4 Ways to Prevent Malabsorption

1. Limit Use of Certain Medications

Intestinal health can be adversely affected by some medications. Prolonged use of antibiotics, for example, can lead to problems with nutrient absorption. While it is obviously important to take antibiotics in certain situations, there are times when they are unnecessary. Conditions such as ear infections and the common cold do not need to be treated with antibiotics. Your doctor can tell you when they are required.

Laxative use is also best left to the minimum. People with bulimia sometimes develop malabsorption syndrome as a result of chronic laxative use. It is also possible to overuse laxatives in cases of chronic constipation. If you find that you are using laxatives frequently, ask your healthcare provider about other ways of treating constipation.

2. Avoid Parasitic Infection

While water in North America is generally safe to drink, this is not always so in the rest of the world. Traveler's diarrhea is one of the more common ailments while traveling and usually is a result of drinking contaminated water. When you are in a foreign country, you can protect yourself from developing a parasitic infection by only drinking bottled water. Use bottled water even when brushing your teeth. In the shower, make an effort to keep your mouth closed and avoid swimming in potentially unclean lakes and swimming pools. If you are unable to access bottled water, make sure to boil your water instead.

Parasites can also be found in food. Be sure that all the food you eat is fully cooked. Fresh fruit and vegetables should be well washed, and when possible, it is even better to peel them. Try to avoid buying food from street vendors and eat only pasteurized dairy products.

3. Identify and Treat Root Causes of Malabsorption

Since malabsorption is generally the result of another condition, the best way to prevent it is to identify and treat all underlying conditions. One of the more common causes of malabsorption is food allergies. With some food allergies, you will experience an immediate reaction that will make you aware of the sensitivity and cause you to avoid that food in the future. Problems arise however, when you suffer from an unidentified food allergy and continue eating that food. Your body may experience internal symptoms that ultimately result in malabsorption.

An allergy to gluten is a good example of this. People with celiac disease are unable to digest gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, spelt, rye and oats. Ingesting gluten leads to damage of the inner lining of the small intestine, and malabsorption occurs as a result. The good news, however, is that the malabsorption can be prevented by avoiding these foods entirely.

If you suspect you have malabsorption, it is important to identify what is causing the condition. Celiac disease is just one example. Other possible conditions include lactose intolerance, Whipple's disease, cystic fibrosis, Crohn's disease, diabetes, malnutrition and short bowel syndrome.

4. Genetic Screening and Early Detection

Sometimes the causes leading to malabsorption are hereditary. Genetic screening is therefore, one way of preventing this condition. Early detection is another way. If you or your family members suffer from a genetic condition that can lead to malabsorption, it is important to have your children tested at a young age.