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Food Diet for Those Who Have Kwashiorkor

Kwashiorkor is a form of malnutrition that develops when people do not eat enough protein. The condition is very rare in the United States; it is more common in poor countries where there is famine, or where there is not access to a healthy food supply and people do not understand the importance of a healthy diet. Although kwashiorkor is uncommon in the United States, government estimates show that many elderly people do not get enough protein in their diet, putting them at risk for the condition and other forms of malnutrition.

  1. Increase Calories

    • Because kwashiorkor is a form of malnutrition, the first step in treating people with the condition is to increase their caloric intake. However, because the body has been deprived of proper nutrition for so long, it is important to introduce foods slowly. To do this, patients first need to eat foods rich in carbohydrates, fats and simple sugars. Providing these foods will give the body an immediate source of energy.

    Eat More Proteins

    • After carbohydrates and sugars have been introduced, people with kwashiorkor should be given protein-rich foods. These foods are harder to digest, so they too should be introduced slowly. Good sources of protein include milk and dairy products, eggs, beans, nuts, red meat, poultry and fish. Note, however, that people with kwashiorkor, especially children, may not be able to properly digest lactose found in milk and dairy products. If this happens, patients will need to be given supplements containing the enzyme that breaks down lactose.

    Vitamins and Minerals

    • Once foods have been reintroduced, kwashiorkor patients will need vitamin and mineral supplements to make up for the deficiencies they developed from being malnourished. This should be done with the guidance and expertise of a doctor or nutritionist who can identify deficiencies and prescribe doses to make up for these losses.

    Outlook

    • Kwashiorkor is a serious condition, but most people who are treated early can make a full recovery. Children who develop the protein deficiency may not ever grow to their full height and weight potential, though. Additionally, children who develop the condition may have permanent mental and physical disabilities as a result.

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