Member - Academy Of Nutrition & Dietetics. USA.
Gastro Intestinal Disorder Nutrition
Digestive disorders are one of the most common problems among people around the world. Almost 30% to 40% of adults complain of indigestion problems frequently. Digestive disorders are disorders of the digestive tract, also known as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The digestive tract includes the main organs of digestion (esophagus (food tube), stomach, large intestine and small intestine) and the accessory organs of digestion (tongue, liver, pancreas and the gallbladder). The tract is divided into the upper GI tract which includes the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine and the lower GI tract which includes rest of the small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus. Let’s split the disorders into upper GI tract and lower GI tract disorders for simplified understanding of their nature.
Dietary habits and food choices play a dominant role in the onset, treatment and prevention of GI disorders.
Upper GI Tract Disorders
Disorders of the Esophagus
The entire esophagus functions as one tissue during swallowing. Disorders of the esophagus may be due to chaos of the swallowing mechanism, obstruction, inflammation or abnormal sphincter function.
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disease which happens when stomach acid or stomach content flows back into your esophagus. People with acid reflux may experience heartburn too. When both of these are present at least twice a week or when your doctor diagnoses damage to your food tube, the resulting disorder might be GERD. Lower intestinal sphincter (LES) acts as the middle man allowing food to pass into the stomach and closing it to prevent food and acidic juices from going back to the esophagus. GERD happens when LES does not perform its function correctly.
The main symptom of GERD is a burning sensation in the middle of your chest (heartburn). Pain in the chest or upper abdomen, painful swallowing, respiratory problems and vomiting are other common symptoms. The symptoms get worse when you lie down, bend, after eating and in the night. In children vomiting, dysphagia, refusal to eat or abdominal pain may be present.
Treatment
Lifestyle modifications are the best treatment for GERD. Treatment mainly involves steps to decrease the amount of reflux and reducing damage to esophagus due to the reflux material.
Avoid chocolates, peppermint, coffee and alcohol as these foods are weakening agents of LES. Also avoid drinking citrus juices, tomato products and pepper as these can irritate the lining of a damaged esophagus. All these foods can trigger heartburn and must be avoided. Eat small meals and take care to fill your stomach at least three hours before going to bed or lying down. Obese individuals suffer greatly from GERD and hence must lose weight for some relief. Elevate the head end of your bed by 6 to 9 inches by placing blocks or wedges. Do not use pillows for height as they only increase pressure on the stomach. Wear loose-fitting clothes around your abdomen to prevent putting pressure on your stomach which may lead to acid flow to the esophagus. Finally quit smoking.
Resort to medication if these lifestyle changes do not bring positive results. But treating it is compulsory as GERD can sometimes result in serious complications. Too much of stomach acid can lead to esophagitis which can cause esophageal bleeding or ulcers. Barrett’s esophagus (BE), a condition in which the cells lining the esophagus become abnormal or malignant, may occur in almost 10% of people with chronic symptoms of GERD.
With disciplined diet changes and treatment people find relief from GERD.
Hiatal Hernia
When part of the stomach pushes upward through the diaphragm hiatal hernia occurs. This sometimes allows food and acid to go back into your esophagus leading to heartburn. Hiatal hernia is common in obese people and those aged over 50 years. Lifestyle modifications and treatments are similar to GERD. Hiatal hernia increases the risk of GERD.
Disorders of the Stomach
Indigestion and Dyspepsia
Dyspepsia or infection refers to mild discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen or belly. Indigestion and heartburn are not the same. You may have a feeling of fullness right after starting your meal or just after completing it. GERD or hiatal hernia may cause indigestion. Once again lifestyle modifications play a pivotal role in dyspepsia treatment. Diet changes and treatment options are almost similar to GERD. Avoiding chocolates, mint, alcohol, spicy food, cigarettes, raising your bed height and avoiding foods 2 to 3 hrs before sleep are quite a few remedies.
Gastritis
Gastritis is the inflammation or swelling of the lining of the stomach (mucosa). This can be sudden and last only for a short time (acute gastritis) or can linger for years and occur over a period of time (chronic gastritis). Sometimes the immune system attacks healthy cells in the stomach lining and is called autoimmune gastritis. The most common causes of gastritis are:
Peptic Ulcers
A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach or duodenum, the first part of your small intestine. Again H.pylori is the cause for most ulcers. Prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin are other contributing factors. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, tobacco use, alcohol and gastrinoma can also result in peptic ulcers. Though spicy foods may not lead to ulcers these can make them worse.
