M - BOWEL
Providers should inquire about and document diet history, including all dietary supplements that an individual with SCI is taking. (PVA-NBD 2020, p.453; Level C)
Providers should refer to a registered dietitian if the individual has a poor appetite, poor oral intake, or significant weight changes. (PVA-NBD 2020, p.453; Level C)
Individuals with SCI should not be uniformly placed on high-fibre diets. Increases in fibre intake from food or a supplement should be done gradually to assess tolerance. (PVA-NBD 2020, p.453; Level B)
Foods that cause an individual with SCI to experience excessive flatulence, bloating, abdominal distension, and/or altered bowel movements should be identified and either limited or avoided. (PVA-NBD 2020, p.453; Level C)
Providers should recommend that an individual with SCI maintain euhydration (state of optimal total body water content) and avoid dehydration to reduce the tendency to experience constipation. The amount of fluid needed to promote optimal stool consistency must be balanced with the amount needed for bladder management. (PVA-NBD 2020, p.453; Level C)
Providers should not routinely recommend probiotics to an individual with SCI. (PVA-NBD 2020, p.453; Level C)
Probiotics may be advantageous to an individual with SCI who is taking antibiotics by reducing antibiotic-associated diarrhea and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. (PVA-NBD 2020, p.453; Level A)