The health of your intestines relies a great deal on your diet. Eating a nutritious diet can promote good intestinal health. Your intestines need nutrients and water just like the rest of your body does. If you’re having trouble with constipation or other bowel problems, you may need to take a close look at your diet. Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about the health of your intestines.
Water
Water is a very important part of your diet. Your colon absorbs water from the foods and beverages that you consume, which allows stool to move along your intestinal walls. When your intestines do not receive enough water, it makes it more difficult for stool to pass through your intestines; this can lead to constipation. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends drinking at least eight glasses of water every day to prevent constipation.
Gas
During the digestive process, your body breaks down food. When certain foods are broken down in the large intestine, or colon, harmless bacteria that are naturally present react with the decomposing food and cause gas. Certain foods are known to cause gas more than other foods, such as broccoli, onions, cabbage, beans, dairy products, apples, pears and whole grain foods. If you notice that these foods or other foods in particular cause you to have gas, you can help reduce the amount of gas that you pass by avoiding these foods.
Regularity
Including certain foods in your diet can help keep your bowel movements regular. The KidsHealth website reports that including high-fiber foods, vegetables, fruits and whole grains can make it easier to eliminate solid waste from your body. Fruits and vegetables contain water naturally, and the water helps pass solid waste through your system. Foods such as milk, cheese and other dairy products can cause you to become constipated, which can make it more difficult to pass stools.
Inflammation
Some foods, particularly spicy or fatty foods, can cause inflammation of your bowels or aggravate certain intestinal conditions, such as Crohn’s disease. Spicy and fatty foods can aggravate symptoms of Crohn’s disease and other bowel conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome. They can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating, fever, nausea and vomiting, and weight loss.
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