Nutrition
One of the hardest adjustments about ALS is that it takes away your control over your life. Nutrition, however, is one of the most important aspects of this disease that seems to stay somewhat within your control. Maintaining good nutrition is critical to maintaining strength. People who lose weight quickly will more likely have a parallel loss of strength that cannot be recovered even if the nutrition needs are adequately met, once again. It is also important to all of us facing a disease like this, in which we feel a complete lack of control, to have something positive that we can do for ourselves.
I recommend talking to your doctor about proper nutrition and your particular calorie needs. It is important to have a balanced diet with 2-3 servings of protein (meat, eggs, dry beans), 6-10 servings of starches (slice of bread, 1/2 cup cereal, pasta or rice), 2-3 servings of dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese), and 3-4 servings of fruits and vegetables. Your doctor will also likely discuss with you the addition of anti-oxidant vitamins (Vitamin C, Vitamin E, beta-carotene) and Co-enzyme Q 10.
|