A burning pain in the upper stomach, heartburn and vomiting are primary symptoms of ulcers. Treatment primarily involves treating the H.pylori infection with antibiotics to kill the bacteria. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) suppress the acid levels and help to heal the ulcer. Acid blockers such as H2 –receptor blockers reduce acid production. Surgery is needed in few cases where the above treatment options become nullified.
Dietary factors can increase or decrease peptic ulcer. Milk and cream which were considered important are no longer beneficial for treating ulcers. Abstain from drinking beer and wine rather than alcohol to stay away from ulcers. Excessive use of coffee, certain spices and alcohol must be avoided with increased consumption of fiber, fruits and vegetables.
Carcinoma of the Stomach
Stomach cancer is a disease where malignant cells are present in the stomach lining. Due to the absence of early symptoms this disease is often diagnosed only at the advanced stage. Loss of appetite, weight and strength are few symptoms of gastric carcinoma.
Surgery is often the best treatment option as part of the stomach and tissues nearby which have cancer cells are removed, preventing the cancer cells from spreading to other parts of the body. Chemotherapy, radiation and targeted drugs are also performed on such patients. Diet should involve ample fruits, vegetables. Keep an eye on your weight and tobacco use as these can elevate your risk of stomach carcinoma.
Dumping Syndrome
Dumping syndrome occurs when food passes too quickly from the stomach into the small intestine. This disease usually occurs after gastric surgery. Sugary food and certain fried foods are main causes of this syndrome. Fullness or bloated feeling even after small meals, vomiting, nausea, cramping and sweating are symptoms of this disease.
Treatment includes diet, medication and surgery in few cases. Eat small portions often in a day. Avoid consuming liquids 30 min before or after food intake. High protein, high fat and low carbohydrate diet is prescribed to prevent symptoms of the disease. Mainly avoid sugary foods. Pectin, the dietary fiber in fruits and veggies, is used to treat this disease. Few people find that lying down for sometime after each meal helps to reduce the symptom.
Lower GI Tract Disorders
Common Intestinal Problems
Intestinal gas and flatulence, constipation and diarrhea are some of the common gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Many dietary principles applicable for these problems are also used to manage more serious GI disorders.
Intestinal Gas and Flatulence
Gas swallowed or produced within the GI tract may be expired through the lungs, through the mouth (belching) or passed rectally (flatus). The amount of intestinal gas varies from person to person. Intestinal gas formation takes place when certain food components are not completely broken down by the digestive system or due to bacterial fermentation, particularly from carbohydrates. Consuming hard to digest foods such as fiber or eating something which your body does not tolerate, such as lactose, is a leading cause of intestinal gas and flatulence.
Treatment includes reducing intake of carbohydrates that are likely to be malabsorbed and fermented. Examples include legumes, soluble fiber, resistant starches and simple sugars such as fructose and alcohol sugars. Reduce your fatty food intake and eat slowly.
Constipation
Constipation happens to everyone at some point of their life. Constipation means difficult bowel movements, hard stools and more time taken to pass stools. The number of bowel movements varies widely between individuals. It may be one stool every 3 days or three times per day. Children usually pass stools more frequently ranging between 2-3 stools daily during the first few months to approximately one and a half bowel movements daily at age 3. The most common causes for constipation include lack of fiber in diet, reduced fluid intake, inactivity and overuse of laxatives.
Treatment includes adding high fiber foods such as dry fruits, figs, prunes, fruits, vegetables, whole-grain cereals and bread. Bran or powdered fiber supplements may be taken by persons who are unable to consume enough fiber through diet. Ensure that you drink at least eight glasses of water daily. Above all stay active. Indulge yourself in some physical activity.
Treatment in children includes using lubricants and laxatives and adequate intake of fiber and fluids.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is characterized by frequent passing of liquid stools, usually exceeding 300ml, accompanied by excessive loss of sodium and potassium electrolytes. This occurs due to very fast flow of intestinal contents through the small intestine, decreased enzymatic digestion of foodstuffs and increased secretion of fluids into the GI tract. Bacteria, viruses, parasites, intolerance to certain foods and reaction to medicines are common causes of diarrhea.
