Dining in a Kinder, Gentler Way

Rushing to work, waiting on long shopping lines, or just trying to beat the crowds. Stop!

So many of the digestive troubles that we experience result directly or indirectly from our busy schedules.

Taking the time to eat properly and enjoy the meal will foster good nutrition and good health, not to mention the opportunity for quality shared family time that is too often rushed.

Many people ask if polyps and colon cancer can be prevented by proper diet. Although there are some theories about this, nothing has been clearly proven.

The evidence, however, suggests that a high-fiber, low fat diet may be beneficial. This is the same formula recommended for treatment of high cholesterol.

Many digestive disorders have specific foods contributing to their intensity:

Ulcers- caffeine ( in coffee, tea, chocolate, sodas); pepper; alcohol. Spices, vitamin C , acidic juices and other foods may be poorly tolerated by some individuals.

Heartburn- fried foods, fatty foods, chocolate, alcohol, spearmint, peppermint.

Gas/Bloating/Flatulence- carbonated beverages; dairy products; beans; cabbage; onions; pickles; cucumbers. Eating or drinking too quickly, gulping, sipping thru a straw.

Special blood testing for Celiac disease may be necessary to detect gluten sensitivity.

Gallbladder attacks- fried and fatty foods.

Diverticulosis - high fiber diet may prevent this, but if painful attacks have occurred, then liquids, low fiber and avoidance of seeds or nuts is the rule (during the acute attack).

Pancreas- avoidance of alcohol; low fat diet (especially if high triglycerides are a contributing cause).

Liver- if a problem exists, avoidance of alcohol and eventually low protein diet may be required.

Lactose Intolerance- avoidance of dairy products; milk with the milk sugar (lactose) predigested with an enzyme (lactase) is helpful. Lactose in certain forms may be better tolerated by the individual with a mild lactase deficiency (hard cheeses, yogurt). In the very sensitive individual, even the tiny amount of lactose used as a filler in some tablets and capsules, can cause symptoms.

Rectal bleeding- if due to hemorrhoids, then high fiber diet may be beneficial, but this symptom always requires medical evaluation.

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