Proper nutrition practices for people with disease or illness

Eating right can be challenging at times, especially if you ever find yourself adapting to life with a chronic illness, disease or other medical disorder. The registered dietitian nutritionists at St. Charles provide personally tailored advice on how to overcome the potentially negative impact that illnesses or other medical challenges have on your ability to properly meet your body’s nutritional needs.

Nutrition counseling isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation — our registered dietitian nutritionists take time to review and understand your health status, current diet and eating habits. Based on what they learn during early counseling stages, registered dietitian nutritionists offer ways to effectively reach nutrition goals that those providing your medical care have identified as realistic and beneficial benchmarks. St. Charles registered dietitian nutritionists review lab results and explain how nutrients affect your health, working with you to create an eating plan designed to help you effectively manage your condition.

St. Charles offers nutrition therapy know-how and practical solutions

As you face the prospect of how to make dietary changes to improve a disease or condition, registered dietitian nutritionists provide many strategies that focus your efforts on reaching goals you’ve set to improve your health. They will also be there to help you maintain and monitor your progress.

For cancer patients, registered dietitian nutritionists address weight loss due to treatment and making sure they eat enough food to meet nutritional needs that can enhance healing. In working with patients with diabetes, the emphasis is on making sure to carefully plan the amount and type of foods to eat and timing meals/snacks to avoid high blood sugars. For people with heart disease, it’s a matter of improving nutrition so they eat enough of the right food to meet their needs. And COPD sufferers can have a difficult time preparing or eating meals due to shortness of breath.

St. Charles registered dietitian nutritionists are experts in helping you or loved ones whose ongoing health problems have compromised the ability to get proper nutrition. We create eating plans and can suggest behavior changes and counseling methods for these and other diseases or disorders:

• Food allergies
• Celiac disease, diverticulitis, diverticulosis
• Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and ulcerative colitis
• GERD and heartburn
• Kidney and liver diseases
• Pancreatitis
• Weight management

A healthful diet can positively influence how well you will handle living day-to-day with a chronic disease or other illness. If you have questions on the nutrition counseling offered by St. Charles registered dietitian nutritionists, or would like to schedule an appointment, call us soon at 541-706-6348.

A proper diet can help you better manage a life with chronic conditions and diseases. St. Charles Health System registered dietitian nutritionists offer sound nutrition counseling that help you meet your dietary needs through personalized and practical nutrition plans.

Addressing appetite issues caused by medical problems

There is a wide range of medical problems that can result in poor appetite. It’s easy to become frustrated when you know you need to eat to get well, but you aren’t hungry.

Any health condition — such as a swallowing disorder — that interferes with the palatability of food or interferes with the mechanisms of food ingestion can also cause nutrition problems. Chronic conditions (heart or kidney failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) may be accompanied by poor appetite due to difficulty breathing, weakness and general malaise. Poor appetite is also commonly a result of narcotic medications, such as codeine or morphine.

St. Charles Bend provides a multidisciplinary approach to nutritional health treatment, including guidance by a registered dietitian nutritionist. A registered dietitian nutritionist can meet with you to discuss your concerns and answer questions about poor appetite, as well as provide ways to overcome it.

Expert help for swallowing and other eating difficulties

Poor appetite is a common symptom of advanced age, cancer, chronic disease, or medication side effects. Different types of cancers, including the illness itself and treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, are a common cause of poor appetite.

Poor appetite rarely leads to a life-threatening condition, but it can be associated with dehydration that, left untreated, can result in electrolyte imbalance, shock or coma. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have symptoms of severe dehydration, such as confusion or loss of consciousness for even a moment, cold skin or reduced urine output.

Nutrition counseling

If you have questions about improving your appetite with help from the experts at St. Charles Health System, call 541-706-6348. We’re ready to support you.

St. Charles Health System in Central Oregon offers specialized nutrition counseling.

