2020 has been a year like none of us have ever experienced. With each step we have learned the value of patience, understanding, flexibility and compassion. As we reflect on the year past and hope for a brighter year to come, we want to hold on to the positives and progress we have made, and evaluate where we can improve for ourselves and our future. 2021 m...
In 2004 the FDA enacted the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act(FALCPA). This act helps identify the detail surrounding the labeling of foods with specific allergens. Companies that label foods after 2006 must adhere to the guidelines of this act. The eight major food allergens recognized by the FDA are milk, eggs, soy, fish, shellfish, wheat, peanuts and t...
Nutrition intervention is a strong focus in the ICU. ASPEN critical care guidelines suggest meeting protein needs early in an effort to obtain the best outcomes. The guidelines suggest 1.2-2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight and in some scenarios even more. Meeting protein guidelines in the ICU presents its own level of challenges but what about beyond the IC...
Glycerin is an odorless, colorless liquid that is used in a variety of products including foods, cosmetics, medicines and pesticides. It adds a sweetness to food products without adding sugar because it is considered a sugar alcohol. This allows products to remain "sugar free" but still adds to the total calorie contribution of the product. The challenge with glycerin is th...
One of the most common and frustrating issues for people suffering from chronic diarrhea is the diarrhea-constipation cycle. This is the phrase used to describe the back and forth transition between diarrhea and constipation that results from certain treatment options. The primary reason for this cycle is that common diarrhea medications, such as Imodium, or loperamide (the ge...
American struggle with fiber consumption with only about 5% of the population meeting the recommended guideline goals(1). Recommendations according to the IOM are between 19-38 grams of fiber per day with specific consideration for gender and age. Research suggests that adequate consumption has a positive impact on chronic health conditions such as heart disease, obesity, hyper...
As health care institutions continue the transition from the National Dysphagia Diet to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) we are challenged with the navigation and implementation from old to new. With that, comes an understanding about how things are similar and how they are different. One big piece of the n...
June is National Dysphagia Awareness Month. While over 1 million Americans are diagnosed with dysphagia every year, there is still a lot of misunderstanding as it relates to the condition. Dysphagia can be a challenging diagnosis that often leaves patients, caregivers and clinicians looking for answers for support. It's important to recognize the champions that...
Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system. Without their support, agility and flexibility our hospitals, healthcare facilities and support centers would crumble. They are constantly shifting and adapting to the ever changing challenges that are presented to them. Now, more than ever, nurses are a crucial part of the healthcare team. We are thankful for the servic...
The COVID-19 virus has brought new challenges to the nutritional support of the estimated 960,000 patients who will require mechanical ventilation(1). Many ventilated patients will be sedated using a lipid (fat) based medication (diprivan/propofol) that often delivers >400-500 fat calorie per day. Most enteral tube feeding formulas are not able to deliver enough protein t...
