowing normal textured foods
- Food becoming stuck and coming back up
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- Feeling full easily
Support is available from specialist registered dietitians to ensure you have a diet tailored to your specific needs and symptom(s).
Protein is used to grow and repair tissues in your body.
Protein is found in food groups such as meat (and meat alternatives like tofu/ Quorn), dairy (and dairy alternatives), fish, eggs, beans and pulses.
When you are unwell, the body needs more protein than usual. As a general guide, try to eat a source of protein at every meal or snack time and after exercise.
Easy to prepare protein examples include:
Heart
Healthy Facts
Having a diet high in saturated fats (animal fats and coconut oil) can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (strokes or heart attacks) if taken long term. Other fats, such as most plant sources (rapeseed, olive oils and spreads) lower the levels of bad cholesterol in the body.
Some heart healthy swaps are below:
- Cut fat off meat and choose leaner cuts where possible
- Choose skimmed or semi skimmed milks instead of whole
- Swap butter to a vegetable spread and use sparingly
- Swap cooking methods, instead of frying, try grilling or poaching
If you are losing weight, then these foods can help slow weight loss and should not be avoided. Choosing healthier fats such as olive/rapeseed oils and spreads, rather than butter or coconut oils is better for heart health. If you are losing weight, please discuss this with your dietitian for more support and input.
Maintaining a healthy weight
A healthy weight is different for everyone, an ideal goal is a BMI (body mass index) between 18.5kg/m2 and 25 kg/m2. A BMI above 25kg/m2 is described as 'overweight' and a BMI over 30kg/m2 is described as 'obese'.
It is a good idea to monitor your weight every 1-2 weeks. If you experience unplanned weight loss, please let your dietitian know as you may benefit from more support. Rapid significant weight loss is a concern at any size, including amongst those classed as 'overweight' or 'obese'.
When you are unwell your body needs more energy so we would not recommend actively trying to lose weight, unless you have been advised to e.g. to meet criteria for surgery. If, when you are well, you would like advice for weight loss then please contact your GP for a referral to a weight management service.
Exercise
Regular exercise is essential to prevent muscle loss. There is a lot of evidence showing that people with healthy muscle mass recover better and quicker from illness.
Exercise can make you feel hungrier. Aim to have food or drink containing protein, such as a glass of milk or a yogurt around 30 minutes after exercise, as this also helps to build and repair muscle.
Further information is available at: www.nhs.uk//live-well/ exercise
Recommendations
- Moderate level exercise each week (out of breath but able to hold a conversation) – 150 minutes
- Vigorous activity (very out of breath) – 75 minutes or... a combination of both
Moderate Exercise
Brisk walking, water aerobics, mowing the lawn, vacuuming, walking up stairs, hiking, dancing.
Vigorous Exercise
Jogging/running, sports such as football, hockey, rugby and swimming, heavy gardening, pushing a wheelchair, lifting children or weights. If you don’t meet these levels already, any increase in activity levels can lead to better recovery.
Date of Review: April 2023
Date of Next Review: April 2025
Ref No: PI_DP_1221 (Salford)