Are you eating right?

Digestive problems are extremely common in our country and the majority of them are attributable to eating habits.
Image for representational purpose only.
Image for representational purpose only.

HYDERABAD: Digestive problems are extremely common in our country and majority of them are attributable to eating habits. It is very common for people to change their eating habits as soon as they are diagnosed with an abdominal problem. Digestive (gastric) problems can arise from food pipe, stomach, small and large intestine, liver and pancreas. 

Gastro oesophageal reflux disease: Commonly described as heartburn. Generally, excess fatty and spicy diet especially taken at irregular timings, plays a major role in this condition.  Weight reduction, eating small amount of food more number of times, giving couple of hour’s gap between dinner and sleeping time would help to improve reflux symptoms.


Acidity (dyspepsia), gastric and duodenal ulcers: Though there is no direct causative role of spicy food on ulcer formation, people with gastric and duodenal ulcers get more indigestion symptoms on eating spicy food. Certain foods such as honey is shown to have anti-bacterial activity and is helpful in eradication of H Pylori infection which may lead to ulcers Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): People with troublesome symptoms of IBS benefit from high fibre diet and a specially formulated low FODMAP (Fermentable oligo di- mono saccharides and polyols). People with bloating predominant symptoms may not tolerate high fibre diet well.


Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohns and Ulcerative colitis): There are no strict guidelines on what to eat and what not but generally high fibre diets will aggravate diarrhoea in these patients. In patients with Crohns disease of the small bowel, high fibre diet can lead to intestinal blockages. Some of the research has shown that vegetarian diet has low inflammatory action and may be beneficial in these patients. It is suggested to observe the foods or ingredients that maybe aggravating the symptoms and avoid them.


Jaundice and other Liver problems: Oily food can worsen nausea in patients with jaundice and hence better avoided. Alcohol and high fat diet can to lead to fatty liver and there by possible cirrhosis and cancer in small proportion of patient. Weight reduction is important step in treatment of any liver condition.
Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis: Fats don’t get digested easily in pancreatic disease and hence a low fat diet is generally advised. Acute Gastroenteritis (loose motions and vomiting): If someone if suffering from, it is advisable to stick to soft and easily digestible food. Avoid eating raw foods and stick to warm food. 

(The doctor is a Consultant Gastroenterologist, Citizens Specialty Hospital)

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