Health and wellbeing
Health and wellbeing
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Top tips for supporting people with nutrition management
Do occupational therapists have a role to play in nutrition management ? Sabina Khan shares how OTs in the US approach this area of practice and suggests all OTs should think about nutrition to improve client outcomes and promote overall health and wellbeing .
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ccupational therapists play a vital role in helping individuals with neurological conditions achieve their functional goals . One way in which they can support neurological functioning is through the use of nutrition interventions and nutrition management .
In the US , nutrition management is a key component of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework ( OTPF ), which outlines the scope of practice for occupational therapists . The framework recognises that nutrition is essential to overall health and wellbeing and that it plays an important role in achieving occupational goals .
Nutrition management is included in the framework ’ s domain of performance patterns , which focuses on the patterns of behaviour and habits that support or hinder occupational performance .
Occupational therapists should incorporate nutrition management into their practice because it can have a significant impact on their clients ’ ability to engage in meaningful activities and achieve their occupational goals .
For example , if a client has difficulty with meal preparation or eating , due to a neurological condition , addressing nutrition management can help improve their ability to participate in daily activities such as cooking , grocery shopping and socialising over meals .
Additionally , research has shown that nutrition interventions can improve cognitive function , mood and overall health , all of which can have a positive impact on occupational performance .
By incorporating nutrition management into their practice , occupational therapists can provide holistic , client-centred care that addresses all aspects of a client ’ s health and wellbeing .
They can work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals , such as dietitians , to develop comprehensive treatment plans that address nutrition alongside other interventions .
Overall , incorporating nutrition management into occupational therapy practice can help improve client outcomes and promote overall health and wellbeing .
Research has shown that certain nutrients , such as omega-3 fatty acids , antioxidants , and B vitamins , can positively impact brain function and may improve cognitive and motor performance . Occupational therapists can work with clients to identify areas of their diet that may be lacking in these nutrients and provide strategies to incorporate more nutrient-rich foods into their meals .
There are several key nutrition staples that occupational therapists can encourage people to consume for optimal brain health . These include :
• Omega-3 fatty acids : found in fatty fish such as salmon , sardines and mackerel , as well as in walnuts and flaxseed , omega-3s have been shown to support cognitive function and reduce inflammation in the brain .
• Antioxidants : found in colourful fruits and vegetables such as blueberries , strawberries , spinach and kale , antioxidants protect the brain from oxidative stress and may improve cognitive performance .
• B vitamins : found in whole grains , leafy greens and lean proteins such as chicken and fish , B vitamins play a crucial role in brain function and may enhance memory and concentration .
• Water : staying hydrated is important for brain health , as dehydration can lead to fatigue , cognitive impairment and headaches . Occupational therapists can encourage clients to drink plenty of water throughout the day to support optimal brain function .
36 OTnews October 2023