Eating a balanced, nutritious diet is key to maintaining your health. For most Americans, this means eating fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meat, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, nuts and legumes. For people who suffer from conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes or celiac disease, healthful eating is a bit more complicated. Managing these conditions requires changing your diet.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a disorder characterized by bowel problems such as gas, bloating, pain, constipation and diarrhea. IBS occurs when a person has an unusually sensitive colon, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Stress, medication and certain foods trigger spasms in the colon. While there is no cure for IBS, changing your diet can lead to relief. MayoClinic.com recommends adding fiber to your diet in the form of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans or dietary supplements. Cutting out foods that lead to gas, caffeine-rich foods and drinks, fatty foods, dairy and artificial sweeteners may reduce attacks. Keeping a food diary to learn which foods trigger episodes may also be helpful.
Diabetes
Diabetes occurs when the body has problems creating or regulating insulin, a hormone needed to convert food into energy. The levels of glucose in the bloodstream rise, leading to serious complications such as heart disease, blindness or stroke. Type 2 diabetes is most common, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It strikes when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin. The Joslin Diabetes Center, a leading Boston research institution affiliated with Harvard Medical School, lists obesity, genetics and age as risk factors for this type of diabetes. Treatment often includes taking insulin and counting carbohydrates to control the levels of glucose in your bloodstream. The Joslin Center, which has satellite locations across the United States and worldwide, suggests consulting a dietitian to determine a safe amount of carbohydrates to consume for your age, weight and lifestyle.
Celiac Disease
The University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research estimates that one in 133 people in the United States have celiac disease, a genetic disorder in which the body cannot tolerate a substance called gluten. When people with celiac disease ingest gluten, it triggers the production of antibodies by the immune system. These antibodies attack and destroy the villi of the small intestine, which can lead to increased cancer risk; disorders of the liver, spleen and gallbladder; hemorrhaging, osteoporosis and more. While celiac disease has no cure, it can be treated by modifying your diet. Grains such as rye, oats and wheat contain gluten and must be avoided by those with celiac disease.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Digestive Disorders - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- MayoClinic.com: Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Diabetes
- Joslin Diabetes Center: Common Questions About Type 2 Diabetes
- Joslin Diabetes Center: The Truth About the So-Called "Diabetes Diet."
- University of Maryland School of Medicine: The University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research - FAQ
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