Nutritional Principles In Nursing
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Richeliza Archuleta
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition where stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation. This backwash, known as acid reflux, leads to symptoms like burning chest pain and a sour taste in the mouth (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) – Symptoms and Causes – Mayo Clinic, 2023). If not treated, it can result in serious complications, highlighting the importance of early intervention.
Mrs. G., a 45-year-old Hispanic woman, received a GERD diagnosis due to her persistent discomfort. It is now crucial to offer targeted dietary guidance, identify foods to avoid, recommend lifestyle changes, and address potential obstacles.
I recommend Mrs. G. avoid specific foods and drinks that can trigger or worsen her GERD symptoms. These include acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes, alcoholic beverages, chocolate, coffee, and other sources of caffeine, high-fat foods, mint, and spicy foods. Considering Mrs. G.’s love for cooking and belief in her recipes’ nutritional value, making dietary adjustments is vital. Recommendations include incorporating lean proteins. Talking with her about healthy choices is essential to help manage her symptoms effectively.
Recommended Changes:
To effectively manage GERD, I will advise Mrs. G. to adopt lifestyle changes like eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding lying down after eating or eating at least 3 hours before bed, elevating the head of her bed, and consistently taking prescribed medications, including proton pump inhibitors and histamine two blockers.
Barriers to Change and Overcoming Them:
Changing Mrs. G.’s traditional recipes, which hold cultural importance, might be challenging. To address this, open and culturally sensitive communication is vital to understanding the significance of her recipes. Providing clear and empathetic education about the long-term benefits of medication adherence is crucial. She can also explore alternative ingredients or cooking methods aligned with her cultural preferences to ensure she still enjoys tasty meals while effectively managing her GERD.
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The following diet is suggested for Mrs. G:
Fat-free or low-fat milk or low-fat yogurt may provide temporary relief. Lettuce, celery, fennel, sweet peppers, and baked, broiled, or grilled chicken breast are recommended while avoiding fried foods. Brown rice and oatmeal are mild and filling complex carbohydrates that are gentle on the stomach. Watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew are among the best foods for acid reflux.
Mrs. G should avoid:
Whole milk products, caffeine coffee/tea/chocolate, citrus fruits and juices, carbonated beverages, alcohol, smoking, mints, tomato products, fried greasy foods, spicy foods, garlic, onions, and late-night snacks should all be avoided by the patient.
Mrs. G should make the following changes:
Rather than eating two or three large meals throughout the day, eat four to five smaller meals. Avoid eating anything a couple hours before bedtime, ensure your weight is healthy, and maintain it. Stop smoking and drinking alcohol. Wear loose clothes and avoid bending over after eating. Don’t chew hard candy or chew gum, don’t eat spicy or acidic foods, and don’t chew gum.
Barriers that may be faced when making changes and ways to overcome these barriers:
Low income may limit the affordability of healthy food; Changing meal preparation patterns and eating habits may be challenging. Feeling depravity because of lack of knowledge about overhauling diet patterns and changing to the new meal recommendations.
She must participate in the new diet recommendation to make healthy choices together. Her family must also be informed for her new diet to be successful. Making a few changes at a time is enough, but she should keep making them until she achieves her goal.
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