How can GI diseases be prevented?
Gastrointestinal diseases are a range of conditions which affect gastrointestinal tract(GI) from mouth to the anus. There are different types of gastrointestinal diseases like diarrhea, constipation, IBD (Irritable bowel syndrome) etc.
Many factors can upset your GI tract and its motility including:
- Eating a diet low in fiber.
- Not getting enough exercise.
- Traveling or other changes in routine.
- Eating large amounts of dairy products.
- Stress etc .
So, Let’s now talk about GI diseases and the need for a balanced diet to prevent them.
CELIAC DISEASE
CELIAC DISEASE is a GI disorder which is caused by autoimmune reaction to gluten, meaning that the body cannot digest gluten which is found in grains such as barley, rye, wheat etc.
- Foods allowed: Coffee, tea, chocolates, drinks (pure cocoa), fish meat poultry, eggs, peanut butter, all fresh fruits and vegetables, rice, soya flour should be included in diet.
- Foods restricted: Gluten foods including wheat, oats, barley ,breads, biscuits, paranthas, chapattis, macaroni, noodles and other pasta preparations have to be eliminated from diet.
CONSTIPATION
CONSTIPATION is a disease which makes it hard to pass out stool. It is mainly caused by inadequate intake of fiber in your diet.
- Foods allowed: whole cereals and pulses, green leafy vegetables, fibrous vegetables and fruits should be given freely, include 8 to 10 glasses of fluid per day to allow easy passage of fluids.
- Foods restricted: foods that should not be included in the diet are refined cereals, deep fried fruits, and pureed fruits etc should be avoided.
DIARRHEA
DIARRHEA, it is another functional GI disease in which loose, watery stool bowel movement occurs. It is opposite to that of constipation in which you need to restrict fiber intake.
- Foods allowed: washed and refined pulses, well cooked vegetables and don’t intake the raw one’s, milk products such as curd, paneer, chicken and fish.
- Foods restricted: whole cereals and pulses, raw fruits and vegetables, fried foods, nuts, milk and milk beverages should be avoided or used in limited quantities.
Gastro-Intestinal Reflux Disorder
GERD is (gastro-intestinal reflux disorder), when acid frequently flows back to the tube which is connecting the mouth and esophagus. This acid reflux can cause irritation in the lining of the esophagus.
- Foods allowed:vegetables that are low in fats and sugars, non citrus fruits, avoid tomatoes which can cause acidity.
- Foods restricted: raw onions, chocolate, caffeine, peppermint, citrus juices, alcoholic beverages, tomato products and spicy foods.
PEPTIC ULCERS
PEPTIC ULCERS is a condition which is most commonly caused by H. Pylori bacteria i.e Helicobacter Pylori which occur in the inner lining of the stomach.
- Foods allowed: dairy products like milk, cream, butter, non fried eggs, well cooked cereals, semolina, cooked green vegetables, custard, cooked pulses (if they are not causing gas problems)
- Foods restricted: fats and meats, fried foods, strong spices, pickles, strong tea and coffee and alcoholic beverages, strongly flavored vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, turnip, raddish, garlic, onion etc.
IRRITABLE BOWEL DISEASE (IBD)
IRRITABLE BOWEL DISEASE (IBD) is a gastrointestinal disease, in which Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are part of this disease. Crohn’s disease along with ulcerative colitis is the chronic condition in which inflammation occurs in any part of the GI tract.
- Foods allowed: fresh fruits and vegetables, indication for low fibre diets are based on individuals tolerance and disease status, calcium, magnesium and zinc supplementation is recommended.
- Foods restricted: most common foods which include symptoms include wheat, dairy products, corn, yeast, eggs, citrus fruits . Once intolerance due to these foods are identified then their substitutes must be given.
LACTOSE INTOLERANCE
LACTOSE INTOLERANCE also a GI disease in which the patient is not able to digest lactose sugar which is found in milk and other dairy products.
- Foods allowed: as it has a slow level of lactase tolerance activity, soya milk, groundnut milk preparations should be given to them. Milk is better tolerated in the form of buttermilk, curd, custard and cottage cheese or when mixed with cereals, cocoa etc.
- Foods restricted: milk must be avoided as this cannot be tolerated by the patients.
Preventing GI diseases involves a combination of healthy dietary choices, regular physical activity, stress management, and good hygiene practices. It’s important to seek medical advice along with proper nutrition .
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