Many of us at some point in life have experienced the woes of a food or foods and ended up with a bout of indigestion, reflux, bloating, abdominal pain, or even caused extra trips to the bathroom. No fun, to say the least. When foods contribute to GI discomfort on a regular or even daily basis, life gets interrupted, and we begin the search for the root cause to not feeling well.
People with digestive discomfort often lean towards omitting entire food groups and following an overly restrictive diet. While suffering from food sensitivities or intolerances isn’t exactly pleasant, removing entire groups of foods to find relief may not exactly be the answer. Not only does this rob us of important nutrients to sustain general health and body systems, but can leave one feeling stressed, excluded, and detached from the experience of enjoying food-all of which can end up making GI symptoms worse!
For example, dairy provides rich sources of calcium to support bone health, and it’s important to know that the need to be lactose free does not always mean being dairy free, and there are foods such as hard cheeses that naturally have very low lactose levels and may be well tolerated in certain amounts. Grains such as wheat, barley, and rye contain the protein gluten, and unless there is a diagnosis of celiac disease or a confirmed intolerance, these grains are great sources of fiber and B vitamins and should have some place in the rotation of foods we consume.
Our digestive system thrives on the diversity in the fibers and natural sugars we consume. The bacteria living in our gut, known as the gut microbiome, is an amazing support system for the gut to function optimally. Not just for proper absorption of nutrients, but for the support of our immune system, and the production of hormones and neurotransmitters-which enable our bodies’ systems to communicate and operate with each other.
Working with a Nourish registered dietitian is the best way to evaluate your current intake and foods of concern. Making nutritionally complete substitutions or helping guide you through a temporary elimination process of specific foods, not entire food groups, are just one of the many sources of support your dietitian can provide. To schedule an appointment with our GI dietitians, click here.
