Diet in neurogenic bowel management: A viewpoint on spinal cord injury

This review discusses dietary advice for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD). It considers health conditions dependent on the level of lesion, such as muscle atrophy and autonomic dysreflexia. The Mediterranean diet, along with exercise and supplements, is suggested as an anti-inflammatory intervention. However, individuals with SCI often consume less fruit, vegetables, and whole grains than recommended. A Mediterranean diet-based diet and exercise pyramid integrates nutritional recommendations and exercise guidelines for individuals with SCI, chronic kidney diseases, chronic pain and irritable bowel syndrome, as well as dietary advice for Paralympic athletes.

• 1
  Individuals with SCI have lower fiber intake and greater energy intake relative to energy needs compared to guidelines for the general population.
• 2
  Dysbiosis and low-grade inflammation, typical consequences of SCI, can be reduced by increasing physical exercise and fibre intake, although certain fermentable carbohydrates can sometimes increase NBD symptoms.
• 3
  Water intake is particularly important for NBD management and can be critical during and after exercise.