For more meal planning tips, the nutrition counselors at St. Charles can help

Making healthy food choices and sticking to a low-cholesterol diet can really make all the difference in your heart health. If you have questions or concerns about what foods to eat, we encourage you to call us today at 541-706-6348.

The registered dietitian nutritionists at St. Charles Health System in Central Oregon offer counseling about preparing heart healthy meals and snacks that can assist in heart disease prevention.

Pediatric nutrition services help kids eat healthier

When kids have healthy eating habits, they have the best chance for a healthy lifestyle. They’re able to bring their best selves to school. They’re able to concentrate better. Their bodies have the best chance to grow up in a healthful way, with strong bones and muscles.

St. Charles Nutrition Center believes children should learn about healthy eating at a young age. Pediatric nutrition is important because poor nutrition can cause kids to have health problems. Some health problems associated with poor nutrition can be serious, and these problems can cause even more severe health issues as children grow into adults. Childhood obesity is a health problem that has more than tripled since the 1970s — about one in 5 U.S. children are obese.

Benefits of good nutrition for kids

• Good energy level
• Ability to learn and concentrate
• Healthy weight for their height
• Strong bones and muscles
• Ability to fight off sickness and disease
• Reduced risk of serious health issues as adults, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancers and bone diseases

Discuss your child’s diet with your child’s health care provider or registered dietitian nutritionist before making any dietary changes or placing your child on a diet. Here are some general guidelines you can help your child follow to eat healthily:

• Eat three balanced meals a day, with healthy snacks of fruits or vegetables in between
• Increase fiber, decrease salt
• Drink water, and avoid sugary drinks
• Decrease sugar intake in general
• Eat more lean chicken, fish and beans for protein

Nutrition counseling

St. Charles Health System provides a multifaceted approach to nutritional health treatment and guidance for child obesity, eating disorders and more. A registered dietitian nutritionist can help you plan healthy, nutritious meals for your child’s lifestyle, health condition and preferences. You and your child will learn how to prepare and eat healthier foods.

If you have questions about healthy nutrition for children, call St. Charles Health System at 541-706-6348. We’re ready to support you.

St. Charles Health System offers specialized nutrition counseling in Central Oregon.

A healthy diet for cancer patients

When you’re fighting cancer, it’s important to give your body every possible advantage. Among other things, that means keeping up your strength with a healthy diet. But it can be difficult to get the proper nutrition when you’re dealing with the effects of cancer and its treatment. These may include nausea, fatigue, loss of muscle, changes to your sense of taste or smell, appetite loss, constipation or diarrhea, difficulty chewing or swallowing and other symptoms. Well-meaning acquaintances are often full of advice about food for cancer patients, some of which is helpful and some of which is not. How do you know what’s right for you?

Nutrition counseling at the Cancer Center

St. Charles Health System provides a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment, including clinical nutritional guidance. Our goal is to help you feel better by preventing nutrient deficiencies, boosting immune function, promoting healing and managing side effects. This may include counseling, menu planning assistance, medical nutrition supplementation and more as needed. Your nutrition plan will be designed around you, with your needs, symptoms and goals in mind.

No need to make additional trips for extra appointments; our registered dietitian nutritionists meets with you while you’re in our Cancer Center for your other regular treatments. In addition to checking in on your progress, you’ll have an opportunity to discuss concerns and ask questions as needed.

If you have questions about nutrition counseling for cancer patients or about cancer treatment at St. Charles Bend or St. Charles Redmond, contact our Cancer Center today at 541-706-5800. We’re ready to support you.

St. Charles Health System offers cancer patients specialized nutrition counseling in Central Oregon.

Living better with celiac disease

The only treatment for celiac disease is to avoid eating gluten, the protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Consuming even small portions can hurt the intestines, so the diet should be based on naturally gluten-free foods. Those include fresh fruits and vegetables, milk and dairy products, lean meats, fish and shellfish and gluten-free grains like rice, amaranth, millet, buckwheat and corn. Many processed foods contain gluten, and many gluten-free foods are still at risk for cross-contamination in the factories where they are made.

