Tweak your diet to ward off digestive disorders: Expert

Dealing with stomach pain, ulcers, heartburn, reflux, constipation or other digestive disorders is stressful for any individual. Some digestive diseases are severe, lasting only for short period, while others are chronic and long lasting. Common digestive diseases include constipation, food intolerance, ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), inflammatory bowel disease, hemorrhoids and pancreatitis amongst others. Symptoms may include bloating, diarrhea, gas, stomach pain, and stomach cramps.

Dr Ganesh Bhat, consultant gastroenterologist at Medeor 24x7 Hospital, Dubai, said: “You wouldn’t find a lot of people talking about this but having digestive issues is very common among people. Many factors can be attributed to these digestive disorders such as lack of a high fibre diet, eating large quantities of dairy

Eating a healthy high fibre diet and avoiding processed food helps reduce the chances of having any digestive disease.”

Dr Ganesh Bhat,

products, frequent changes in daily routine or lot of travelling, not enough exercise and stress.”

“It’s important to be aware and to identify specific digestion problems. Consulting with a gastroenterologist can definitely go a long way in fighting such severe digestive illnesses,” Dr Bhat further added.

While there are medications and treatments to cure these digestive diseases, following simple steps like maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, not taking too much stress etc can improve your digestive dilemma.

“Eating a healthy high fibre diet and avoiding processed food helps improve your metabolism and reduces the chances of having any digestive disease. Fibre-rich foods help in preventing bloating, gas, and diarrhea. It is also advisable to eat several small meals throughout the day to prevent the sudden bowel contractions that large meals can cause.”

While it’s important to eat right it is equally important to stay well hydrated. Drinking adequate amount of water helps prevent dehydration and also helps keep stools soft but solid and well-formed.

“Additionally, avoid drinking beverages such as coffee or alcohol, as they aggravate the dehydration. Also, avoid taking too much stress as stress can sometimes magnify your digestive problems,” advised Dr Ganesh.

reporters@khaleejtimes.com

consultant gastroenterologist, Medeor 24x7 Hospital, Dubai