Digestive Disorders Diet

DEFINITION

The aim of the diet for Digestive Disorders is to improve the breakdown and absorption of nutrients after eating, reducing symptoms such as bloating, flatulence (gas) and abdominal discomfort.

DESCRIPTION

It is important that your Doctor is consulted to exclude any underlying cause of poor digestion. Many treatable illnesses can contribute to poor digestion, such as bowel infections, lactose intolerance, inflammatory bowel disease and coeliac disease. The following diet may only be of benefit in conjunction with appropriate medical diagnosis and treatment. For dietary treatment of heartburn, indigestion and hiatus hernia see the Gastric Reflux Diet on the HealthPoint.

DIET SHOULD BE HIGH IN

-Water. Drink 1 or 2 glasses of water at least 1 hour before and after meals. Avoid drinking with or just after meals as water dilutes digestive acids. Adding the juice of half a lemon or 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar can stimulate stomach acid production and improve digestion (omit if heartburn is present).
-Digestive enzymes. Some tropical fruits contain enzymes which aid in protein digestion (omit if heartburn is present). These are pineapple (bromelain) and pawpaw (papain).
-Ginger. Studies show that ginger is effective in promoting gastric secretions and improving digestion. Ginger can be eaten as a fresh root, powdered in breads and biscuits, sliced and pickled, a sweet (crystallised ginger) or tea.

DIET SHOULD BE ADEQUATE IN

-Insoluble fibre. Wheat bran, wholemeal bread and related products are less likely to cause flatulence than soluble fibres.
-Protein. Although protein requires a complex process of digestion, it remains essential for good health and should not be reduced or eliminated. Sources include eggs, meat, poultry and fish.

DIET SHOULD BE LOW IN

-Fats. High levels of hydrochloric acid are released when a high-fat meal is eaten. These acids can cause abdominal pain. Avoid visible fat on meat, biscuits, cakes, full-cream dairy products, butter and oils.
-Soluble Fibre. Foods containing soluble fibre (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, onions and beans) remain in the large intestine for longer and begin to ferment, causing flatulence (gas).
-Sugars. Certain sugars called disaccharides are harder to digest than others. These sugars include lactose (found in milk and dairy products), sucrose (found in white sugar, maple syrup and mayonnaise) and maltose (found in beer, biscuits and breakfast cereals).

DIET SHOULD ELIMINATE

-Carbonated (fizzy) drinks, chewing gum and sucking hard lollies increases the amount of air swallowed and must be avoided.
-Alcohol and caffeine. Drinks such as tea, coffee, cola and alcohol are irritating to the primary organs of digestion, namely the stomach, liver, pancreas and bowel.

SAMPLE MEAL PLAN

The following meal plan is suggested for this condition. Remember to eat smaller meals more frequently and chew food slowly and completely to improve digestion.

BREAKFAST

-2 glasses of water with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar on rising.
-1 bowl wheat bran cereal with soy or skim milk OR
-Scrambled eggs (no milk) on white toast.

MORNING TEA

-2 pieces rice crispbread with nut spread OR
-1 tub of soy yoghurt.
-1-2 glasses of water or 1 cup uncarbonated ginger ale or tea.

LUNCH

- 2-4 slices white bread OR
- Steamed white rice WITH
- 100g of lean roast meat, ham, chicken or tuna.
- 1-2 glasses of water at least 1 hour before or after food.

AFTERNOON TEA

- Handful of nuts (cashews, almonds, peanuts or hazelnuts) OR
- 2 ginger biscuits or 1 piece of gingerbread.
- 1 glass of water or herbal tea.

DINNER

- 150-180g lean red meat, veal, lean pork, diet mince, chicken flesh, turkey (no gravy) Or
- 250-300g grilled salmon or tuna with lemon OR
- 250 g pasta with tomato-based sauce.
- 2 glasses of water at least 1 hour before or after food, or 1 cup uncarbonated ginger ale or tea.