St. Charles Nutrition Center registered dietitian nutritionists can help you overcome the challenges of a gluten-free diet and ensure that you get the proper nutrients to help heal and prevent intestinal damage.

Dietary help for Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease isn’t caused by the foods eaten, but some foods can cause inflammatory flare-ups plus abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating and cramping. Limiting dairy products and certain dietary fiber and following low-fat or low-residue diets is recommended. Crohn’s can cause deficiencies in iron, vitamins B-12, C and D, folic acid and other important nutrients. Our dietitians can determine which foods are problematic for you and develop an eating plan that’s nutritionally sound while helping you manage uncomfortable symptoms.

Proper nutrition for diverticulitis?

Diverticula are small pouches that form in the wall of the large intestine. When they are infected or inflamed, this painful condition is called diverticulitis. There is no cure, but eating foods that are rich in fiber has been shown to help control symptoms like nausea, bloating and constipation. A registered dietitian nutritionist can advise you on how much fiber is right for you and help you build it into your meals. They can also create a liquid diet plan to follow during flare-ups and recommend supplements to ensure that you get the proper nutrition.

Treating IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common and chronic condition that affects the large intestine. IBS causes uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating and gas. It can also lead to acute abdominal pain. It’s believed to be caused by irregular contractions of the intestinal tract or irregularities in the gastrointestinal nervous system. Dietary changes that can help include eliminating spicy and fatty foods and gluten, plus reducing hard-to-digest carbohydrates called FODMAPs, which are found in common grains, fruits and vegetables, and dairy products. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can be beneficial.

Improving gastrointestinal conditions through proper nutrition

Abdominal and intestinal conditions can be very difficult to live with, but working with a St. Charles registered dietitian nutritionist can help make a difference in your symptoms through proper nutritional choices.

St. Charles Health System in Central Oregon strives to help people with gastrointestinal issues lead normal, healthy and happy lives.

What is the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance?

A food allergy is a reaction to a food, ingredient or additive that triggers a response from the immune system. Food allergy is a serious medical condition affecting up to 15 million people in the United States. That total includes roughly 5.9 million children, or about one in 13.

Although nearly any food can cause an allergic reaction, these eight foods account for 90 percent of all food allergic reactions in the U.S.:

• Peanuts
• Tree nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts and chestnuts)
• Milk
• Eggs
• Wheat (gluten)
• Soy
• Fish
• Crustacean shellfish (shrimp, prawns, lobster and crab)

The most common symptoms of food allergies include vomiting, diarrhea, blood in stools, eczema, hives, rashes, breathing difficulties, swelling of tongue and runny nose. People who are severely allergic to certain foods can suffer life-threatening reactions, such as anaphylactic shock.

What is a food intolerance?

A food intolerance is a toxic response to a certain food that does not involve the immune system. Most often, the offending food contains a molecule that the body has difficulty breaking down or digesting. Symptoms of food intolerances include bloating, irregular digestion (including gas, diarrhea, cramps and pain, vomiting and blood in stool), runny nose or excess mucus, muscle/joint aches and pains, depression and mood swings.

The most common foods/ingredients that cause sensitivities and intolerances today are wheat (gluten), corn, soy, dairy (lactose) and eggs.

The good news is that food manufacturers and processors are more vigilant in their ingredient labeling. As a result, people with food allergies and sensitivities can more easily avoid foods that trigger their responses or they can enjoy foods they like without the offending ingredients. Someone who is lactose intolerant can now enjoy a glass of lactose-free milk. Or a child who is gluten intolerant can eat gluten-free pizza or a sandwich on gluten-free bread.

Nutrition counseling at St. Charles Health System

St. Charles Health System provides a multidisciplinary approach to nutritional health treatment, including nutritional guidance. A registered dietitian nutritionist will meet with you and discuss your concerns and answer your questions.

