By Nutriworld | Dt. Dipanwita Saha
Learn how to give affordable and healthy tube feeding to patients using natural foods. These easy recipes support gut health, provide protein and fiber, and reduce the need for costly supplements.
Why and when is Enteral Nutrition Used in Critical Care?
Enteral nutrition is typically given to patients who cannot meet their nutritional needs orally but have a functioning digestive system.
Patients in ICU often require more nutrition and have compromised gut function, which makes adequate nutrition very important. Enteral nutrition (EN) or food through the tube is the process of delivering nutrition or food directly into the stomach to maintain proper and required nutrition for the healthy recovery of patients. For some patients, commercial protein supplements can be expensive.
This article explores cost-effective, plant-based alternatives that can support or partially replace protein powder supplements while promoting good gut health and providing fiber, an essential nutrient.
Importantly, this article does not seek to negate the role of commercial protein supplements but aims to support their use with complementary, non-commercial options that enhance nutrition and gut health.
Most of the time the EN feed is put on hold due to diarrhoea.
Importance of Affordable Enteral Nutrition
While commercial EN supplements are nutritionally balanced and standardized, they may not be accessible to all due to high costs. Affordable, homemade feeds using plant-based ingredients can serve as viable alternatives. These blends can:
- Offer balanced nutrition
- Be tailored to individual needs
- Improve compliance due to cultural acceptability
- Promote gut health through fiber and probiotics
Gut Health, Fibres, and Plant-Based Proteins
One of the limitations of many commercial EN products is their low fiber content unless a separate fiber supplement is added. Fiber is vital in maintaining gut motility and preventing constipation, a common issue in bedridden patients.
Prebiotic foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains help nourish beneficial gut bacteria.
Probiotics, on the other hand, introduce live beneficial microbes to the gut.
Incorporating fiber-rich, plant-based protein sources such as chana sattu, jowar sattu, and vegetable purées can offer multiple benefits:
- Improve gut motility
- Provide satiety
- Support a healthy micro biome
- Deliver plant-based proteins essential for healing
Similarly, curd-based feeds, banana lassi, and chach (buttermilk) serve as natural probiotics, helping restore gut flora disrupted by antibiotics and illness.
Five Affordable Enteral Nutrition Recipes
These homemade feeds are designed to be nutritionally balanced, fiber-rich, and cost-effective. Each recipe can be blended to a smooth, tube-feed-compatible consistency if required.
1. Sattu Curd Smoothie - 200 ml
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp chana sattu
- 50 gm curd (diluted slightly with water)
- 1 tsp jaggery (avoid in diabetic patients)
- Pinch of roasted cumin
- 1 tsp flaxseed or sesame seed powder
- 150ml water
Benefits: Rich in plant-based protein, probiotics, and gut-friendly fiber.
2. Banana Lassi with Chia Seeds - 200ml ( not for diabetic patients)
Ingredients:
- 1/2 ripe banana
- 100ml buttermilk (chach) 1 tsp chia seeds (soaked)
- 1 tsp peanut powder or almonds Water 50ml
Benefits: A natural probiotic drink with added omega-3s and resistant starch for colon health.
An alternative for Diabetic patients would be Papaya puree.
3. Vegetable Purée Soup 200ml
Ingredients:
- 1/2 carrot
- 1/4 bottle gourd
- 5-6 cubes of pumpkin
- 1 tsp cold-pressed oil (coconut or mustard)
- Pinch of turmeric and salt Water 100ml
- Pressure cook the vegetables and then blend them.
Benefits: Easy to digest, full of beta-carotene and fiber; supports bowel regularity.
4. Fruit and Nut Smoothie 200ml
Ingredients:
- 1/2 mashed banana or stewed apple 50 gm curd
- 1 tsp walnut or almond powder 1 tsp sunflower seeds
- Dash of cinnamon and Water 120ml
Benefits: High antioxidant and anti-inflammatory value, great for convalescence.
5. Jowar Sattu Energy Drink 200ml
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp jowar (sorghum) sattu 200ml water or thin buttermilk 1 tsp jaggery
- 1/2 tsp ginger juice
Benefits: Cooling, rich in iron and calcium, ideal for summer; supports gentle digestion.
Precautions and Tips for Use:
- Ensure feeds are freshly prepared and handled.
- Introduce one new recipe at a time to monitor.
- Always discuss dietary changes with the medical.
- Monitor for signs of intolerance such as bloating, diarrhea, or nausea.
Supporting Commercial Feeds, Not Replacing Them
Commercial supplements are scientifically formulated and crucial for many patients, such as in patients who need BCAA and pre-digested feeds in the form of semi-elemental formal. However, when cost is a barrier, combining them with homemade, nutrient-rich feeds can be a practical solution.
This dual approach helps ensure patients receive adequate calories, protein, fiber, and micronutrients without excessive financial burden.
BY DT. ZOHA TAYYABA