March is National Nutrition Month and an important time to highlight home enteral feeding or tube feeding, which is used when oral consumption isn’t possible. When a patient is unable to eat due to decreased appetite, illness, difficulties in swallowing, or some type of surgery that interferes with eating – nutrition must be supplied in a different way. With enteral feeding, nutrients are administered through the small intestine or the stomach via a tube.
What is tube feeding?
Tube feeding is a special liquid food mixture containing protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, given through a tube inserted in the stomach or small intestine.
Benefits of Tube Feeding:
Improves energy and strength. More calories mean more energy and taking in more protein can increase energy levels. This may also improve muscle tone and physical strength.
Weight gain. Enteral feeding provides the body with the number of nutrients needed on a daily basis. This can be extremely important for those living with an illness or disease since they may be more vulnerable to poor health due to treatment responses.
Boosts the immune system. Since the gut is part of the immune system, good nutrition can lead to an enhanced immune system.
*The use of enteral feeding is rapidly increasing in the US due to a growing geriatric population, chronic diseases, premature births, etc.
About Greater NY Nursing Services
Greater NY Nursing Services, based in New York City, is a comprehensive care management company, exclusively composed of Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses, serving healthcare partners and patients in NYC, Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Ulster, Putnam, Dutchess, and Sullivan counties. The company’s mission is to integrate care into the patient’s family dynamic to produce the best outcomes, improved quality of life, and faster interventions with fewer hospitalizations. Whether you’re in need of quality private duty nursing care or you’re seeking a great career opportunity, Greater NY Nursing is committed to offering the highest level of nursing care that aims to enrich the life of every patient and minimize preventable complications. For more information, email info@gnyservices.com, call 212-NURSING, or visit www.gnyservices.com.