Dietary Management of Nutrition-related Disorders and Associated Problems

Any disease is usually associated with changes in body structure and/or function. Such changes are a part of the disease process and result from specific abnormalities in the way the body handles substances. Very often infections initiate the disease process as you are probably aware. 

In this unit and in the next we will  take a close look at the ways  in which we can use the diet as a therapeutic tool. In other words we will focus on two main areas in our discussion of each disease-identifying  the problems and dietary solutions. 

We must always remember,  however, that  the diet cannot cure most diseases. It can just help to hold them in check and prevent conditions from getting worse. There are, of course, certain diseases where dietary measures can result in a complete cure. You will clearly see this distinction emerge as you read through this unit and  the next. 

While studying dietary  management look carefully at the problems associated with each diseask. Then concentrate on how these problems can be overcome or at least controlled by using diet therapy. 

In this unit we will be looking at dietary management of nutritional deficiency disorders and associated problems. To help you place  things in perspective, an overview has been given at the beginning of the  unit. 

Objectives 

After studying this unit, you will be able to 

• discuss the general principles in dietary management 
• describe diet therapy in nutritional deficiency disorders and associated problems such as diarrhoea and fever 
• explain  the principles and practice of dietary management in diabetes and coronary heart disease