Food allergies, food poisoning  Constipation Diarrhoea


 My name is Zareen gull. I am a nutritionist. Here I am discussing GIT disorders. it generally happens when we eat too much or we do not take recommended dietary fibre which is very useful for our gut to digest the food and to lower blood cholesterol levels in the normal range.

Gut related problems also occur when we choose to eat junk which is unhealthy in any way and cause gas, constipation, acidity, and diarrhoea. More you eat fruits and vegetables in order to improve gut health is very important. Avoid contaminated foods from outside which cause food poisoning with diarrhoea and vomiting.

Gastrointestinal disorder

1) UPPER GIT DISORDERS


Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach

CAUSES:

• Chronic use of aspirin and alcohol
• Food allergies, radiation exposures, food poisoning or stress

Symptoms:

• Anorexia nervosa, nausea, the feeling of fullness, Epigastria pain are symptoms of gastritis.
Recommendations:
• Use mechanically soft diet
• Intravenous fluid to be given if this stage prolong
• Avoid excessive intake of fluids with meals to prevent stomach distention
• When an intrinsic factor is lacking vitamin b12 is given
Gas: Flatulence

Recommendations:


• Chew well, drink as much water
• Walking is an excellent way to alleviate gas
• Keep a food diary to determine which food cause gas
• Avoid carbonated beverages, cabbage and broccoli producing gas tract disorder

2)LOWER GIT DISORDERS


Constipation


It is characterized by a delay in the passage of soft stool. A person is constipated when bowel movements is infrequent. Colonic constipation is stool that is hard and dry with small round pieces like marble. An average healthy adult should consume at least 26 to 35 grams of fibre

CAUSES

• Lack of water in the diet
• Lack of fibre in the diet
• Lack of exercise
• Some other reasons can include taking specific medications and other medical conditions

Recommendations:

• Eat high fibre foods
• Eat 5 to 7 almonds before breakfast or 3 soaked figs or prunes
• Use olive oil
• Drink 8-10 glasses of water
• Eat oatmeal, apple, legume and barley to soften the stools.
• Get exercise, physical activity speeds the movement of waste through the intestine
• 20-30 minute walk can often relieve constipation.

Foods to eat:

• Whole grains cereals such as oatmeal, bran bread and bran flakes cereals
• Legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans, black beans
• Fruits such as berries, apples, oranges, grapefruits, guava
• Vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, cucumber, peas,

Foods to avoid:

• Avoid junk such as pizza, burgers, white bread and carbonated beverages
• Avoid white pasta, white rice, white flour and bakery products

Diarrhoea:


It is the condition of having three or more loose bowel movements in a day. The loss of fluids through diarrhoea cause dehydration and electrolyte disturbances such as potassium deficiency or other salt imbalances. Oral rehydration solutions with a modest amount of salt and zinc tablets are the treatment of choice. It should begin at early as possible. Vomiting does not occur at the first hour or two of the treatment. But this prevents dehydration.

Diarrhoea diet:


This diet includes plenty of water broths and soups which contain sodium and fruit juices or vegetables that contain potassium. It is extremely important to restore the electrolyte level and correct nutritional deficiencies. Until the diarrhoea stopped, it is recommended to stop caffeine.

Oral rehydration formula:

• 1/3 to 2/3 tbsp. of salt
• 1/3 tsp. potassium bicarbonate
• ¾ tbsp. sodium bicarbonate
• 1/3tbsp sugar
• 1 litre boiled water

Carbonated drinks affect intestinal contraction and make diarrhoea worse. A health care practitioner recommends a BRAT diet which includes bananas, plain rice, apple sauce, and toast.