Inflamed intestines can turn your scrumptious meal into a raging aftermath, especially when you eat the wrong foods. Intestinal inflammation is a common symptom among people with gastrointestinal diseases and conditions. Certain foods can exacerbate these symptoms. However, each person may have different reactions to foods so you need to observe which foods make your symptoms worse. Consult your doctor or nutritionist about the types of foods not to eat when you have inflamed intestines.
Diseases
Diverticulitis and irritable bowel disease, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are gastrointestinal conditions that are associated with inflammation. Under normal conditions, your small intestines absorb digested food into your body, and watery and solid undigested food residue and unabsorbed secretions are passed into your large intestine for elimination. When your small intestine is inflamed, such as with Crohn's disease, your intestine is unable to fully digest and absorb nutrients and the undigested food is passed into your large intestine. When your large intestine or colon is inflamed, you are unable to recycle water and can experience severe diarrhea.
Legumes
Legumes include beans, lentils and peas. Legumes are nutrient-dense foods that contain protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Legumes also contain fiber, an indigestible substance that can help you reduce your cholesterol, control your blood sugar and enhance the passage of waste through your intestines for elimination. However, legumes can cause gas, which along with fiber may irritate your intestines when they are inflamed. Eating low fiber foods may be easier to digest and more tolerable.
Raw Fruits and Vegetables
Raw fruits and vegetables are nutrient-dense foods that the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention recommends people eat generous amounts every day to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. However, when you eat raw fruits and vegetables, you may experience a higher proportion of undigested residue and fiber than with other foods, which may exacerbate inflammation symptoms. Steaming and stewing your fruits and vegetables can make your experience of eating them more tolerable.
Dairy
The USDA Dietary Guidelines promotes low-fat dairy, such as milk, yogurt and cheeses, as a rich source of calcium to help you reduce your risk of bone related diseases, including osteoporosis and osteomalacia. Yet if you are lactose intolerant dairy foods can cause gas and irritate your intestines when inflamed. Other foods that are good sources of calcium, such as soy and nuts, contain fiber and may also exacerbate your inflammation.
References
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; What I Need to Know About Diverticular Disease; 2007
- Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America; Diet and Nutrition: Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis and Irritable Bowel Disease; April 29 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Dietary Fiber: Essential for a Healthy Diet; 2009
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; How Many Fruits and Vegetables Do You Need?; 2011
- United States Department of Agriculture; Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010; 2010
- Mayo Clinic; Ulcerative Colitis; August 15 2009
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