Doc Talk

Gastro Intestinal

Cirrhosis

If you have advanced cirrhosis a low sodium diet is important to control the amount of ascites you may develop. Also, because your body might not be able to deal with toxins, it is a good idea to eat protein sources that could reduce the amount of toxins in your gut and thus in your blood stream; for example fish and poultry instead of steak.

Constipation

Just as with many other health issues it is always wise to maintain a well balanced diet. If you have problems with constipation, you may benefit from agents that will “move things along” which includes fruits, vegetables and fiber. It is of utmost importance though that when you do increase the fiber in your diet, you must increase water consumption as well, otherwise your stool may get bulkier but still may not move as well.

Bloating

Bloating can be caused by anything that causes increased gas in your system and an inability to get rid of that gas. It is for this reason that if you often have gas you may consider reducing the foods that cause gas which typically may be foods like cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage or any food you may be more sensitive too. The second step would be to reduce the fatty food consumption because fatty foods slow down the ability of foods to pass through the gut.

Lactose Intolerance

Those who are lactose intolerant can’t have lactose, sounds simple right? In fact may people with lactose intolerance have different levels of intolerance and thus you have to find the diet that matches your tolerance without suffering through symptoms. In general you should limit or even avoid all together milk and other dairy products. Again, whether things like yogurt effect you may be left up to trial. Lactose can also be in other foods like breads, deli meats, etc., so be aware of foods that give you similar symptoms. There are also lactase supplements that can be used to increase your tolerance.

Now keep in mind that dairy products provide important nutrients like calcium and thus it is important to supplement or eat other foods high in calcium like some green vegetables and certain fish with edible bones.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Increasing your daily fiber intake will enhance motility and digestion and it will also help reduce the spacticiy of your colon by increasing the bulk of the stool that goes through it. Eating slower with a lower volume and less fat conent may also help you stay more regular. Everyone's body is different and may react differently to these suggestions and therefor you must pay attention to your own body and its signs and symptoms.

Hemorrhoids

Increasing fiber should be a consideration if you have developed hemorrhoids because often hemorrhoids are the body’s reaction to constipation. Fiber, with lots of water consumption, can help with the motility of the digested foods. If increasing the fiber worsens symptoms of constipation or the hemorrhoids then the digest food may be becoming too bulky and you may need a stool softener in addition to balancing the right amount of fiber.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Consider reducing "Inflammatory foods"/aggravating or stimulating foods but one at a time so that it will be easier to establish which food is irritating to you. Foods such as tomatoes, gluten, dairy, and spicy foods, are examples of common culprits. Again, remember that each person's system is different than another so it is imperative to pay close attention to the needs of your own body and its responses to various ingredients.

Acid reflux (GERD)

Decrease foods that relax the lower esophageal sphincter and thus worsen symptoms of acid reflux such as: chocolate, marinara (Italian) red sauce, peppermint, liquorice and certainly decrease intake of alcohol and coffee.

For more info go to www.gastro.org

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