Tag: Neurological disorders

Taste disorders, such as dysgeusia, affect a significant portion of the population, causing food to taste salty, bitter, or metallic. Understanding what does it mean when you can taste salt in food is key to identifying potential underlying issues and finding effective relief.

According to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI), a pureed diet, classified as Level 4, is required when chewing or swallowing abilities are compromised. This medically necessary diet consists of foods blended to a smooth, pudding-like consistency, making it safe for individuals who cannot tolerate solids.

Although severe vitamin E deficiency is rare, it is most often caused by underlying disorders affecting nutrient absorption, rather than a poor diet alone. The resulting conditions primarily impact the central nervous system, leading to a progressive deterioration of motor control, reflexes, and vision.

While true dietary vitamin E deficiency is rare in healthy adults, it can lead to serious neurological disorders, most notably ataxia with vitamin E deficiency (AVED), especially in individuals with fat malabsorption conditions. A deficiency impairs nerve function due to increased oxidative stress, which vitamin E usually counters.

While clinical copper deficiency is rare, some estimates suggest that up to 25% of people in certain populations may not consume the recommended daily intake. This can lead to serious health problems, as the body depends on this essential trace mineral for numerous vital functions.

Approximately 30-40% of stroke survivors, a leading cause of paralysis, experience dysphagia or swallowing difficulties. For these individuals, enjoying a simple treat like ice cream is a serious medical consideration, not just a matter of preference.

According to the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN), enteral feeding is often the preferred method for nutritional support when a patient is unable to meet their dietary needs orally but has a functioning gastrointestinal tract. This is because it is safer, more effective, and less expensive than other methods. There are many specific medical conditions and circumstances that can require enteral feeding.

According to the National Institutes of Health, dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, affects an estimated 8% of the global population and is the most common medical condition that requires a texture modified diet. This critical dietary adjustment is necessary to ensure safe and adequate nutrition for those with impaired chewing and swallowing abilities.

An excess of glutamate in the brain can lead to neuronal damage and death, a phenomenon known as excitotoxicity. Learning what can reduce glutamate is key to maintaining proper neurological balance and supporting overall brain health.

According to the National MS Society, approximately one million people live with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the United States. For people with MS, concerns often extend beyond the disease's primary symptoms to related health issues, including the question: does multiple sclerosis cause vitamin deficiency? The relationship between MS and specific vitamin levels is complex, involving the disease's pathophysiology, treatment side effects, and lifestyle factors.