This is an important, highly structured routine that helps individuals with spinal cord injuries or quadriplegia maintain digestive health, protect tissue integrity, and prevent sudden, embarrassing accidents. Because a cervical spine injury breaks the nerve signals between the brain and the digestive tract, your body can no longer feel the urge to pass a bowel movement or control the anal muscles. Consistency is heavily anchored by eating balanced, low-fat meals daily and drinking water to prevent severe constipation. like oats, fresh fruits, and vegetables must be introduced gradually alongside adequate hydration to add healthy bulk to the stool.
Everyone is unique. Determine what is the best for you. REMEMBER! Any untimely excretion (stomach/bladder) can lead to embarrassment, but it is not your fault. You have no control. You do however, have control over possible solutions – get help as quickly as possible. Keep Imodium at hand for controlling a serious problem.
Diet:
- \Eat three balanced meals daily
- \Minimize greasy food
- \Eat food rich in fibre
- \Avoid sweets, or eat sweets made from natural foods e.g. honey, nuts, seeds, etc.
- \Avoid too much salt
- \Lower your alcohol intake
- \Maintain your weight
A balanced diet will ensure a healthy body which is less inclined to bladder infections, as well as healthy tissue/muscles which will prevent pressure sores.
Remme-los Self Help Centre is affiliated with the Quadriplegic Association of Gauteng South (QAGS) and its national body the Quad Para Association of South Africa (QASA). It is situated in Primrose, Germiston within the Ekurhuleni Region.
