The Connection Between Your Diet And Your Digestive Health

Feeling bloated after overindulging in junk food or a heavy supper is something that most people can relate to. Your stomach feels stretched, your clothes are tighter, and you may burp or gas more often. Bloating on occasion is normal, but excessive or ongoing bloating might indicate a more serious problem.

For what reasons do gas and bloating occur?

The way we eat and drink might cause excess air to enter our digestive tracts. Chewing gum, drinking fizzy beverages, and conversing while eating are typical causes. Lentils, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, sprouts, onions and beans are some of the foods that release the most gas.

Additionally, bloating and gas may worsen if you have a lactose, gluten, or artificial sweetener sensitivity.

Keeping a meal journal might help spot triggers if symptoms are erratic. If the issue persists, you should see your physician.

Constipation if not managed can cause pain and discomfort. This occurs when waste accumulates and produces gas in the intestines. For occasional constipation, dietary fibre, water, and over-the-counter medicines can be beneficial. On the other hand, chronic disorders may necessitate medical treatment.

Insufficient pancreatic enzyme synthesis causes exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), which limits the body's capacity to absorb nutrients. Symptoms include weight loss, oily stools, and flatulence. The treatment includes enzyme replacement therapy as well as lifestyle adjustments.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects the large intestine and causes increased sensitivity to gas. Symptoms include cramping, bloating, and alternating constipation and diarrhoea. Probiotics, dietary adjustments, and medication can all help with this chronic illness.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Aside from bloating and gas, these problems might result in bloody stools, tiredness, and considerable weight loss. Anti-inflammatory drugs and dietary changes are commonly used to treat this condition.

Diverticulitis is characterised by inflammation of tiny pouches in the colon, leading to symptoms such as abdominal discomfort and fever. Severe cases can necessitate surgery.

Gastroparesis causes delayed stomach emptying, resulting in bloating, nausea, and probable bowel obstructions. Medication, dietary changes, and, on rare occasions, surgery are all viable treatment options.

While some bloating is normal, repeated symptoms may signal a more serious problem.

See a physician if:

• Dietary changes and over-the-counter medications don't work.
• Unexpected changes in appetite or weight loss occur.
• Vomiting, diarrhoea, or constipation increase in frequency.
• You have mucus or blood in your faeces.
• There is a severe chest or abdominal ache.

Your doctor will assess your symptoms and may order diagnostic testing to determine the underlying cause. Early detection and treatment can help to dramatically improve your quality of life.

An easy home-cooked method would be to eat soaked fermented rice. You can also add a little tamper to enhance its taste. But, what does it do?

When cooked rice is left to ferment overnight, it releases nutrient. The carbohydrates and protein in the rice remain intact, other nutrients including good bacteria, vitamin B, iron and magnesium are released. Soaking in water also leads to a high retention of water in the dish, which can result positively, if consumed during hot and humid seasons. This light dish contains good bacteria and probiotics which helps in digestion, and also cools your body down.

A study by a Bhubaneswar-based professor Balamurugan Ramdas also revealed that this dish contains short-chain fatty acids, which are responsible for improving gut health and boosting immunity. The study also notes that the fermented rice water also provides high energy.