The MSKTC works closely with researchers in the 18 Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Model System Centers to develop resources for people living with spinal cord injury and their supporters. They have several user-friendly resources that are grounded in evidence and available in a variety of formats such as printable PDF documents, videos, and slideshows.
After a spinal cord injury (SCI), your body goes through many changes. Muscle and bone mass often decrease, while body fat may increase. These shifts make following a healthy diet essential for maintaining and improving overall well-being.
A balanced diet can help reduce the risk of becoming overweight or obese and prevent secondary health complications such as constipation, diarrhea, diabetes, infections, and muscle loss. What you eat—and how much—directly impacts your energy levels, strength, and ability to perform daily activities like transferring or moving independently.
To support your health, focus on foods rich in nutrients while staying within your calorie needs. Thoughtful food choices can enhance both your physical and mental health, contributing to greater independence and quality of life.
Pairing healthy eating with regular exercise or physical activity can further amplify these benefits, helping you feel stronger and more energized each day.
To learn more about this, visit https://msktc.org/sci/factsheets/nutrition-and-spinal-cord-injury to download this factsheet as well as any others you may be interested in.
