Difference Between Artificial Nutrition And Hydration

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“‘The doctor of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs, but rather will cure and prevent disease with nutrition’” (Thomas Edison). Artificial nutrition and hydration dates back to about 3,500 years ago. During this time, Ancient Greeks and Egyptians were performing “rectal feedings”. They injected enemas to insert nutrients into the rectum to preserve health. This was to protect inflamed bowel surfaces or treat diarrhea. It was made from liquids such as wine, milk, whey and wheat or barley broths. Later on, they added eggs and brandy to the mix. Nutrition is the process of consuming food that is necessary for life, health and growth. Hydration is drinking water that is from either fluids or foods. Artificial nutrition and hydration (N&H) is a treatment that gives someone fluids and/or nutrition for their body without them taking it in their mouths and swallowing it. There has been some disagreements whether or not to withdraw or withhold artificial nutrition and hydration for end of life care. “End of life care” is when healthcare workers take care of people who are at the end of their life. Whether it is because they are in old age, very ill or injured, or sick with a disease. The disagreements exist because of it being based on if it is necessary or required to use artificial nutrition and hydration.

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