According to PubMed Health, malabsorption occurs when an individual is not able to properly absorb the nutrients in food, resulting in diarrhea, bloating and cramping, muscle wasting and weight loss. It can be caused by a variety of things, including illnesses like HIV or celiac disease, intestinal surgery and certain drugs. If you suffer from malabsorption of any kind, it is important to change your diet so you can absorb the nutrients you need for good health. Talk with your doctor about any dietary changes you may need to make and what she recommends for adequate nutrition.
Step 1
Eat small, frequent meals. The Ohio State University Medical Center suggests eating five to six meals daily, to help you digest the food better and avoid diarrhea.
Step 2
Avoid foods that contain fructose, including fruit juices and fruit, regular sodas, honey, sports drinks and other sweetened beverages if you have fructose malabsorption, says registered dietitian Katherine Zeratsky of MayoClinic.com. This condition occurs when a person cannot digest fructose, causing diarrhea, stomach pain and gas.
Step 3
Minimize your fat and fiber intake. Foods high in fat can make diarrhea worse; these foods can include butter, fried foods, peanut butter, muffins and lunch meats. Foods that are high in fiber like wheat bran and raw fruits and vegetables can irritate the bowel and increase diarrhea as well.
Step 4
Avoid caffeinated beverages, as this can increase diarrhea. The Ohio State University Medical Center recommends drinking most of your fluids between meals and sipping them slowly, to minimize the amount of food and liquid in your stomach all at once.
Tips and Warnings
- Talk to your doctor about whether a daily multivitamin will be beneficial for you, suggests the Ohio State University Medical Center. If you are not absorbing nutrients from food, a multivitamin can help reduce your risk of deficiencies. Keep a food journal and note which foods irritate your stomach and make your diarrhea or other symptoms worse; this will help you avoid these foods. Reviewing this journal with a doctor or nutritionist can also aid in meal planning.
- Do not drastically change your diet without first talking with your health care provider. She will be able to guide you in adjusting your diet to your symptoms. If you need extra help creating a diet that works for you, talk with your doctor about working with a nutritionist to help put together a healthy and balanced nutritional plan.
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