Rapid strides of technology in healthcare that’s made available in India, especially in Hyderabad, has led to the increased number of transplant surgeries, especially those of kidney and liver. In fact, these days, kidney transplants in the city have become a ‘routine’.
However, there is little awareness on the need to have a specific nutritional guidance for transplant patients. In fact, unlike in the US hospitals, there are no separate nutritional specialists for transplant patients here. In the Western countries, for anybody who wants to undergo transplantation, it’s mandatory to first see a nutritional expert. It’s important because the nutritionists help patients reach the ideal BMI (Body Mass Index) needed to undergo the transplantation.
“Even after the transplantation, patients have to be guided on what they should eat and what not. If the patients do not take good nutritional care, then there is a huge risk of organ failure. After the transplantation, it’s the responsibility of the patients to keep their weight under check and avoid being obese,” says Asha Kasaraeni, a transplant nutrition specialist from Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Centre, Boston.
According to the nutrition specialist, who was in the city to deliver a talk on nutrition organised by Diabetes Self Care Foundation, successful transplant patients tend to gain weight.
“Once the transplanted organs start reacting positively, patients throw caution to the wind and tend to eat more. They don’t have anybody to guide,” she says.
The nutritionist points out that before kidney transplantation, when patients are on dialysis, they should avoid fruits, vegetables and milk that are rich in potassium.
“After the transplantation, patients tend to feel good and obviously there are no food restrictions as they do not consult nutritionists. Eventually, they start gaining weight quickly,” she points out.
Typically, a meal for all should consist of 60 per cent vegetables or salad and 20 per cent each of carbohydrates and proteins. “While eating, people should first start with vegetables and salads, then consume proteins and finally carbohydrates. Going heavy on rice is not advisable at all. This should be ideal for all and not just transplant patients,” she advises.
The nutritionist points out that physical activity is must for all ages. “Eating the right type of food in right quantities is very important. Physical activity like walking, running, mall walking, yoga is mandatory for everybody. Eating right portions of food and balancing it with exercise will do the trick for everybody and not just the patients,” Ms. Kasaraeni says.
