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Refeeding the seriously ill and underweight patient is one of the more challenging and stressful stages in treatment. The long-time cautious daily caloric prescriptions for initial weight restoration, in the 5- to 10-kcal/kg range, is undergoing a change. In their article, Small Feedings and Current Nutrition Practices in Anorexia Nervosa, authors Meghan Foley, RD, Carrie Schimmelpfennig, RD, MS, and Philip S. Mehler, MD, FACP, FAED, CEDS, detail the benefits of more rapid refeeding and weight gain for AN patients. They write: “… more recent research has shown that higher dietary prescriptions are associated with a reduced length of in-hospital stay, and with no increased risk of electrolyte disturbances or other adverse reactions.”
Another nutrition-related article this month, Needed: More Vitamin ‘N,’ comes from Sandra Wartski, PsyD, CEDS. She points out that numerous studies have shown the incredible physical and psychological benefits of spending more time in Nature, and this may be an intervention that more clinicians need to consider as part of the eating disorders treatment plan. The idea is catching on worldwide, and two University of Virginia researchers have developed a “Nature Pyramid,” like the Food Pyramid, which outlines ideas on getting adequate servings and variety of Nature in the course of a year. Is it time to trade “screen time” for “green time”? the author asks.
– MKS