Clinical Conditions
An illness or condition may contribute to an individual not eating or drinking. Exhaustion, pain, disability, loss of appetite, and the effects of medication can all play a role.
Individuals with diabetes must eat a balanced, healthy diet and may require snacks outside of normal mealtimes.
Cancer patients each have their own individual nutritional requirements. While many do not have drastic changes to their energy requirements, they may have a decreased desire to eat due to pain, nausea, fatigue, or gut obstruction.
Dysphagia is a medical condition that describes any difficulty swallowing. If an individual shows signs that they are having problems swallowing, they should be assessed by a professional.
When the muscle action that moves food through the gut slows down, constipation occurs. Adjusting the diet by increasing fibre and water intake, or certain medication, can sometimes help manage constipation.