good nutrition, avoiding only those foods that cause
problems. The vitamindietary supplementsrecom-
mended for all adults can also benefit patients. How-
ever the medical profession advises against taking
megadoses ofvitamins, special herbal extracts, and
other unproven therapies. Digestive diseases with spe-
cial dietary requirements include:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease. Diets recommended
for GORD are usually low-fat and include the basic
food groups of cereals, vegetables, fruits, dairy prod-
ucts, and meats. A vitamin C supplement may be
needed if the patient does not tolerate lemons,
oranges, tomatoes, and grapefruits.
Gastroparesis. Patients are asked to avoid foods that
are high in fat and normally delay the emptying of
the stomach. High fiber foods such as broccoli and
cabbage also tend to stay in the stomach and are also
restricted when symptoms are severe. Liquids always
leave the stomach faster than solid food, so liquid
foods are recommended.
Peptic ulcer. In the past, physicians advised people
with ulcers to avoid spicy, fatty, or acidic foods.
Research has shown however that such diets are inef-
fective for treating ulcers. In most patients, no partic-
ular diet has emerged as being particularly helpful.
Budd-Chiari syndrome. A low-sodium diet is
required for the control of ascites.
Cholecystitis. A low-fat diet is usually recommended
with research showing that the pectin in apples may
be beneficial, as well as the cellulose contained in
celery and other crisp fruits and vegetables.
Cirrhosis. Regardless of the type of cirrhosis, a
healthy low-sodium diet is usually prescribed with
total avoidance of alcohol.
Hepatitis. Stimulating the liver can stress the liver
and stimulants such as colas, chocolate, coffee, and
tea are restricted. Fruit juices also, because they con-
tain high levels of concentrated sugar which stress the
digestive process and the pancreas, while feeding the
virus.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease NAFLD. A healthy
diet controlling elevated cholesterol, triglycerides,
and blood sugar is considered beneficial.
Pancreatitis. Dietary guidelines recommend foods
low in fat and high in carbohydrates and protein to
decrease the work load of the pancreas. Pancreas
stimulants such as coffee, alcohol, spicy and gas-
forming foods are also restricted.
Primary sclerosing cholangitis. A low-sodium diet is
usually recommended to reduce fluid retention.
Celiac disease. Patients work with a dietician to
design a diet plan that is totally gluten-free. This
means not eating foods that contain wheat, rye, and
barley. Restrictions include most pasta, cereal, and
processed foods.
Infectious diarrhea. Diarrhea causes the body to loose
too much fluid (dehydration) and electrolytes. Drink-
ing plenty of water is accordingly extremely impor-
tant. Broth and soups that contain sodium, and fruit
juices, soft fruits, or vegetables that contain potas-
sium, are required to restore the electrolyte levels.
Lactose intolerance. If milk is removed from the diet,
other sources of calcium are added, such as fer-
mented milk products like yogurt that can usually
be tolerated. Non-dairy foods that are high in cal-
cium include fruits and vegetables such as kale, col-
lard greens, broccoli, and oranges. Foods fortified
with added calcium, such as soy milk, juices, cereals,
and pasta, are also good sources of calcium.
Colitis. Patients are advised to eliminate any foods or
beverages from their diet that seem to make symp-
toms worse. This usually includes limiting dairy
products, a low-fat diet high in fibers, eating small
meals and drinking plenty of water.
Diverticulosis. Since the lack of fiber and bulk in the
diet is the major cause of diverticular disease, adding
fiber and bulk to the diet is accordingly considered
very important. Foods rich in fiber, such as bran
cereals, whole wheat breads, a variety of beans, and
fresh fruits and vegetables help keep the stools soft
and bulky.
Dysentery. Patients are asked to fast as long as acute
symptoms are present, taking only orange juice and
water or buttermilk. After the acute phase, rice, curd,
fresh ripe fruits, especially banana and pomegranate
and skimmed milk are allowed. Solid foods are re-
introduced very carefully in the diet depending on the
pace of recovery.
Giardiasis. Drinking water to prevent dehydration is
recommended, as well as replenishing the electrolytes
lost as a result of diarrhea.
Irritable bowel syndrome. People with IBS are usually
asked to avoid food that is high in fat, insoluble fiber,
caffeine, coffee, carbonated sodas, and alcohol.
Hemorrhoids, anal fissures and perianal abscesses. A
high-fiber diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, bran,
whole-wheat grains with fiber supplements such as
Metamucil, Citrucel, Fibercon is usually recom-
mended along with a daily intake of plenty of water
to prevent stool hardening.Therapy
The management and treatment of digestive dis-
eases is disease-specific and pharmacologic and otherDigestive diseases