Out of the billions of people in the world, 1.85% of the population uses a wheelchair. Although that doesn’t seem like a large number, it ends up being more than 131,800,000 people!

It is no secret that nutrition plays an important role in all aspects of people’s lives. For a wheelchair user, the benefits of healthy eating are no different.

Poor nutrition can result in weight loss, muscle atrophy, and chronic fatigue. These are all issues that only make a wheelchair user’s life more challenging. By eating healthy, wheelchair users will be able to better manage their physical health.

Problems With Poor Nutrition

If you are a person with a mobility disability, you have to pay extra attention to the food that you eat. Not eating healthy foods like fruits and vegetables can cause health issues that make being in a wheelchair more difficult.

High Blood Pressure

People using a wheelchair can have high blood pressure and cholesterol level problems. If not treated, these are health hazards that can lead to further health issues or death.

Making good eating choices can help keep these conditions in check. That’s because healthy foods contain nutrients that treat these conditions directly.

Type 2 Diabetes

People with type 2 diabetes have a hard time processing sugar. If you develop type 2 diabetes in a wheelchair, you can face serious complications. The effects of type 2 diabetes on the body can have a direct impact on your mobility and independence.

Eating healthy food can help keep your risk factors for type 2 diabetes low. Healthy snacks and meals can keep your blood sugar regulated. Regulated blood sugar lowers your risk of developing this disease.

Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common complication for people who use wheelchairs. When you sit for a long time, it can be difficult to empty your bladder. This can lead to bacteria building up in the urinary tract and causing infection.

UTIs can cause discomfort and pain, as well as other complications if left untreated. Good health can help keep UTIs from happening.

Lots of vitamin C from healthy food will keep the bacteria from getting out of control. Drinking water can also help keep you healthy.

Balanced Nutrition for a Wheelchair User

Wheelchair users need to maintain a balanced diet to stay healthy and active. Eating a balanced diet can help you to get the right amount of essential vitamins and minerals your body needs. These are both helpful in maintaining good physical health.

A healthy diet can also help you manage weight, as well as provide energy for daily activities. In addition, a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. Eating nutritious foods can improve mental health by reducing stress and improving mood.

With all these benefits, you need to make sure you are getting enough of the right nutrients in your diet. Here are a few of the most important elements to add to a diet if you are a wheelchair user.

Calories

The amount of calories you need each day is dependent on a lot of factors. Your disability, age, and activity level all factor into your daily caloric intake.

When choosing the foods that you eat, choose options that are high in fiber and low in fat. Don’t try to skip meals or it could backfire and cause your metabolism to slow down.

Calcium

When you are using a wheelchair, you need to ensure your legs have adequate circulation. This will keep you from losing bone mass. Calcium-rich food can help strengthen your bones.

When eating calcium-rich foods, you need to also make sure to add vitamin D into your diet as well. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. Getting outside for ten minutes in the sun is all you need to get enough vitamin D for your body to reap the benefits.

Protein

It’s also crucial to eat protein since it helps with muscle repair and growth. If you use a wheelchair, you may need to supplement your diet with protein shakes to ensure you get enough protein. This is especially true if you are injured and need to replace lost muscle mass.

Proteins are essential for many of the body’s major systems. For example, the digestive system and nervous system both use protein to function. Maintaining a healthy diet keeps these systems running smoothly.

Healthy Eating Keeps Wheelchair Users Strong

Healthy eating is one of the best ways to ensure your body is getting the nutrients it needs. Healthy snacks, fruits, and vegetables are all great choices for optimal health.

If you are a wheelchair user and are looking for the best equipment to use, Freedom Mobility Center is the place to call. Our experts can help guide you to find the correct wheelchair or rehab chair to meet your individual needs. Contact us today for your free in-home assessment!