Stomach problems can affect the entire digestive system. Chronic stomach problems can lead to malnutrition. Dietary interventions can prevent and minimize symptoms and resulting complications of stomach problems and poor digestion. A diet for stomach problems may include avoidance or inclusion of certain foods. Changing how much you eat and how frequently you eat can also help manage stomach problems.
Prevention/Solution
The Mayo Clinic says maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent stomach problems like indigestion, gastritis and heartburn. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says weight maintenance requires balancing the amount of calories consumed through diet with the amount expended through physical activity. The USDA recommends all individuals get at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. Weight loss is achievable through a moderate reduction in calories in addition to 60 to 90 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. Avoid fatty and sugary foods should be avoided on a weight loss or weight maintenance diet because they are high in calories. Examples include deep-fried foods, desserts and sweets, soda and foods made with a lot of butter, cream, mayonnaise or shortening.
Gastritis
Gastritis occurs when the stomach lining gets inflamed. The Mayo Clinic says gastritis can be caused by alcohol consumption, infection, certain medications, smoking and increased stomach acid. Symptoms include abdominal pain, indigestion, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Severe gastritis can lead to stomach ulcers and a higher risk of stomach cancer. The Mayo Clinic recommends that people with gastritis eat multiple small meals throughout the day and avoid foods that are known to irritate the stomach like spicy, acidic, deep-fried or high-fat foods. Avoid alcohol because it can worsen inflammation.
Ulcers
Stomach ulcers are open sores in the lining of the stomach caused by the bacteria H. pylori. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), ulcers can cause abdominal pain, indigestion, heartburn, gas, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite and unintentional weight loss. Foods that commonly irritate stomach ulcers include spicy foods, coffee, carbonated beverages and alcohol. The UMMC says eating fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables may prevent stomach ulcers and speed up recovery from an ulcer. Flavonoids, a plant chemical, may inhibit the growth of H. pylori. Flavonoid-rich foods include apples, celery, cranberries, onions, garlic and tea.
Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis is a disorder that occurs due to improperly working stomach muscles and can delay digestion. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) says symptoms of gastroparesis include heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss. According to the AAFP, gastroparesis is uncurable but eating several small meals throughout the day instead of two or three large meals may minimize symptoms. Eating soft foods and foods that have been thoroughly cooked can also help. Limiting fat and fiber may also be beneficial because fat slows digestion and fiber is difficult to digest.
Considerations
You may have to experiment with your diet to figure out what foods aggravate your condition. Because you may have to eliminate multiple foods from your diet, it is important that the foods that you can consume are rich in essential vitamins and minerals. The USDA says nutrient-dense foods with the most health benefits include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy products. Foods that have little nutritional value include foods that are high in saturated or trans-fats, cholesterol, sodium and added sugar.
