Indian Diet plan for Muscular Dystrophy PDF ( Foods to Eat and Avoid)

Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder that is inherited from defective genes from both parents. Muscular dystrophy affects muscle protein and structure. It is caused due to faulty genes and not because of any infection injury or accident. Read on for more information on the Indian Diet plan for Muscular Dystrophy PDF ( Foods to Eat and Avoid).

What is Muscular Dystrophy?

Muscular dystrophy is a progressive illness that weakens the muscles and hence, gradually leads to loss of muscle mass. This happens because of the mutation in the DNA of proteins that support muscle function. This condition causes progressive muscle function loss resulting in life-threatening loss of function of cardiac as well as respiratory muscles. There is no cure for this condition as of today. However, certain medications can help to improve the quality of life and delay the progression of the symptoms.

Symptoms of Muscular Dystrophy

• Pain in muscles
• Muscle stiffness
• Difficulty in walking and running
• Difficulty in sitting and standing
• Frequent falls
• Limited joint movements
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Cardiac issues

Treatment of Muscular Dystrophy

• Medication

Certain medicines are prescribed that help relieve the symptoms. Steroids are given to reduce pain as well as to improve lung function. Muscle relaxants help to relieve stiff muscles. Calcium supplements help to maintain muscle function and integrity. At times surgery is also suggested to correct muscle contraction. Medication is given to support cardiac function as well as to avoid cardiac failure.

• Physical Therapy

There is a major need for physical therapy to maintain the integrity and function of the muscles. Speech therapy helps in chewing and swallowing. Physiotherapy helps to correct the gait, reduce pain, maintain range of motion, strengthen muscles, and improve quality of life. Breathing exercises help to maintain lung function and delay lung deterioration. Aids like canes give support while walking. Resistance training builds muscles, reduces muscle cell breakdown, and slows down the deterioration of the muscles. Stretching of extremities helps in fine motor movements. Full body stretching helps to maintain the flexibility of the body.

• Diet

One must keep in mind that swallowing and chewing gradually become difficult. The diet should be sufficient enough to provide adequate calories and soft enough to swallow and chew. The bowel movements are also challenging thus, a diet rich in fiber helps to digest and excrete. A diet rich in proteins, good-quality fats, moderate in carbohydrates, and high in fiber will provide nutrition and improve quality of life.

Indian Diet Plan for Muscular Dystrophy PDF ( Foods to Eat and Avoid)

Foods to include in Indian diet plan for Muscular Dystrophy

• Carbohydrates

Consume easy-to-digest which is also high in fiber. Carbohydrates provide energy and help build glycogen over the muscles. A proper ratio of carbohydrates and proteins helps to maximize the absorption of protein. The fiber in the diet will help to digest food, as well as movement of food in the digestive tract. It also relieves constipation if any. Include a balance of soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps to create bulk and insoluble fiber pushes the waste out of the gut. Include foods like oats, whole wheat flour, daliya, rice, and millet.

• Proteins

Proteins are said to be the building blocks of the body. They help build muscles, compensate for the loss of muscle, and help to strengthen the body. These foods complement carbohydrates and get readily absorbed in the body. Protein also helps organs to function normally, maintains hormonal balance, and strengthens the bones. Include good quality proteins like eggs, poultry, milk and products, nuts, seeds, fish, dals, pulses, and soy. Nuts are energy-dense and also provide fiber along with vitamins, and minerals.

• Fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They also provide adequate antioxidants that boost immunity. Fruits and vegetables are rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber. Try not to strain the juices or soups to retain the fiber. Include more gourd vegetables that are easy to digest. The vitamins and minerals help to maintain normal bodily functions. Eat a minimum of 5 to 6 servings of fruits and vegetables of various colors.

• Fats

Consume good quality fat that does not cause bloating and is rich in MUFA and omega 3. Omega 3 boosts immunity, reduces inflammation, and maintains muscle integrity. Include olive oil, canola oil, groundnut oil, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.

Foods to avoid in the Indian diet plan for Muscular Dystrophy

• Refined foods lead to weight gain and might make movement difficult for the person with muscular dystrophy
• Caffeine-containing products might fasten the muscle breakdown and worsen the symptoms
• Red meat increases inflammation and might worsen the symptoms

Indian Diet Plan for Muscular Dystrophy

Sample of Indian diet plan for muscular dystrophy.

Morning: 1 glass of warm water with lemon juice and chia seeds

Breakfast: 1 glass Oats +walnut +jaggery smoothie or 1 glass Egg nog or 1 bowl of vegetable daliya with a soupy consistency

Mid-morning: 1 cup Masala paneer or 1 boiled egg or 1 cup yogurt with fruit

Lunch: 1 cup Curd Rice  + 1 cup Stir fry vegetables with cubes of chicken pieces + 1 cup mixed vegetable soup

Mid-afternoon: 1 fruit + 1 glass buttermilk

Snack: 1 cup Milk + ½ cup soaked Nuts (almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, date, dry fig, prunes) or 2 boiled egg whites

Dinner: 1 cup Vegetable Khichdi OR Bisibele rice OR 2 Phulkas + 1 cup Vegetable and dal

Bedtime: 1 cup Nutmeg Turmeric Milk

Tips to follow

• Eat slow
• Eat small frequent meals
• Keep the food energy-dense
• Eat moist food rather than dry foods
• Consume liquid meals for easy swallowing
• Take small bites
• Do not consume water with meals
• Sit in an upright position to avoid choking

End note

Muscular dystrophy is a progressive illness that cannot be reversed. The main aim of diet and lifestyle modification is to reduce the impact of the symptoms, delay the deterioration of the muscles, and improve the quality of life. The food given should provide sufficient nutrition and not cause any further stress.