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Nutrition for Post Polio Syndrome

Survivors of polio may be at risk for developing post-polio syndrome, or PPS. PPS is a disease that affects previously damaged muscle, skeletal and neural systems in survivors of polio. Older adults are affected more often, particularly if they experienced a severe form of polio when they were younger. Symptoms include muscle atrophy and weakness, difficulty breathing, joint pain, muscle pain and scoliosis. Proper nutrition and a balanced diet can be utilized to help the body continue to work at its best and keep strength in the muscles for as long as possible.

  1. Calorie Intake

    • Individuals diagnosed with PPS need to make sure to eat enough calories per day for their age and energy level. According to the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, adult females require between 1600 and 2400 calories per day while male adults need between 2000 and 3200. These exact numbers are based upon age and daily activity level, so active adults need more calories daily. It is important that individuals with PPS do not significantly go over their recommended daily calorie level, as being overweight can contribute to additional problems with the syndrome.

    The Importance of Protein

    • Adults with PPS need a balanced diet based upon the building blocks of lean meats and protein sources in order to maintain muscle strength. Lean meats and protein sources include chicken, pork, lean red meat, fish, nuts, seeds and beans. Adults typically need between five and six ounces of protein per day, where one ounce is equivalent to one egg, one-fourth cup of cooked beans or one-half ounce of nuts or seeds. It is important to vary these sources of protein daily to maximize nutritional benefits.

    Other Nutritional Requirements

    • Sixty percent of the PPS individual's diet should be from grains. At least half of the grains that are eaten every day should be whole grains. Vegetables should be eaten more often than fruits, and the colors should vary to provide an array of nutrients. Milk, yogurt and cottage cheese are healthy dairy products that should be consumed daily along with healthy fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, grape seed oil and sunflower oil.

    Other Considerations

    • Older adults with PPS may have difficulty being active due to the condition, which can include problems shopping and cooking healthy, balanced meals. It is important to make this a priority because it can reduce the symptoms of the syndrome and maintain a more active lifestyle for a longer period of time. Adults with PPS need to make sure that they are getting enough calories per day within the proper food groups. Consulting a nutritional adviser or physician can be a helpful way to make sure that the diet is on track.

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