Little Leakers
Malnutrition
Malnutrition is a condition that occurs when the body receives insufficient amounts of the essential nutrients. The body may not receive sufficient nutrients if
the diet is not balanced, if there are problems with digestion or absorption of food or if the individual has certain medical conditions. Malnutrition can affect
every system in the body, depending upon the cause of the malnutrition. In mild to moderate cases of malnutrition, no symptoms or signs may be evident;
however, as the condition persists, the signs and symptoms will become more pronounced.
Early symptoms of Malnutrition:
Fatigue and Low Energy
Food provides the body with valuable nutrients that support physical strength and energy. Carbohydrates provide glucose--the body's primary energy source.
Protein is needed for muscle development and tissue repair, and fat aids in nerve communication and nutrient absorption. Decreased energy and fatigue,
also described as tiredness or lack of motivation, commonly occur as initial symptoms of malnutrition. According to the Mayo Clinic, malnutrition is a serious
problem among elderly populations. In these cases, fatigue and energy shifts associated with malnutrition may be mistaken for natural effects of the aging
process. Children with malnutrition may demonstrate excessive tiredness, reduced desire to "play" or partake in other normal physical activities and frequent
desire for naps.
Emotional Irritability
Nutrition and food intake help support mood balance. Eating appropriate amounts of food and nutrients helps the body maintain blood sugar balance. Specific
nutrients, such as B vitamins, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids are known to support brain function, energy and positive moods. For these reasons,
people with malnutrition may exhibit emotional irritability once the condition sets in. As malnutrition progresses, emotional irritability may worsen and lead to
more serious complications, such as depression. Since many people find pleasure in eating, restriction of food, inability to access healthy foods and reduced
appetite may also contribute to irritable moods.
Dizziness
Dizziness, or light headedness, is a common symptom of malnutrition. People with malnutrition may feel as though they might faint or experience frequent
"head rushes" (dizziness upon standing). Dizziness may appear suddenly or gradually and varies in intensity. As with other symptoms of malnutrition, dizziness
generally worsens as malnutrition progresses, both in severity and frequency. Disorders that cause malabsorption of nutrients and diets extremely low in
hydrating foods, such as fruits, vegetables and fluids, may cause dehydration in addition to malnutrition. Dizziness in these cases may result from dehydration,
malnutrition or both.
www.livestrong.com
the diet is not balanced, if there are problems with digestion or absorption of food or if the individual has certain medical conditions. Malnutrition can affect
every system in the body, depending upon the cause of the malnutrition. In mild to moderate cases of malnutrition, no symptoms or signs may be evident;
however, as the condition persists, the signs and symptoms will become more pronounced.
Early symptoms of Malnutrition:
Fatigue and Low Energy
Food provides the body with valuable nutrients that support physical strength and energy. Carbohydrates provide glucose--the body's primary energy source.
Protein is needed for muscle development and tissue repair, and fat aids in nerve communication and nutrient absorption. Decreased energy and fatigue,
also described as tiredness or lack of motivation, commonly occur as initial symptoms of malnutrition. According to the Mayo Clinic, malnutrition is a serious
problem among elderly populations. In these cases, fatigue and energy shifts associated with malnutrition may be mistaken for natural effects of the aging
process. Children with malnutrition may demonstrate excessive tiredness, reduced desire to "play" or partake in other normal physical activities and frequent
desire for naps.
Emotional Irritability
Nutrition and food intake help support mood balance. Eating appropriate amounts of food and nutrients helps the body maintain blood sugar balance. Specific
nutrients, such as B vitamins, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids are known to support brain function, energy and positive moods. For these reasons,
people with malnutrition may exhibit emotional irritability once the condition sets in. As malnutrition progresses, emotional irritability may worsen and lead to
more serious complications, such as depression. Since many people find pleasure in eating, restriction of food, inability to access healthy foods and reduced
appetite may also contribute to irritable moods.
