Nutrition plays a powerful role in health and recovery after a spinal cord injury (SCI). The body undergoes major physical changes following an injury, and many individuals face ongoing challenges such as muscle loss, digestive issues, pressure sores, and nutrient deficiencies. Eat Well, Live Well with a Spinal Cord Injury by Joanne Smith and Kylie James offers a comprehensive, practical guide to understanding and managing these challenges through the power of food and nutrition.
Written specifically for individuals with SCI, this 16-chapter book explores how targeted nutrition can help prevent and manage many common secondary health complications. Each chapter focuses on a specific area of health—including digestion, cardiovascular wellness, weight management, pressure sore prevention, bone health, sleep, and pain management—providing clear explanations and evidence-based recommendations tailored to the SCI community.
The authors, both experts in nutrition and rehabilitation, emphasize that people with SCI often experience multiple nutrient deficiencies. Meeting your body’s increased nutrient needs after injury, during rehabilitation, and throughout life is essential for repairing damaged tissues, strengthening the immune system, and supporting overall wellness.
To aid in this process, the book provides guidance on what are considered therapeutic doses of vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements. These recommendations aim to support tissue repair, improve cellular function, and optimize brain and body chemistry. However, the authors stress that readers should always consult their healthcare provider before making any dietary changes or beginning supplementation. Even safe doses of some nutrients can interact with medications or exacerbate certain conditions.
What sets Eat Well, Live Well with a Spinal Cord Injury apart is its practical and accessible format. Each chapter begins by explaining the health condition and why it commonly develops after SCI. The authors then break down the roles of key nutrients that can help manage or prevent the issue. The second half of each chapter features easy-to-prepare, nutrient-dense recipes designed specifically to support that area of health. To make it even more useful, every chapter concludes with a quick-reference summary chart of the key nutrients discussed.
This guide isn’t just about food—it’s about empowerment. By understanding how nutrition impacts recovery and long-term health, individuals with SCI can take proactive steps to improve their quality of life, independence, and well-being.
Whether you’re newly injured, in rehabilitation, or years into your journey, Eat Well, Live Well with a Spinal Cord Injury is a valuable resource for anyone looking to use nutrition as a tool for healing and vitality.
You can learn more or order your copy by visiting www.eatwelllivewellwithsci.com.
