“A liquid diet for about 24 hours and then, as soon as possible, the resumption of a balanced diet, with the right amount of fiber and protein”. It will probably be the one that Pope Francis will face according to Andrea Ungar, president of the Italian Society of Geriatrics (Sigg) who advises the Pope, like any elderly person in similar conditions, “if there are no particular contraindications, to encourage early mobilisation, at least in sitting, and avoid prolonged bed rest”.
Eyes are also focused on the probable diet that will be recommended to Pope Francis. “After 24-36 hours of water or liquid diet – the expert explains to ANSA – Bergoglio will have to slowly recover a careful and balanced diet, with the right amount of protein, which the elderly need more because they face a reduction in muscle mass and this is associated with greater fractures, falls and mortality. It will then be good to plan a good dose of fiber and reduce the intake of sugars, carbohydrates and saturated fats, to maintain a healthy weight”.
For the elderly, maintaining more muscle mass and maintaining a healthy weight “helps preserve the ability to carry out daily activities: this is the greatest guarantee of healthy aging and the best way to avoid chronic diseases”. However, it is not useful now to make predictions about the Pope’s recovery times: “every patient has his own course according to different characteristics, but we hope it will be as short as possible”.
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