Week One: Diet 

The Role of Food in Combatting Digestive Disorders

While eating foods that are easy to digest may not prevent digestive disorders, it can help manage symptoms and allow the body to heal more easily and more naturally. A diet that decreases the frequency of diarrhea or constipation can allow vitamins, minerals, and supplements, such as AloeElite, to more readily absorb in the body. Preventing diarrhea is crucial in its own right, because the rapid loss of fluids associated with excessive watery bowel movements leaves the body depleted of nutrients, leading to fatigue and potentially dehydration. Dehydration can cause serious health complications, so the more that can be done to prevent diarrhea from the onset, the better. Constipation, as well, can be not only uncomfortable, but also dangerous. To avoid blockages, and to maximize healthy digestive functions, diet can be pivotal. 

The eventual goal is to maintain a well-balanced diet that contributes to whole body wellness, but initially, one wants to err of the side of “easy to digest.” Here are some suggestions to keep in mind: 

  • Proteins - Protein comprises an essential part of a healthy diet, and when cut into small pieces and chewed well, high protein foods can be easy to digest. Baked or broiled chicken, turkey, or fish is preferable to red meats, though some people benefit from the iron in beef. Smooth, natural peanut butter (without added sugar) can help especially those who struggle with weight loss associated with their diseases. Eggs can offer a good breakfast choice (unbroken yolks tend to be healthiest and easiest to digest.) Soy can be substituted or eaten in addition. Make sure to cook foods well and season them lightly, if at all. Broth soups can be an effective way of softening protein while hydrating the body at the same time. 
  • Fiber - Fiber found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is highly lauded as an important dietary choice for people with healthy digestive tracts. Unfortunately fiber is difficult to digest, can irritate the bowel, and will stimulate excessive bowel functions. Fiber can also increase gas and bloating. Initially it is smart to avoid raw fruits. One exception is ripe bananas, which help slow down the frequency of bowel movements for people who are struggling with diarrhea. Vegetables should be well steamed so that they keep their nutrients but digest more easily. 
  • Oils, Fats, and Seasonings – Greasy, fatty, spicy, and fried foods can worsen the symptoms of digestive disorders. The body does not digest fats easily and diarrhea and gas can result. Peppers and strong spices can irritate the bowel, and sweets such as candy and chocolate place unnecessary stress of the digestive tract, often with painful results. It is preferable to enjoy a natural, non-processed, low fiber, and lower sugar dessert in moderation. This does not mean that a piece of celebratory cake or an after-meal sweet can never be enjoyed again. What it does mean is that when there are symptoms present, it is best to approach dessert conservatively. 
  • Fluids – Water, water, and more water! Water alone or water with a splash of fruit juice, cool or room temperature: water is simply the best. Coffee and strong black teas can increase bowel movements and upset the stomach. Too much juice can result in diarrhea. Sodas offer no nutrition and the sugar, as well as the caffeine in colas, is difficult to digest.  Many people with digestive disorders struggle with lactose intolerance, but if a tall glass of milk sounds refreshing, soy and rice milks offer practical substitutes. Alcohol can impede healing by causing diarrhea and by placing stress on the immune system. If a person absolutely resists forgoing the evening glass of wine, diluting it with water can help lessen the negative effects. The point is to stay well-hydrated. 
Ultimately, we at AloeElite want to see you succeed at combating your symptoms and returning your body to a healthy digestive function. Attention to diet can contribute to your success. 

 Look for more tips in the following weeks! 

And call us any time at 1-888-299-2344. No question is too small.
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