Medical treatment includes replacing the lost sodium and potassium with glucose electrolyte solutions with added potassium. MNT involves adding liquids such as soups and juices initially to the diet followed by small amounts of vegetables, fruits and fiber.
Children with diarrhea should be given oral rehydration solutions to replenish for the lost electrolytes and fluids. Infants should be fed breast milk or formula milk along with rehydration solutions.
Diseases of the Small Intestine
Celiac Disease (Gluten-Sensitive Enteropathy)
Celiac disease is a digestive disease that damages the small intestine. This disease is triggered by consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, bread and cakes. When the intestine detects the presence of gluten it immediately forms antibodies which attack the intestinal lining causing inflammation of the intestines. Celiac disease may also be associated with inflammatory states such as dermatitis herpetiformis (variant of celiac disease involving the skin).
Celiac disease may be genetic, due to eating gluten-filled foods or triggered due to surgery, pregnancy or childbirth. Children under 2 years may experience chronic diarrhea, swollen belly, short stature and delayed puberty. In children, malabsorption can affect growth and development, in addition to the symptoms seen in adults. Adults have symptoms that are not related to the digestive tract such as mouth ulcers, headache and other symptoms.
Diagnosis can be either looking out for certain elevated antibody proteins, performing endoscopic biopsy or genetic testing for human leukocyte.
Treatment involves total avoidance of gluten from your diet. Within 2 to 8 weeks of practicing a gluten-free diet most people find a change in their clinical symptoms. But it may take anywhere between few months to few years for others. Children tend to heal faster than adults once their diet is void of gluten. Gluten-free diet means avoiding dietary staples like cereals and pasta made of wheat or barley. But this can be substituted with bread or pasta made of soy, potato or rice. Any unprocessed fresh food like fruits, veggies and fish can be definitely taken. As care and precaution is needed at every single meal they consume anywhere, people with this disease may become frustrated at times. But it is totally necessary to follow this strict regimen to avoid serious complications.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are a group of chronic diseases which involve partial or total inflammation of the digestive tract. IBD is often seen in patients 15 to 30 years of age and affects both sexes equally. Bacteria, viruses along with genetics and environmental factors contribute to IBD. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are two important IBDs.
Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn’s disease is characterized by inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract. This disease can affect the entire digestive system, from mouth to the anus. The most commonly affected parts are the last part of the small intestine (ileum) and the colon. This disease may lead to complications like fistulas, anal fissures, colon cancer and ulcers.
Ulcerative colitis is also characterized by inflammation but it is restricted to the large intestine and rectum. Perforated colon, bone loss and increased risk of colon cancer are possible complications of this disease.
Symptoms, common for both the diseases include swelled tummy, bloody diarrhea and weight loss. Genetics and improper functioning of the immune system are causes of these two diseases.
Medication against IBD includes corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory agents (aminosalicylates), immunosuppressive agents and antibiotics. Almost 50% to 70% of patients with Crohn’s disease undergo surgery to treat the disease. But this does not ensure complete cure as patients undergo subsequent surgeries during their lifetime for this disease. With ulcerative colitis, almost 20% of patients undergo colectomy and removal of colon which resolves this disease.
MNT suggests limiting dairy products and high-fiber diet, consuming low-fat foods and avoiding spicy foods. Ensure to eat small meals frequently and drink plenty of fluids. Also check with your RD for multivitamin supplements which can be taken for this disease.
Other Disorders of the Large Intestine
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, mucous in the stools and gas. The muscles of the large intestine move the food mass through the digestive tract. When the movement is too slow, too fast or muscles contract violently it results in IBS. Typical symptoms present themselves between adolescence and 40 years and are more common among women than men. Life stressors such as employment change, travel and uncomfortable social situations can trigger or worsen the symptoms and may also override therapeutic efforts.
Treatment differs according to each individual. Eat what suits you. Avoid gluten foods, dairy products, caffeine, carbohydrate foods and chocolates. Take care of your fiber intake by consistently increasing your consumption. Drink plenty of fluids and exercise regularly. Above all don’t skip any of your meals. Using probiotics, antibiotics or other medicines is advised when lifestyle modifications don’t give you the desired effect.
