MEDICAL Services
Endoscopy
ENDOSCOPY CENTER AT THE ELLIOT HOSPITAL
Food And Nutrition Services
Elliot Hospital offers food and nutrition services on an outpatient basis if you need evaluation and modification of your diet.
Nutrition counseling sessions with a registered dietitian are available with a physician referral. Areas of expertise include weight reduction, sports nutrition, diet and pregnancy, weight gain, and therapeutic diets for medical conditions (cardiac disease, diabetes mellitus, gastrointestinal disorders, hypoglycemia, etc.).
Hourly sessions are scheduled by appointment. Half-hour follow-up visits are also available. Call (603) 669-5300, ext. 2520 or 2251 for information and costs.
Computer Analysis Of Diet Intake
Three-day food intake records can be analyzed and the results discussed with you on an appointment basis. Please call (603) 669-5300, ext. 2520 or 2251 for information and costs.
Any general questions concerning food and nutrition can be answered by a dietitian at Elliot Hospital. Call (603) 669-5300, ext. 2520 or 2521 during business hours, Monday through Friday.
Scientists generally agree that a high fiber diet can be useful in treating constipation, diverticulosis, and irritable bowel syndrome. Other studies have shown possible beneficial effects of dietary fiber on diabetes, heart disease, elevated blood cholesterol levels, and weight control. A high fiber diet may prevent certain types of cancers of the colon, but further research is needed in this area. The USDA “Dietary Guidelines for Americans” recommends a selection of high fiber foods. The average intake of dietary fiber is 10 to 15 grams per day, but suggested intake is 25 to 40 grams per day.
Fiber is the indigestible portion of fruits, vegetables, cereals, and grains, which are sometimes referred to as “bulk” and “roughage.” Fiber in the diet has a number of benefits to the body:
- It increases bulk in the intestinal tract because it absorbs water. Stools produced tend to be bulkier and softer.
- Passage through the intestines is easier and quicker because the stool is bulkier and softer, thus promoting more frequent elimination.
Some Good Sources Of Fiber
The best sources of fiber are grains and whole grain products, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and various parts of these foods. The following are some good examples of fiber-rich foods:
- Whole grains and grain products, including breakfast cereals with “Bran” in their names.
- Vegetables that retain a crunchy texture when properly cooked: broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, corn, cauliflower, etc.
- Tuberous root vegetables: beets, carrots, white potatoes with the skin, sweet potatoes, and turnips.
- Tough-skinned fresh fruits and vegetables, and/or those containing seeds: dried fruits, berries, apples, pears, peaches, grapes, pineapple, tomatoes, summer squash, raisins, and prunes.
- Pod vegetables: peas, green beans, dried peas and beans, and lima beans.
- Nuts of all kinds and crunchy peanut butter.
- Miscellaneous snacks: popcorn, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and toasted soybeans.
An adequate fluid intake of at least 1-1½ quarts each day should be maintained, unless other medical conditions prohibit it.
