What are the Benefits of Tube Feeding?
Your healthcare professional has recommended tube feeding for you or the person you care for because it will help get the nutrients the body needs, but isn't currently getting by eating. Without the right amount of nutrition, there is a risk of:
- Reduced energy and strength: having fewer calories (energy) and taking in less protein than needed may cause tiredness, which can impact on nearly everything you do - from shopping and cooking to work and play. In the long run, both your muscle tone and physical strength can also start to diminish
- Unplanned weight loss: taking in fewer calories than your body needs leads to weight loss, which can make those living with an illness or disease more vulnerable to poor health and response to treatment
- Weaker immune system: the gut is part of your immune system, so poor nutrition may lead to a weaker immune system.
The benefits of tube feeding are to reduce these risks. By providing all the nutrients you need on a daily basis, tube feeding can improve energy and strength, prevent weight loss and support your immune system. For many, tube feeding is the only option available to keep them alive.
While it takes time to adapt, tube feeding may provide real benefits to your health and well-being. It can also take away some of the stress that comes with trying to eat by mouth, and the worry about having to meet your nutritional needs.
What are the Benefits of Tube Feeding?
Your healthcare professional has recommended tube feeding for your child because it will help them get the nutrients their body needs. Right now, your child can't receive, or is unable to take in enough, retain or utilise calories (energy) and nutrients needed to gain weight and grow as expected. Without the right amount of nutrition your child could be at risk of:
- Failure to thrive: taking in fewer calories and nutrients than your child's body needs can lead to poor weight gain
- Reduced energy and strength: having fewer calories and taking in less protein than needed can cause tiredness, which can impact on nearly everything your child's does. In the long run, both muscle tone and physical strength can also start to diminish
- Weaker immune system: the gut is part of the immune system, so poor nutrition may lead to a weaker immune system.
The benefits of tube feeding for children are to reduce all of these risks and for many children, tube feeding is the only option available to keep them alive.
While it takes time to adapt, tube feeding may provide real benefits to your child's health and well-being. It can also take away the stress that comes with trying to feed your child by mouth, and the worry about having to meet his or her nutritional needs.