Digestive disorders are one of the most common problems among people around the world. Almost 30% to 40% of adults complain of indigestion problems frequently. Digestive disorders are disorders of the digestive tract, also known as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The digestive tract includes the main organs of digestion (esophagus (food tube), stomach, large intestine and small intestine) and the accessory organs of digestion (tongue, liver, pancreas and the gallbladder). The tract is divided into the upper GI tract which includes the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine and the lower GI tract which includes rest of the small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus. Let’s split the disorders into upper GI tract and lower GI tract disorders for simplified understanding of their nature.
Dietary habits and food choices play a dominant role in the onset, treatment and prevention of GI disorders.
Upper GI Tract Disorders
Disorders of the Esophagus
The entire esophagus functions as one tissue during swallowing. Disorders of the esophagus may be due to chaos of the swallowing mechanism, obstruction, inflammation or abnormal sphincter function.
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disease which happens when stomach acid or stomach content flows back into your esophagus. People with acid reflux may experience heartburn too. When both of these are present at least twice a week or when your doctor diagnoses damage to your food tube, the resulting disorder might be GERD. Lower intestinal sphincter (LES) acts as the middle man allowing food to pass into the stomach and closing it to prevent food and acidic juices from going back to the esophagus. GERD happens when LES does not perform its function correctly.
The main symptom of GERD is a burning sensation in the middle of your chest (heartburn). Pain in the chest or upper abdomen, painful swallowing, respiratory problems and vomiting are other common symptoms. The symptoms get worse when you lie down, bend, after eating and in the night. In children vomiting, dysphagia, refusal to eat or abdominal pain may be present.
Treatment
Lifestyle modifications are the best treatment for GERD. Treatment mainly involves steps to decrease the amount of reflux and reducing damage to esophagus due to the reflux material.
Avoid chocolates, peppermint, coffee and alcohol as these foods are weakening agents of LES. Also avoid drinking citrus juices, tomato products and pepper as these can irritate the lining of a damaged esophagus. All these foods can trigger heartburn and must be avoided. Eat small meals and take care to fill your stomach at least three hours before going to bed or lying down. Obese individuals suffer greatly from GERD and hence must lose weight for some relief. Elevate the head end of your bed by 6 to 9 inches by placing blocks or wedges. Do not use pillows for height as they only increase pressure on the stomach. Wear loose-fitting clothes around your abdomen to prevent putting pressure on your stomach which may lead to acid flow to the esophagus. Finally quit smoking.
Resort to medication if these lifestyle changes do not bring positive results. But treating it is compulsory as GERD can sometimes result in serious complications. Too much of stomach acid can lead to esophagitis which can cause esophageal bleeding or ulcers. Barrett’s esophagus (BE), a condition in which the cells lining the esophagus become abnormal or malignant, may occur in almost 10% of people with chronic symptoms of GERD.
With disciplined diet changes and treatment people find relief from GERD.
Hiatal Hernia
When part of the stomach pushes upward through the diaphragm hiatal hernia occurs. This sometimes allows food and acid to go back into your esophagus leading to heartburn. Hiatal hernia is common in obese people and those aged over 50 years. Lifestyle modifications and treatments are similar to GERD. Hiatal hernia increases the risk of GERD.
Disorders of the Stomach
Indigestion and Dyspepsia
Dyspepsia or infection refers to mild discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen or belly. Indigestion and heartburn are not the same. You may have a feeling of fullness right after starting your meal or just after completing it. GERD or hiatal hernia may cause indigestion. Once again lifestyle modifications play a pivotal role in dyspepsia treatment. Diet changes and treatment options are almost similar to GERD. Avoiding chocolates, mint, alcohol, spicy food, cigarettes, raising your bed height and avoiding foods 2 to 3 hrs before sleep are quite a few remedies.
Gastritis
Gastritis is the inflammation or swelling of the lining of the stomach (mucosa). This can be sudden and last only for a short time (acute gastritis) or can linger for years and occur over a period of time (chronic gastritis). Sometimes the immune system attacks healthy cells in the stomach lining and is called autoimmune gastritis. The most common causes of gastritis are:
- Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) bacterial infection which can lead to ulcers or stomach cancers. H.pylori is found in the mucous lining of the stomach.
- Routine use of pain relievers such as ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen.
- Excessive use of alcohol.
