Cebu City—The meals given to patients in the hospital is said to be not appetizing at all. Well, there is a reason behind that. Meals given to patients in the hospital may differ depending in their health conditions, so here are some of the common meals given to patients in the hospital for better understanding.

• Full diet/ FTC

A full diet is given to patients with no abnormalities in their blood profile, urinalysis, normal function of the digestive system, or no severe health conditions. The meal given has no restriction at all like salt or sugar limitation, it is served in the right and proper amount. 

• Hypoallergenic diet

A hypoallergenic diet is given to patients who have allergies in some food items like chicken, shrimp, crabs, or peanuts that is sometimes found in the menu prepared for the day. Often the dietary department prepares two main dishes to have some options and variety. 

• No Choco Colored Foods (NCCF)

A NCCF is often given to patients with dengue fever or those who are prone to internal bleeding. This is to make sure that the stool of the patients is in normal color and does not lead to mistreatment for internal bleeding. 

• Low purine diet 

A low purine diet is prepared to decrease the chances of crystallization that may affect the joints. This is common for individuals who have gout or is prone to arthritis. Meals that are high in purine is to be avoided. Purines when digested creates uric acid which in high amount may lead to stones or crystallization. 

These are only some of the common diets found in a hospital. Some may not be of patients’ preference. But remember the purpose why that meal is recommended. // NOI Christine April M. Lopez, RND