Diet Tips For Digestive Problems
In the vast majority of cases, digestive disorders can be eased simply by watching what you eat. However, if the problem is severe or does not respond to a changed diet after more than a week, talk to your doctor. Here is a brief guide to common digestive complaints.
| Digestive Problem | Foods To Avoid | Foods To Eat |
| Wheat and other cereals that contain gluten, flour products, canned foods that flour may have been used to thicken and beer. | Fresh fruit and vegetables, legumes/pulses, nuts, chicken/turkey, cheese, rice and potatoes. | |
| Colitis & Crohn’s Disease | Wheatbran, nuts, seeds, sweetcorn and all foods known to contain substances to which you are susceptible. | Oily fish, porridge/oats, apples, dried fruit, liver, parsley, lentils and watercress. Patients with Crohn’s Disease often require extra zinc, calcium, magnesium, B-vitamins as well as Vitamins C and K. |
| Diverticular Disease | Refined carbohydrates: replace them with whole grains. | Plenty of cooked green leafy vegetables, oats/porridge and apples, whole grain bread, brown/basmati rice and other whole grain cereals. |
| Flatulence | Gradually cut down on legumes/pulses – eg. peas, beans and lentils – Brussels sprouts and cabbage. | Plenty of live yogurt, peppermint and fennel teas. Include in your cooking herbs such as thyme, sage, caraway and fennel seeds, to help digestion. |
| Gastroenteritis | For the first 48 hours of the illness avoid foods which are NOT listed opposite. | Bananas, apples, boiled white rice and dry white toast. Plenty of water to replace lost fluids. Camomile tea may also help. |
| Indigestion | All acid foods (especially those made with vinegar) raw onions, chilies, fatty or fried foods, coffee and alcohol. | Fiber-rich foods such as whole grain bread, brown rice and vegetables. |
| Irritable Bowel Syndrome | Wheatbran, legumes/pulses, and any foods to which you have an allergy or intolerance. | Plenty of fruit and vegetables for their soluable fiber and live yogurt for the beneficial bacteria it contains. |
Relief Of Digestive Complaints
Although certain digestion problems are incurable and may require a special dietary regimen for life, most types of common digestive disorders can be eased simply by changing your eating habits, as certain conditions are aggravated by certain types of food. However, if your digestion problem is severe or does not respond to an improved diet after more than a week, talk to your doctor.