Peptic Ulcers
A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach or duodenum, the first part of your small intestine. Again H.pylori is the cause for most ulcers. Prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin are other contributing factors. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, tobacco use, alcohol and gastrinoma can also result in peptic ulcers. Though spicy foods may not lead to ulcers these can make them worse.
A burning pain in the upper stomach, heartburn and vomiting are primary symptoms of ulcers. Treatment primarily involves treating the H.pylori infection with antibiotics to kill the bacteria. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) suppress the acid levels and help to heal the ulcer. Acid blockers such as H2 –receptor blockers reduce acid production. Surgery is needed in few cases where the above treatment options become nullified.
Dietary factors can increase or decrease peptic ulcer. Milk and cream which were considered important are no longer beneficial for treating ulcers. Abstain from drinking beer and wine rather than alcohol to stay away from ulcers. Excessive use of coffee, certain spices and alcohol must be avoided with increased consumption of fiber, fruits and vegetables.
Carcinoma of the Stomach
Stomach cancer is a disease where malignant cells are present in the stomach lining. Due to the absence of early symptoms this disease is often diagnosed only at the advanced stage. Loss of appetite, weight and strength are few symptoms of gastric carcinoma.
Surgery is often the best treatment option as part of the stomach and tissues nearby which have cancer cells are removed, preventing the cancer cells from spreading to other parts of the body. Chemotherapy, radiation and targeted drugs are also performed on such patients. Diet should involve ample fruits, vegetables. Keep an eye on your weight and tobacco use as these can elevate your risk of stomach carcinoma.
Dumping Syndrome
Dumping syndrome occurs when food passes too quickly from the stomach into the small intestine. This disease usually occurs after gastric surgery. Sugary food and certain fried foods are main causes of this syndrome. Fullness or bloated feeling even after small meals, vomiting, nausea, cramping and sweating are symptoms of this disease.
Treatment includes diet, medication and surgery in few cases. Eat small portions often in a day. Avoid consuming liquids 30 min before or after food intake. High protein, high fat and low carbohydrate diet is prescribed to prevent symptoms of the disease. Mainly avoid sugary foods. Pectin, the dietary fiber in fruits and veggies, is used to treat this disease. Few people find that lying down for sometime after each meal helps to reduce the symptom.
Lower GI Tract Disorders
Common Intestinal Problems
Intestinal gas and flatulence, constipation and diarrhea are some of the common gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Many dietary principles applicable for these problems are also used to manage more serious GI disorders.
Intestinal Gas and Flatulence
Gas swallowed or produced within the GI tract may be expired through the lungs, through the mouth (belching) or passed rectally (flatus). The amount of intestinal gas varies from person to person. Intestinal gas formation takes place when certain food components are not completely broken down by the digestive system or due to bacterial fermentation, particularly from carbohydrates. Consuming hard to digest foods such as fiber or eating something which your body does not tolerate, such as lactose, is a leading cause of intestinal gas and flatulence.
Treatment includes reducing intake of carbohydrates that are likely to be malabsorbed and fermented. Examples include legumes, soluble fiber, resistant starches and simple sugars such as fructose and alcohol sugars. Reduce your fatty food intake and eat slowly.
Constipation
Constipation happens to everyone at some point of their life. Constipation means difficult bowel movements, hard stools and more time taken to pass stools. The number of bowel movements varies widely between individuals. It may be one stool every 3 days or three times per day. Children usually pass stools more frequently ranging between 2-3 stools daily during the first few months to approximately one and a half bowel movements daily at age 3. The most common causes for constipation include lack of fiber in diet, reduced fluid intake, inactivity and overuse of laxatives.
Treatment includes adding high fiber foods such as dry fruits, figs, prunes, fruits, vegetables, whole-grain cereals and bread. Bran or powdered fiber supplements may be taken by persons who are unable to consume enough fiber through diet. Ensure that you drink at least eight glasses of water daily. Above all stay active. Indulge yourself in some physical activity.
Treatment in children includes using lubricants and laxatives and adequate intake of fiber and fluids.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is characterized by frequent passing of liquid stools, usually exceeding 300ml, accompanied by excessive loss of sodium and potassium electrolytes. This occurs due to very fast flow of intestinal contents through the small intestine, decreased enzymatic digestion of foodstuffs and increased secretion of fluids into the GI tract. Bacteria, viruses, parasites, intolerance to certain foods and reaction to medicines are common causes of diarrhea.
