We all know the old saying “you are what you eat”. But have you ever wondered what gastro doctors, who specialize in digestive health, choose to avoid on their plates?We asked five top gastroenterologists to share with us the foods they steer clear of for optimal gut health. Brace yourselves – some answers might surprise you!
Did you know : Over 70 million Americans suffer from some kind of digestive issues.
Foods Gastro Doctors NEVER Eats
While you may have always been told to avoid greasy or fatty foods when you have a stomachache, these aren’t the only offenders. In fact, many healthy and seemingly innocuous foods can actually be quite hard on your stomach and contribute to digestive problems.
1. Hot dogs and other processed meats
Your stomach has to work harder to break down processed meats like hot dogs because of their high salt and fat content. Indigestion, bloating, and pain may result from this. It’s advised to minimise your intake of hot dogs and other processed meats if you have digestive problems or are sensitive to processed foods. Eating steak 4 times a week have around 30% of increased risk of having colon cancer studies says. Eating processed meat can also affect in building muscle. Moreover, the preservatives and additives in these kinds of meats might disturb your body’s normal bacterial balance, which can make digestion problems worse
2. Citrus Fruits
Like spicy foods, citrus fruits can also trigger heartburn and indigestion. They’re also acidic, which can irritate your stomach lining and lead to other digestive problems. If you love oranges and lemons, consider eating them as part of a larger meal instead of on their own as a snack.
3. White breads
Refined grains are bad for your gut, says Dr. Shilpa Grover, director of the onco-gastrointestinal programme in the gastroenterology division at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Because white bread contains a lot of simple carbohydrates and little fibre, it may be difficult for some people to digest. The outer layer of the grain, which includes the majority of the fibre and nutrients, is removed during the refining process used to make white bread.
4. Carbonated beverages
Digestion can be impacted by carbonated drinks including soda, beer, and sparkling water. These drinks’ carbonation can result in gas building up in the stomach and intestines, which can cause bloating, discomfort, and belching. This is due to the possibility that the beverage’s carbon dioxide gas could become trapped in the digestive system, resulting in pressure and pain.
5. Dairy goods
Some people, especially those who are lactose intolerant, may occasionally experience indigestion after consuming dairy products. When the body is unable to digest lactose, a sugar present in milk and dairy products, lactose intolerance develops. Bloating, gas, stomach pain, and diarrhoea are examples of lactose intolerance symptoms. Gastroenterologists may advise refraining from or reducing dairy consumption in such circumstances.
Foods that aid digestion
There are a few food items that can help with digestion, including:
-Fiber: This is found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It helps to add bulk to the stool and keeps things moving along the digestive tract.
-Banana: For a number of reasons, bananas are beneficial for digestion. They first include pectin, a type of fibre that can ease constipation and help regulate bowel motions. Second, resistant starch—another component of bananas—resists digestion and ferments in the colon, encouraging the development of healthy bacteria and enhancing gut health.
-Probiotics: These are live bacteria that are found in yogurt and other fermented foods. They help to keep the gut healthy by maintaining the balance of good and bad bacteria.
-Water: This is essential for keeping everything moving through the digestive system. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. The creators of recipe to cook suggest you to drink 3 liters of water daily (10 cups of water).
-Ginger: This spice can help to settle an upset stomach and ease nausea. It can be enjoyed in many different ways, such as fresh ginger root, ground ginger, or ginger tea.
– Omega 3 foods: Essential nutrients called omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for maintaining good health. In addition to that, Omega 3 foods helps in supporting healthy digestion, lessen the risk of heart disease, and boost brain function.
What is Gastrointestinal diet?
A gastrointestinal (GI) diet is a style of eating plan created to promote good digestion and lessen symptoms of GI diseases such gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease (GERD). This diet aims to reduce consumption of items that may cause Gastrointestinal symptoms while supplying the body with nutrients that are simple to digest and absorb.
A variety of low-fat, high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats, are often included of the GI diet. These meals are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help the body’s immune system and digestion.
Those with GI issues may need to avoid particular foods that can worsen symptoms in addition to maintaining a healthy diet. High-fat foods, spicy foods, coffee, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners are a few examples. Also, since they might fuel gut inflammation, foods heavy in sugar and processed carbs should be consumed in moderation.
Did you know: one way to improve your gut health is to introduce food rich in natural enzymes
A low FODMAP diet, which involves staying away from specific carbohydrate types that are poorly absorbed by the body and might result in Gastrointestinal discomfort, may be beneficial for some persons with GI issues. Typically, this diet calls for abstaining from items like wheat, dairy, garlic, onions, and beans.
Whole grains, lean meats, other low-fat, high-fiber foods, fruits and vegetables are frequently included of the GI diet.
In general, a GI diet is a wholesome eating strategy that can improve digestive health and lessen symptoms brought on by a variety of GI diseases. It’s crucial to collaborate with a medical professional or certified dietitian to create a personalised diet plan that suits your unique requirements and preferences.
Food digestion medicine that you must know
Different digestive problems can be treated with a variety of food digesting medications. Some of the most typical varieties are listed below:
Antacids: These drugs, which neutralise stomach acid, are frequently used to treat indigestion, heartburn, and acid reflux.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): These drugs lessen the production of stomach acid and are frequently employed to treat GERD, ulcers, and other disorders that result in an overproduction of acid in the body.
H2 blockers: These medications inhibit the stomach’s histamine receptors, which lowers the production of stomach acid. They’re frequently employed to treat GERD, ulcers, and other disorders that produce too much acid.
Supplements containing digestive enzymes: These substances make it easier for the body to break down meals. They are frequently used to treat illnesses like lactose intolerance and pancreatic insufficiency.
Fiber supplements: Supplements containing soluble or insoluble fibre can aid in controlling digestion and preventing constipation. They are frequently employed to treat ailments including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Before taking any digestive medications, it is important to consult a healthcare professional because they may not be suitable for everyone and may interact with other medications. A nutritious diet, staying hydrated, and stress management are further lifestyle choices that can assist enhance gut health.
Conclusion
Finally, even though each person’s dietary requirements and preferences may vary, there are some foods that gastroenterologists normally steer clear of because they have the potential to lead to digestive discomfort and other health problems. It’s crucial to remember that moderation is the key when it comes to any type of food or beverage, and speaking with a healthcare provider can help you get specific advice for achieving the best possible digestive health. People can promote their overall wellness and digestive function by making thoughtful decisions and giving gut-friendly meals priority.