Facing Gut Issues? Here’s How to Address It with Diet

Gut issues and digestive problems are a lot more common than many people think. In fact, anywhere from 60 to 70 million Americans suffer from digestive diseases and issues.

These problems can come from something as benign as an isolated event or as severe as a chronic illness. Unfortunately, many people go undiagnosed because of the lack of information out there on this topic.

In this article, we will cover everything from the causes of gut problems to dealing with irritable bowel issues with a high fiber diet. So absorb this info and follow these tips to keep your digestive health in check!

What are some causes of gut issues and digestive problems?

The causes of gut-related problems are highly varied; however, some common causes include:

• Viral or bacterial infections
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Celiac disease
• Crohn’s disease
• Colitis
• Pancreatitis
• Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus

All of these can be treated or managed with diet changes and supplements. However, suppose you have chronic pain or discomfort that is not being helped by standard medications. In that case, it is highly recommended to consult your doctor. While you may be able to use diet to control your symptoms, it may signify that you have something more serious.

In addition to the conditions listed above, any sudden change in pain or discomfort can indicate something wrong within the digestive tract. This could include food allergies, gastritis, bowel obstruction and more.

Suppose this is not normal for you or more than what could be expected due to your dietary choices that day. In that case, it is vital to seek medical attention immediately.

What are Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are two of the most common culprits of gut issues in America, with over 17 million Americans being affected by the two combined. So, let’s take a closer look at them.

IBS is characterized by abdominal discomfort and changes in the frequency and length of bowel movements, accompanied by bloating, nausea, gas and a feeling of incomplete evacuation. IBS can range from being a periodic ailment to becoming a chronic condition leading to malnutrition and hospitalization.

IBS may be caused by changes in how the nervous system regulates the gastrointestinal tract, or it may be caused by psychological factors like stress or anxiety.

Keeping a journal that tracks food intake, digestive symptoms, medication use, bowel movements and physical activity may help determine what dietary changes or medications are most effective in reducing IBS-related pain.

IBD is a gastrointestinal condition that causes the digestive tract lining to become inflamed. There are two types of IBD: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Crohn’s disease is caused by a random genetic mutation, leading to an immune response that causes inflammation in parts of the stomach or intestines. On the other hand, ulcerative colitis can be brought on due to inflammation brought about by an infection in people who already have a weakened immune system or by the use of medication like NSAIDs, steroids and antibiotics. Two of the most common symptoms for both types of IBD are diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Many people do not know that they have IBD until they start to experience symptoms of the disease.

How can gut issues like IBS and IBD be addressed with diet changes?

Diet is the most crucial factor in both IBS and IBD. Luckily, there are certain foods that you can eat to alleviate some of your symptoms.

The low-FODMAP diet has been shown to relieve symptoms of IBS when appropriately followed. It is often an excellent option for those who have trouble digesting certain carbohydrates. Foods high in fermentable carbohydrates can cause symptoms, and the low-FODMAP diet helps reduce them.

Foods the low-FODMAP diet avoids include:

• Fruits — apples, avocados, cherries, mangos, nectarines, peaches, pears and plums.
• Vegetables — garlic, onions, leeks and mushrooms.
• Grains — wheat (including spelt and kamut).
• Legumes — baked beans, kidney beans and lentils.
• Nuts — cashews and pistachios.
• Dairy products containing lactose like milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream should be avoided if you are lactose-

Do you feel uncomfortable tackling this sort of meal plan on your own? If so, you may want to consider reaching out for help from a professional, making use of a low-FODMAP meal delivery service, or a combination of the two.

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, olive oil and dairy products. It also helps manage IBD because it includes anti-inflammatory foods like dark chocolate, nuts and chamomile tea. It also has many high-fiber food items that promote good gut health.

According to some experts, the Mediterranean diet meal plan can sometimes be hard to follow.

For those who have IBS or IBD, it’s essential to pay attention to the food you eat and how it affects your body. Be sure to talk with a doctor or a qualified dietitian before introducing new diets into your daily routine.

Tips and tricks to keep your digestive health in check!

Here are some tips and tricks to follow to keep your digestive health in check.

• Always drink purified water when you eat. Clean water could be as beneficial as the right food!
• If possible, cook with organic meat and fresh produce. Studies have shown that organic food contains more omega-3s, vitamins and nutrients than non-organic ones.
• Eat a varied diet that includes green vegetables, legumes and unprocessed grains like brown rice or quinoa. Brown rice is a great choice for anyone who’s struggling with gluten sensitivities.
• Avoid sugar and processed foods as much as possible. These foods are known to cause gut issues in many people over time because they lead to high glucose levels in the bloodstream.
• Be mindful of chewing your food sufficiently and try to avoid swallowing it in large chunks. This habit can lead to a lot of bloating and discomfort later on!
• Go on the low-FODMAP diet if you’re experiencing significant digestive distress or IBS.
• Consider going on the Mediterranean diet if your gut issues are chronic. Research suggests that this diet can reduce inflammation in people with Crohn’s disease.
• Get checked out by your doctor if you’re experiencing gut issues regularly. They may be able to recommend something more specific to your diet or lifestyle needs. They’ll also be able to check for any other underlying issues, like endometriosis!
• See a therapist if you’re experiencing severe anxiety and stress related to your digestive health. Chronic gut issues can often lead to mental distress, so you must address both aspects of your health.

With the right dietary changes and lifestyle modifications, you can significantly improve your gut health!

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