Special Dietary Needs

eating apple

Special Dietary Needs

Some athletes with an intellectual disability may have additional dietary needs. Table 2 provides suggestions for improving nutrition while experiencing common nutrition-related health issues. Consult with your doctor and a registered dietitian before making dietary changes. Working with these professionals will provide an individualized plan that will meet your unique nutrition needs.

Table: Strategies for Common Nutrition-Related Health Issues

Health Issue Nutrition Suggestions
Constipation
  • Drink more water and juice, and eat more foods with high water content. For example, vegetables and fruit are approximately 90% water.
  • Eat more foods that are high in fibre such as whole grain breads,
    crackers, and cereals; raw, cooked or dried fruits such as prunes;
    vegetables, and legumes such as beans, lentils, and split peas.
  • Consider supplemental fibre products and consult your doctor.
Diarrhea
  • Short-term diarrhea (less than a week) can cause dehydration and electrolyte loss. Consider a rehydration drink and consult your doctor.
  • Long-term diarrhea (longer than a week) caused by medications
    or food intolerances can cause nutrient deficiencies. Consult your
    doctor and dietitian.
Underweight
  • Incorporate high-calorie snacks like milkshakes, trail mix,
    cheese, and granola.
  • Add sauces, fats, and spreads to foods. For example, spread
    peanut butter on fruit and add salad dressings to veggies,
    margarine or oil to rice or pasta.
  • Consider supplemental nutrition products and consult your doctor.
Overweight
  • Consult with your doctor and dietitian about healthy weight management
  • The whole family should follow Canada’s Food Guide, limit screen time
    and participate in more physical activity each day.
Feeding Problems
  • Certain behaviours such as avoiding certain foods due to colour, texture, or taste can result in decreased variety and increased risk of nutrient deficiencies. Consulting your doctor and dietitian and/or a behavior analyst is recommended.
  • Consider creating an interactive relationship with food by:
    • Being involved with the food preparation.
    • Talking about different foods: where they come from and their colours and textures.
    • Having a tasting “party” to try new foods.
    • Being involved with the grocery shopping.
  • Chewing and swallowing difficulties may limit the type and texture of foods that are safe for you to eat. This may compromise overall nutrition and hydration status. Consulting with your doctor and dietitian and/or a swallowing specialist is recommended.