Your digestive tract includes your mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and anus. These structures work together to ensure that you can properly digest food and absorb the nutrients from that food. If you have a digestive disease, an area of your digestive tract may not be functioning correctly. In order to avoid uncomfortable symptoms, it may be beneficial to change your diet.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease belongs to a group of digestive diseases called inflammatory bowel diseases. Crohn's disease is characterized by chronic inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract, most commonly the lower portion the small intestine, called the ileum. Crohn's disease can cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramps and blood in the stool. Eventually, ulcers may also develop.
There is no way to cure Crohn's disease, but following a healthy diet may help reduce symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Every case of Crohn's disease differs, so your specific diet may be different from others. Many people with Crohn's disease benefit from limiting or removing dairy products from the diet. Limiting the amount of fat you consume can also help reduce your symptoms. Certain foods, called trigger foods, may exacerbate symptoms. Trigger foods may differ between individuals, but common trigger foods include beans, cabbage, broccoli, raw fruit and vegetables, spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol. You should identify your trigger foods and avoid them as much as possible.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is characterized by an inability to properly digest the milk sugar lactose. Normally, your small intestine produces an enzyme, called lactase, that breaks down lactose into simple sugars that your body can digest. People who are lactose intolerant do not produce adequate amounts of lactase, and as a result, cannot digest lactose. This causes abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and nausea after the consumption of lactose.
In order to avoid symptoms, someone who is lactose intolerant should avoid all foods that contain lactose. Some foods that contain lactose include milk, yogurt, cheese and ice cream. Lactose may also be present in processed foods, so it is important to check labels for ingredients like milk, whey, curds, milk solids and milk powder.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a digestive disease characterized by an intolerance to the protein gluten, which is found in wheat, barley and rye. When someone with Celiac disease consumes gluten, their immune system sets off an autoimmune response that causes antibodies to attack the gluten. This results in a variety of symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, gas, decreased appetite, diarrhea, joint pain, fatigue, hair loss, itchy skin, nosebleeds and tingling and numbness in the extremities.
The only way to avoid the symptoms of celiac disease is to follow a gluten-free diet. Gluten is found in breads, cereals, pasta, pastries, cookies, cold cuts, hot dogs, salami, crackers and most commercially-produced soups. Gluten may also be an ingredient in medications and supplements, so it is important to check labels.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a digestive disease that is characterized by its symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, gas and alternating episodes of constipation and diarrhea. The cause of irritable bowel syndrome is unknown, so the condition is difficult to treat. The proper diet can help reduce severity of symptoms.
If your irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by constipation, you may benefit from increasing fiber in your diet. Fiber may exacerbate symptoms in those with irritable bowel syndrome characterized by diarrhea. Like Crohn's disease, diet treatment for irritable bowel syndrome focuses on identifying trigger foods and eliminating them. Those with irritable bowel syndrome may also benefit from eating several small meals throughout the course of the day rather than three large meals.
