How to Eat Well With the Catheter

In the medical community, catheters serve a variety of purposes. Catheters can be used to empty the bladder if you are unable to do so on your own. Intravenous catheters can be used to supply patients with medication, hydration and even nutrition. Once inserted, catheters are rarely felt and do not normally interfere with your ability to eat well. However, there are steps you can take to ensure you are receiving adequate nutrition while catheterized.

Instructions

• 1

  Talk to your doctor. Discuss any restrictions on foods or beverages for your current health state.

• 2

  Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Consume three to five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Fruits and vegetables provide you with vitamins, nutrients and minerals. Vitamins -- such as vitamin C -- can help fight off infections that may occur at the site of your catheter.

• 3

  Eat a well-balanced diet. In addition to fruits and vegetables, lean meats, protein, whole grains and low-fat dairy products can help you maintain a healthy diet. Healthy diets can help prevent blockages in your catheter.

• 4

  Drink plenty of fluids, especially if you have a urinary catheter. Drinking two to three liters of water per day helps prevent blockages, according to the Spinal Outreach Team, a physical therapy center that focuses on spinal cord injuries and rehabilitation.