| The Skinny on Being Underweight |
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| Underweight - Underweight 2007 |
| Written by Frank Mangano |
| Sunday, 25 November 2007 20:44 |
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While some people may live their entire lives thinner than average and be perfectly healthy, for others being underweight may be linked with health problems. Those who experience unintended and sudden weight loss should be especially concerned about their health. A number of different conditions including a colon disorder like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and hyperthyroidism, certain types of cancer, a malabsorption problem, chronic diarrhea, intestinal parasites or a chronic illness like diabetes can cause unintended weight loss. And factors like trauma, stress and surgery can contribute to weight loss and loss of appetite as well. Treatments that have side effects like loss of appetite, vomiting and nausea such as radiation or chemotherapy can also result in a person being underweight. In cases where a person is underweight but believes they are actually over weight may be suffering from an eating disorder. Certain people can also suffer from a condition known as "wasting syndrome", which is characterized by a person becoming more skinnier as a disease like AIDS progresses. People who suffer from being underweight often also have nutritional deficiencies that worsen their health and make recovery even more complicated. People that are very young or very old usually suffer from poor nutrition. Cases of malnutrition in childhood, especially infancy can be very dangerous as it interferes with normal growth and development. Elderly people also can have less urges to eat as they age causing them to become malnourished as well. The regimen outlined below includes a holistic approach to providing nutritional rehabilitation to older people. The supplement dosages are intended for adults. Children who are undernourished or stop gaining weight should be seen a by a professional health care practitioner as this may be due to an underlying condition. Talk with your healthcare provider about any medication you may be taking as loss of appetite can be a side effect to some drugs. High quality protein in the right combination with carbohydrates is an important part of a weight-gaining program. This is an overlooked area by many individuals who want to gain muscle mass. Consume 2,500 to 3,000 calories a day consisting of a minimum of 300 grams of complex carbohydrates and 100 grams of quality protein. Include potatoes, beans, grains, chicken (organic, if possible), fish, avocados and nuts. Consume small meals and healthy high-calorie snacks frequently and eat slowly. Choosing mostly vegetable fats (olive and vegetable oils, nuts) rather than animal fats (butter, cream) is important as well. Eliminate caffeine consumption. Do not skip meals as doing so robs the body of needed calories. Exercise, such as walking will increase the appetite and help with the absorption of nutrients. Refrain from strenuous exercise. Supplementing with the following may also be beneficial: Creatine (take as directed on label) - Increases strength and muscle endurance. Should be combined with a strength training program. A study published in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise [1999 Aug;31(8):1147-56] concluded that the 10 subjects who participated in the study greatly increased muscle mass with no side effects using creatine for a 12-week period. High-Potency Multivitamin and Mineral Complex (take as directed on label) - Provides all necessary nutrients. Bromelain (take as directed on label) - An enzyme that supports the absorption of proteins. Amino Acids (take as directed on label) - Assist in converting proteins to muscle. Vitamin D3 (400 IU daily) - Needed for healthy bone formation. Vitamin B complex (100 mg of each major B vitamin daily, with meals) - Increases the appetite and assists in the digestion of protein, fat and carbohydrates.
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