Medical treatment includes replacing the lost sodium and potassium with glucose electrolyte solutions with added potassium. MNT involves adding liquids such as soups and juices initially to the diet followed by small amounts of vegetables, fruits and fiber.
Children with diarrhea should be given oral rehydration solutions to replenish for the lost electrolytes and fluids. Infants should be fed breast milk or formula milk along with rehydration solutions.
Diseases of the Small Intestine
Celiac Disease (Gluten-Sensitive Enteropathy)
Celiac disease is a digestive disease that damages the small intestine. This disease is triggered by consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, bread and cakes. When the intestine detects the presence of gluten it immediately forms antibodies which attack the intestinal lining causing inflammation of the intestines. Celiac disease may also be associated with inflammatory states such as dermatitis herpetiformis (variant of celiac disease involving the skin).
Celiac disease may be genetic, due to eating gluten-filled foods or triggered due to surgery, pregnancy or childbirth. Children under 2 years may experience chronic diarrhea, swollen belly, short stature and delayed puberty. In children, malabsorption can affect growth and development, in addition to the symptoms seen in adults. Adults have symptoms that are not related to the digestive tract such as mouth ulcers, headache and other symptoms.
Diagnosis can be either looking out for certain elevated antibody proteins, performing endoscopic biopsy or genetic testing for human leukocyte.
Treatment involves total avoidance of gluten from your diet. Within 2 to 8 weeks of practicing a gluten-free diet most people find a change in their clinical symptoms. But it may take anywhere between few months to few years for others. Children tend to heal faster than adults once their diet is void of gluten. Gluten-free diet means avoiding dietary staples like cereals and pasta made of wheat or barley. But this can be substituted with bread or pasta made of soy, potato or rice. Any unprocessed fresh food like fruits, veggies and fish can be definitely taken. As care and precaution is needed at every single meal they consume anywhere, people with this disease may become frustrated at times. But it is totally necessary to follow this strict regimen to avoid serious complications.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are a group of chronic diseases which involve partial or total inflammation of the digestive tract. IBD is often seen in patients 15 to 30 years of age and affects both sexes equally. Bacteria, viruses along with genetics and environmental factors contribute to IBD. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are two important IBDs.
Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn’s disease is characterized by inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract. This disease can affect the entire digestive system, from mouth to the anus. The most commonly affected parts are the last part of the small intestine (ileum) and the colon. This disease may lead to complications like fistulas, anal fissures, colon cancer and ulcers.
Ulcerative colitis is also characterized by inflammation but it is restricted to the large intestine and rectum. Perforated colon, bone loss and increased risk of colon cancer are possible complications of this disease.
Symptoms, common for both the diseases include swelled tummy, bloody diarrhea and weight loss. Genetics and improper functioning of the immune system are causes of these two diseases.
Medication against IBD includes corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory agents (aminosalicylates), immunosuppressive agents and antibiotics. Almost 50% to 70% of patients with Crohn’s disease undergo surgery to treat the disease. But this does not ensure complete cure as patients undergo subsequent surgeries during their lifetime for this disease. With ulcerative colitis, almost 20% of patients undergo colectomy and removal of colon which resolves this disease.
MNT suggests limiting dairy products and high-fiber diet, consuming low-fat foods and avoiding spicy foods. Ensure to eat small meals frequently and drink plenty of fluids. Also check with your RD for multivitamin supplements which can be taken for this disease.
Other Disorders of the Large Intestine
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, mucous in the stools and gas. The muscles of the large intestine move the food mass through the digestive tract. When the movement is too slow, too fast or muscles contract violently it results in IBS. Typical symptoms present themselves between adolescence and 40 years and are more common among women than men. Life stressors such as employment change, travel and uncomfortable social situations can trigger or worsen the symptoms and may also override therapeutic efforts.
Treatment differs according to each individual. Eat what suits you. Avoid gluten foods, dairy products, caffeine, carbohydrate foods and chocolates. Take care of your fiber intake by consistently increasing your consumption. Drink plenty of fluids and exercise regularly. Above all don’t skip any of your meals. Using probiotics, antibiotics or other medicines is advised when lifestyle modifications don’t give you the desired effect.