1.
Increase calories: Because kwashiorkor is a
form of malnutrition, the first step in treating people with the condition is
to increase their calorie intake. However, because the body has been deprived
of proper nutrition for so long, it is important to introduce food slowly. This
patient first needs to eat foods rich in carbohydrates, fats and simple sugars.
Providing these foods will give the body an immediate source of energy (World
Health Organization [WHO], 2011).
Increase calories: Because kwashiorkor is a
form of malnutrition, the first step in treating people with the condition is
to increase their calorie intake. However, because the body has been deprived
of proper nutrition for so long, it is important to introduce food slowly. This
patient first needs to eat foods rich in carbohydrates, fats and simple sugars.
Providing these foods will give the body an immediate source of energy (World
Health Organization [WHO], 2011).
2.
Increase proteins: After carbohydrate and
sugars have been introduced, people with kwashiorkor should be given protein
rich foods. These foods are harder to digest, so they should be introduced slowly.
Good source of protein includes milk and dairy products, eggs, beans, nuts, red
meat, poultry and fish (Scott, 2007).
Increase proteins: After carbohydrate and
sugars have been introduced, people with kwashiorkor should be given protein
rich foods. These foods are harder to digest, so they should be introduced slowly.
Good source of protein includes milk and dairy products, eggs, beans, nuts, red
meat, poultry and fish (Scott, 2007).
Note: However, people with kwashiorkor especially children
may not be able to properly digest lactose found in milk and dairy products. If
this happens, patient will need to be given supplements containing the enzymes
that break down lactose.
may not be able to properly digest lactose found in milk and dairy products. If
this happens, patient will need to be given supplements containing the enzymes
that break down lactose.
3.
Increase vitamins and
minerals: Once food has been re-introduced, patient with
kwashiorkor will need vitamins 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 a nutritionist who can identify the
deficiencies and prescribe doses to make up for those losses. Preferably,
persons can also be given cooked and drained cowpea with salt, cheese of all
types namely; cottage cheese, non-creamed cheese and non-fat cheese, see food,
tofu, soya sauce, raw pumpkin leaves, etc. (Scott, 2007).
Increase vitamins and
minerals: Once food has been re-introduced, patient with
kwashiorkor will need vitamins 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 a nutritionist who can identify the
deficiencies and prescribe doses to make up for those losses. Preferably,
persons can also be given cooked and drained cowpea with salt, cheese of all
types namely; cottage cheese, non-creamed cheese and non-fat cheese, see food,
tofu, soya sauce, raw pumpkin leaves, etc. (Scott, 2007).