Diets are not just meant for weight loss, but they serve other purposes too. Do you know what is a therapeutic diet? It is the type of diet which controls the consumption of certain foods or nutrients. This is done to make sure that the individual's health condition does not get worsened. Therapeutic diet is suggested to people who are getting treated for a medical condition. This meal plan is usually suggested and created by a physician or dietician, and is planned by making a few moderations in the patient's regular diet.
A lot of people are not aware about this diet as it is only prescribed by experts as a part of the treatment plan for some health problem. It is a healing diet that can also help in preventing several medical conditions. The most common factor in a lot of therapeutic diets is to avoid processed foods at all cost. Another important thing to remember is that no matter which therapeutic diet you are following, it should be under the guidance of a healthcare expert. To dig more into it, Onlymyhealth editorial team spoke to Dietician Shivani Kandwal, Nutritionist, Diabetes Educator, Founder of Nutrivibes, about therapeutic diet.
Therapeutic diet types
The length of the diet depends on the individual’s response and any improvements in health conditions. The diet is not permanent unless the restricted foods can cause allergies, sensitivities, or any negative symptoms. Only an expert can give you a verified and balanced meal plan for the betterment of your health. You should not try to customize your regular diet with your own convenience and ways. There are many types of therapeutic diets that are suggested to patients suffering from a specific health problem. So, after talking to Dietician Shivani, we have listed down some common types of therapeutic diets for you:
1. Clear liquid diet
There has to be clear liquid in this type of therapeutic diet. Mostly, when people are not able to digest or swallow solid food or are facing digestion issues, then some modifications should be made in the regular diet by an expert. Firstly, clear liquid diet will instruct you to avoid heavy or solid foods and consume liquids including electrolytes, Dal Ka Pani and rice water instead.
2. Low cholesterol/low fat diet
This type of therapeutic diet plan has foods that and low in fat and cholesterol. It can be planned for people fighting to manage their weight or have high cholesterol levels. The doctor will ask you to have foods like low fat milk, yogurt and cottage cheese. In addition, to follow this diet, an individual is advised to avoid cheese, processes foods and butter among others.
3. Intolerance diet
Intolerance diet is for people who cannot have certain foods due to allergies and intolerances. In such cases, the regular diet is customized a little according to the requirement. The method is to eliminate the allergic food items from your daily diet. After omitting those foods for some time, a test can be done to see if the symptoms are coming back.
Also read: Clean Diet: Know Everything About This Result-Oriented Diet Regime That Guarantees Weight Loss
4. High fiber diet
People who have diabetes can manage their glucose levels by consuming soluble fiber. High fiber diet can also be prescribed for individuals facing problems related to constipation and are on a weight loss regime. High fiber foods include avocados, apples, whole grains, dry fruits, etc.
Who should follow therapeutic diet?
Therapeutic diets basically tell all about the nutrients/compounds and food textures to be included or avoided, considering all the food allergies, intolerances, or health conditions. Therapeutic diets are helpful for a variety of purposes. Many conditions are treated or improved with therapeutic diets. According to Dt. Shivani, here are the health conditions in which a therapeutic diet should be followed:
- Diabetes
- Heart problems
- Chronic kidney disease
- Food allergy or intolerance
- Crohn's disease
- Hypertension
- Chronic health conditions
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Celiac disease
- Dysphagia
- Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
So, these were some types of therapeutic diets and who should follow it by Dietician Shivani Kandwal. You can talk to your dietician or doctor about making therapeutic diet a part of the treatment for any disease. One might have restrictive food choices for a period of time, but it is for the treatment of the health problem, therefore betterment of your overall well being.
You must be logged in to post a comment.