Post-Stroke Nutrition: Choosing Between Regular and High-Calorie Ensure

Postoperative Nutrition After Brain Surgery

Hello: About a week after a stroke surgery, with a nasogastric tube still in place, I want to buy Ensure for nutritional intake.
I'm not sure whether the regular Ensure or the Ensure Plus is more suitable.

Cai Wenzi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/05/08

Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition

Dear Cai Wenzi,
Hello! Currently, you are still on a nasogastric tube.
If the physician has not instructed any fluid restrictions and you are completely reliant on the nasogastric tube for feeding, then there is no need to use Ensure Plus; regular Ensure will suffice.
However, if fluid restrictions are indicated, then temporarily use Ensure Plus.
If the nasogastric tube is only a backup for when oral intake is inadequate, you can supplement with tube feeding to ensure adequate nutrition.
If you are primarily eating orally, you can choose any special nutritional products according to your taste preferences, such as regular Ensure.
Wishing you health and happiness!
Sincerely,
Dietitian Shih Kuei-Mei
Director of the Nutrition Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare

Reply Date: 2016/05/08

More Info

Post-stroke nutrition is a critical aspect of recovery, especially for patients who are still reliant on a nasogastric tube for feeding. In your case, you are considering whether to use regular Ensure or the high-calorie version, Ensure Plus, as a nutritional source.
When a patient is recovering from a stroke, their nutritional needs can vary significantly based on their overall health status, the extent of the stroke, and any other underlying medical conditions. Since you mentioned that your loved one is about a week post-stroke and still has a nasogastric tube in place, it's essential to ensure that the nutritional intake is adequate to support healing and recovery.

1. Regular Ensure vs. Ensure Plus:
- Regular Ensure is designed to provide balanced nutrition with a moderate calorie count. It is suitable for individuals who may not have significantly increased caloric needs or who are not experiencing weight loss.

- Ensure Plus, on the other hand, is a high-calorie formula that provides additional calories and protein. This option is often recommended for patients who are at risk of malnutrition or who have higher energy needs due to illness or recovery from surgery.

2. Considerations for Tube Feeding:
- If the medical team has not indicated any restrictions on fluid intake and the patient is entirely dependent on tube feeding, Ensure Plus may be a suitable choice to ensure adequate caloric intake. This is particularly important if the patient has experienced weight loss or has difficulty maintaining their nutritional status.

- If there are restrictions on fluid intake or if the patient is expected to transition to oral feeding soon, regular Ensure may be more appropriate. It provides balanced nutrition without excessive calories, which can be beneficial if fluid intake is limited.

3. Monitoring and Adjustments:
- It is crucial to monitor the patient's tolerance to the feeding regimen. If there are signs of intolerance, such as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort, adjustments may be necessary. This could involve changing the formula, adjusting the feeding rate, or consulting with a dietitian for tailored advice.

- Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers, including a registered dietitian, can help ensure that the nutritional needs are being met and that any necessary adjustments are made based on the patient's recovery progress.

4. Additional Nutritional Support:
- In addition to choosing the right formula, consider the overall nutritional balance. Ensure that the diet includes adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals to support recovery. This may involve incorporating additional supplements or fortified foods as recommended by healthcare professionals.

5. Hydration:
- Hydration is also an essential aspect of recovery. Ensure that the patient is receiving adequate fluids, either through the formula or additional water, as tolerated.

In conclusion, the choice between regular Ensure and Ensure Plus should be guided by the patient's specific nutritional needs, tolerance, and any medical advice provided by their healthcare team. If there are any uncertainties, consulting with a registered dietitian or the healthcare provider managing the patient's care can provide personalized recommendations that align with the patient's recovery goals. Wishing you and your loved one a smooth recovery process!

Similar Q&A

Essential Dietary Guidelines for Early Stroke Recovery

Diet for Early Stroke Recovery

Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! Could you please provide the patient's relevant examination report data, such as height, weight, lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein), and blood glucose levels, etc., in order to give more appropriate recommenda...

Stroke Recovery: Chances of Full Healing and Essential Care Tips

Hello: Is there a chance for stroke patients to fully recover? What should they eat for better recovery? What lifestyle considerations should they keep in mind? Thank you.

Dr. Huang Yingzhe reply Neurology
There is a chance of recovery! It largely depends on the location and nature of the stroke. As for dietary and lifestyle considerations, they should focus on avoiding risk factors for stroke: in terms of medication, blood pressure and blood sugar levels need to be controlled. If ...

Stroke Diet Management: Nutrition Tips for Diabetes and Hypertension

For individuals who are overweight, have diabetes, hypertension, and have recently experienced a small blood vessel rupture in the brain, dietary control and maintenance are crucial. Here are some recommendations: 1. Balanced Diet: Focus on a well-balanced diet that includes...

Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello Grace! Chronic complications of diabetes include cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and the diet should primarily avoid high blood lipids while also aiming to lower them. Hyperlipidemia refers to elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, and a...

Best Drinks for Stroke Recovery: Is Chicken Soup Beneficial?

For a person who has had a stroke (approximately 40-45 years old), it is important to focus on hydration and nutrition. Drinking plenty of water is essential. Chicken soup can be beneficial as it provides hydration and nutrients, but it should be low in sodium and fat. Other co...

Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Could you please provide an update on the current condition of the stroke patient? Is it mild or are they bedridden? Generally, most stroke patients have a history of hypertension or hyperlipidemia. It is recommended that their diet be low in salt, low in fat, and high in ...