The body's ability to maintain a healthy digestive tract is imperative for the proper absorption of micro and macronutrients, to remove waste effectively and to provide the body with sufficient amounts of energy to fuel everyday activities. Maintaining a healthy diet with the right balance of fiber, fats, carbohydrates and proteins helps to keep your digestive tract functioning efficiently, but often, an accumulation of one of these nutrients, particularly fat, can cause problems with your digestive health.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, involves the nerves and muscles in your stomach. Muscles become hyperactive when the digestion process begins, causing pain, cramping, nausea and diarrhea or constipation. Often, pain ensues once the bowel is stretched from food sources, and the nerve endings in the stomach react, causing pain or cramping. Fat, particularly from foods such as chocolate, french fries, milk products and sugary, caffeinated beverages such as soda or coffee agitate the nerves and muscles in the stomach's lining, further exacerbating this digestive issue.
Heartburn
Heartburn, or peptic esophagitis, is the reflux of stomach contents back into the esophagus, and can be ignited by overly processed, fatty foods. The fat creates a more acidic environment in the stomach, which makes digestion difficult. Carbonation coming from sugary beverages also agitates this process, as the carbonation induces the release of carbon dioxide in the stomach. Avoiding large, fat-filled meals can help to reduce your acid reflux. Also, avoiding lying down for up to an hour after your meal aids in creating a smoother, pain-free digestive process.
Gallstones
While there is a genetic predisposition to having gallstones, diet choices also play a role in this digestive issue. As with irritable bowel syndrome, fatty foods can cause constipation, which leads to an accumulation of bile in the gallbladder, and the resulting formation of gallstones. Trying to incorporate low-fat, high fiber foods in your diet can help you to avoid this problem, along with eating at regular intervals during the day and not skipping meals.
Lower Gastrointestinal Series
The lower gastrointestinal series is a grouping of x-rays taken to diagnose problems in the large intestine. Before the x-ray is taken, a barium solution is swallowed, which allows for a clearer picture of your intestines on the x-rays. This test gives your doctor a better idea of any blockage, nerve or muscular issues that might be causing you pain. Managing your diet and avoiding fatty, processed foods can also help to prevent these digestive conditions from forming, and also help to alleviate pain if you are suffering from digestive issues.
