AFTER ILLNESS: IS EATING MORE PROTEIN THE RIGHT WAY TO RECOVER? THE EXPERT VIEW

❗ After being sick, the body often feels tired, appetite is low, and digestion weakens - especially in older adults. This is when family members tend to worry: “We need to give them lots of meat and fish so they can regain strength quickly.” But is this really the right way to nourish the body? 

✅ Let’s hear professional advice from MSc. Dr. Nguyen Phuong Anh – Nutrition Specialist at CarePlus International Clinics. 

🔸🔸🔸 

📌 Customer’s question 

“My mom is 65 and just recovered from an illness. I want to give her lots of meat, fish, and protein to help her regain strength. Could you please advise us, doctor?” 

👩‍⚕️ Doctor’s response 

When recovering from illness, the body enters a regeneration phase - a crucial period when nutrition plays a key role in rebuilding strength, especially for those emerging from severe illness, injury, or surgery. 

✅ Protein has many functions, but its most important role is building the body’s structure - muscles and vital systems. During illness, catabolism increases, causing significant muscle loss. This makes the patient look thinner and weaker. 

That’s why adding protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy, and legumes after recovery is absolutely appropriate. 

🌟 People in recovery have higher protein requirements because the body needs to replace lost energy and rebuild muscle mass.  

Recommended intake may range from 1.2 – 1.5 g of protein/kg/day, higher than the 1.0 – 1.2 g/kg/day recommended for healthy older adults. 

However, to maximize the benefits of protein for recovery, the diet must also include sufficient carbohydrates and fats. If calories are insufficient, the body will burn protein for energy rather than use it to repair tissues. 

❗Another important note: increased protein intake is only suitable when kidney function is still good, as the kidneys must process protein metabolism by-products. For individuals with kidney disease, increasing protein should be evaluated and guided by a doctor or nutrition specialist. 

✅ To help your loved ones recover well after illness, building a proper nutrition plan tailored to their health conditions - especially if underlying diseases are present - is essential. Families should consult a nutrition professional for safe and accurate guidance. 

💡 CarePlus Nutrition Consultation package are designed with comprehensive assessments to accurately evaluate health status, including: 

✔️ Anthropometric assessment, dietary evaluation, and clinical examination; 

✔️ Body composition analysis with advanced InBody machine; 

✔️ Required laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging; 

✔️ Personalized nutrition and exercise counseling tailored to condition and health goals. 

👉 To book your appointment, please contact us via our fanpage or free hotline 1800 6116.  

CAREPLUS INTERNATIONAL CLINICS  

Associate of Singapore Medical Group