If you have questions about food allergies and intolerance, call St. Charles Health System at  541-706-6348. We’re ready to support you.

St. Charles Health System offers specialized nutrition counseling in Central Oregon.

A team approach to treating eating disorders

If you or a loved one has an eating disorder, it often takes a team of professionals to treat it. That’s because an eating disorder can affect physical health, mental health and relationships — and can have life-threatening consequences.

At St. Charles Health System in Central Oregon, eating disorder treatment may include medical care, nutritional support and counseling provided by a team of professionals like the ones listed here:

Primary care doctors

Treatment often starts with a primary care doctor who sees signs or symptoms of an eating disorder that may include:

• Inadequate food intake leading to weight that’s too low (anorexia)
• Intense fear of weight gain and persistent behavior to prevent weight gain
• Consuming large amounts of food followed by self-induced vomiting (bulimia)
• Self-esteem overly related to body image

The role the primary care doctor may have in treatment includes:

• Managing the physical signs and symptoms of an eating disorder
• Planning care, often including other team members
• Teaching the entire family about eating disorders
• Monitoring progress throughout treatment and recovery

Dietitian

A dietitian is a nutrition expert with special training in eating disorders. This team member’s role may include: 

• Finding nutrition problems caused by the eating disorder
• Developing an eating plan to ensure the right amount of calories and nutrients
• Monitoring eating patterns and weight
• Helping to foster healthy eating habits

Treating an eating disorder is a team effort. If you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, call St. Charles Health System at 541-706-3752. When it comes to treating eating disorders, our experts are here to help.

At St. Charles Health System in Central Oregon, experts diagnose and treat patients with eating disorders for the best possible outcomes.

Access to care - virtual visits

We're back to seeing patients in person! However, if you prefer to consult with our registered dietitian nutritionists from the comfort of your home, we now offer virtual visits. 

Request an appointment

Eating better to feel your best

Our unique nutrition program includes registered dietitians who are licensed and experienced in nutritional counseling. Our registered dietitian nutritionists can help patients plan healthy, nutritious meals for your individual lifestyle, health condition and preferences. During the session you will learn how to eat healthier while still enjoying food.

For information on diabetes education and diabetes self-management training, visit our diabetes pages. We offer one-on-one sessions with a registered dietitian nutritionist or certified diabetes educator.

Nutrition counseling topics include:

• Diets for various diseases
• Heart-healthy eating — cholesterol, triglyceride and/or blood pressure reduction
• Emotional and disordered eating
• Food allergies and intolerance
• Gastrointestinal nutrition (Celiac disease, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis and irritable bowel syndrome)
• Healthy eating for cancer patients
• Obesity/weight management
• Nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Child nutrition
• Improving oral intake for patients with swallowing difficulty, chewing problems, dry mouth, nausea or vomiting

Visiting the IMCU

We know that family and friends play an important role in the healing process, so we welcome visitors. You'll find a comfortable, welcoming waiting room in our IMCU.

The following guidelines will help you to help us create a healing, therapeutic environment:

• Reassure and touch your loved one. A reassuring touch may be just what's needed. Ask a nurse for guidance if you're worried about disturbing the patient or interfering with equipment.
• Help us help your loved one. We welcome your visits, but if there's an emergency or we need to perform a special procedure, you may be asked to leave the room. We'll let you know when you may safely continue visiting the patient.
• Help us create a healthy environment. Please help us create the most healthy environment possible by staying home if you have — or think you might have — a cold, fever, the flu or were recently exposed to a contagious disease.
• Children are welcome. Children often bring special energy into the IMCU, but if they're sick, please keep them home until they're well. Ask a nurse for help preparing your loved one when your child arrives for a visit.
• Designate a family spokesperson to help us communicate. You can help our nurses by selecting one family member to ask for and receive medical information. Please note that federal regulation (HIPAA) prohibits us from providing information without patient consent.