Dizziness
Dizziness, or light headedness, is a common symptom of malnutrition. People with malnutrition may feel as though they might faint or experience frequent
"head rushes" (dizziness upon standing). Dizziness may appear suddenly or gradually and varies in intensity. As with other symptoms of malnutrition, dizziness
generally worsens as malnutrition progresses, both in severity and frequency. Disorders that cause malabsorption of nutrients and diets extremely low in
hydrating foods, such as fruits, vegetables and fluids, may cause dehydration in addition to malnutrition. Dizziness in these cases may result from dehydration,
malnutrition or both.
www.livestrong.com
We here at Little Leakers try to provide beneficial information. I always thought that I would know if my child was malnourished. Even when I felt that I was
knowledgeable about my son's condition and health issues. But I was wrong. I also thought that if he ever became malnourished the doctor's would know.
Well, they eventually knew but not until my son was deathly ill. At Little Leakers we strive to request that everyone become knowledgeable and active about
their health and the health of their families. Had I known the signs of malnutrition I would not have been so naive.
At the age of 5 my son caught what we thought to be a virus or cold. He began vomiting to which after 3 days continued. I took him to the hospital to which he
was admitted right away. He was 5 years old and only weighted 35 pounds. (I didn't know this at the time) I cant even explain the thoughts and feelings that
came over me. I won't go on with my part in this story. My son received a central line and became a TPN patient while he was in the hospital. You see his
body leaks to much to sustain itself on a normal diet. My point in this is to stress that by seeing your child everyday you miss the subtle signs of malnutrition. I
almost lost my son. Don't be that naive and make the same mistake I did. Learn about the signs of malnutrition and be active with your child's doctor. Learn
how to read the labs and what levels to watch.
The hard part is that everyone around you will see the signs of malnutrition before you do. But they won't say anything to you about it because they will feel
that it's not their place to do so.
Had I have known the early symptoms of Malnutrition I might have been able to do more for my son. As I look back I realize that he did show signs of
malnutrition. Fatigue and low energy was the most pronounced symptom. He also used to complain of his legs hurting and could not walk long distances. He
also wouldn't run. I did bring this to his doctor's attention on numerous occasions. But nothing came of it.
I learned later that over time in the process of malnutrition if there is no fat in the body, the body will turn to the muscles. The body will use the muscle to
survive. Luckily my son's body did not receive any damage do to his time being malnourished. And I feel thankful and blessed. This is something that no one
should have to experience. Please learn from my story and be proactive.
knowledgeable about my son's condition and health issues. But I was wrong. I also thought that if he ever became malnourished the doctor's would know.
Well, they eventually knew but not until my son was deathly ill. At Little Leakers we strive to request that everyone become knowledgeable and active about
their health and the health of their families. Had I known the signs of malnutrition I would not have been so naive.
At the age of 5 my son caught what we thought to be a virus or cold. He began vomiting to which after 3 days continued. I took him to the hospital to which he
was admitted right away. He was 5 years old and only weighted 35 pounds. (I didn't know this at the time) I cant even explain the thoughts and feelings that
came over me. I won't go on with my part in this story. My son received a central line and became a TPN patient while he was in the hospital. You see his
body leaks to much to sustain itself on a normal diet. My point in this is to stress that by seeing your child everyday you miss the subtle signs of malnutrition. I
almost lost my son. Don't be that naive and make the same mistake I did. Learn about the signs of malnutrition and be active with your child's doctor. Learn
how to read the labs and what levels to watch.
The hard part is that everyone around you will see the signs of malnutrition before you do. But they won't say anything to you about it because they will feel
that it's not their place to do so.
Had I have known the early symptoms of Malnutrition I might have been able to do more for my son. As I look back I realize that he did show signs of
malnutrition. Fatigue and low energy was the most pronounced symptom. He also used to complain of his legs hurting and could not walk long distances. He
also wouldn't run. I did bring this to his doctor's attention on numerous occasions. But nothing came of it.
I learned later that over time in the process of malnutrition if there is no fat in the body, the body will turn to the muscles. The body will use the muscle to
survive. Luckily my son's body did not receive any damage do to his time being malnourished. And I feel thankful and blessed. This is something that no one
should have to experience. Please learn from my story and be proactive.
