Nutritional Advice from Nurse Practitioner Sheila Canini

Proper nutrition is crucial to everyone’s overall health and well-being, especially those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). This population often faces unique nutritional challenges but can reap significant benefits with the right strategies and support. Sheila Canini, a nurse practitioner at I Am Boundless, provides valuable insights into these challenges and practical tips for caregivers and health care providers.

Challenges

One of the primary nutritional challenges faced by individuals with I/DD is maintaining a healthy diet. Canini explains that overconsumption of fast food, processed food and foods high in sugar contribute to this problem. These poor dietary habits can lead to further health complications, such as metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Another significant challenge is the impact of medications on appetite and eating habits. Many individuals with I/DD are on specific medications that can increase appetite and lead to weight gain. Canini said, “A lot of medication this population is on will increase their appetite. It is like fighting a losing game. You want them to stay on their medication, but unfortunately with a lot of these medications, there is severe massive weight gain.” Canini continues to express that this medication-induced appetite increase often results in the consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods.

Tips

While the challenges are daunting, Canini offers practical strategies to implement. Her approach focuses on making gradual changes that can significantly improve the lives of individuals with I/DD.

• Small changes: Encouraging individuals with I/DD to try new, healthier foods can be challenging. Canini suggests gradually introducing these foods and finding ways to make them more enjoyable. For instance, if an individual dislikes potato skins, you can mash the potatoes with the skins on or opt for sweet potatoes, which offer more fiber. If an individual enjoys strawberry candies, try offering real, organic strawberries instead. Canini stated, “Start out small and gradually increase it and decrease the bad stuff. Swap it out a little bit at a time. So, you have to find food that you can hide things in. For example, you could put a whole bunch of vegetables in a meatloaf, hide it.”
• Reduce sugar intake: Reducing the consumption of sugary foods and drinks is essential, according to Canini. She discourages the consumption of juice and soda, instead suggesting “…adding flavor drops to water”. Canini emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated and encourages increasing water intake over sugary drinks.
• Support sensory-issues: Numerous individuals with I/DD encounter sensory-related issues that influence their dietary decisions. Recognizing and accommodating these sensory preferences can facilitate access to healthier food choices. This could entail exploring various textures and flavors to find what works best for the individual. 
• Read the label: One simple step you can take toward improving your nutrition is to be mindful of ingredients in packaged foods. Canini recommends getting into the habit of reading the labels, “Always try to go with the label with the less ingredients and if you can’t pronounce [the ingredient], you shouldn’t be eating it.”
• Get Moving: Adding just 10-15 minutes of active walking per day can burn calories and improve cardio. If it is nice outside the fresh air is good. If the weather isn’t nice, consider finding a place to walk indoors like the malls.
• Educate: Canini observes that, while it might be simpler and more convenient to choose preferred quick processed food items, prioritizing a balanced nutritional diet is paramount. It's important to learn about healthy eating and offer healthier dietary choices instead of just sticking with the same things. 

Benefits

Implementing these nutritional strategies can yield numerous benefits for individuals with I/DD. Enhanced nutrition can improve overall health, prevent the onset of chronic diseases and enhance quality of life. Canini said, “…If we tried to eat healthier, less salt, sugar and fat, it’s going to be better on your heart, your blood pressure, less cancer and definitely less diabetes.” Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight can alleviate the burden of managing multiple health issues simultaneously, enabling individuals to lead more active and fulfilling lives.

Proper nutrition also facilitates better management of behavioral issues, as balanced diets contribute to improved health and cognitive function. 

Conclusion

Individuals with I/DD encounter distinct nutritional challenges, but with the right approach, support from caregivers and guidance from health professionals, they can achieve significant health improvements.