The human digestive system is an intricate organ that executes two essential functions. First, the body turns food into the necessary nutrients, and second, a layer of substance that protects the body from toxins is separated from the food. This complex structure, however, becomes easy prey to numerous digestive complications, mostly mild, but some considered life-threatening. Here, we will discuss common stomach problems and diseases everyone should be aware of symptoms, causes, and nutrition therapies that can be found with them.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) / Heartburn:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition that results from the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus, oral cavity, or lungs. The primary barrier to gastroesophageal reflux is the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle that acts as a valve between the esophagus and stomach, weakens or relaxes inappropriately.
The acute causes include viral infections and ingestion of irritating agents, while chronic causes include:
- increased abdominal pressure
- recurrent vomiting
- delayed gastric emptying
- hiatal hernia
- reduced LES pressure
Typical symptoms include heartburn, regurgitation, hypersalivation, and belching while clinical symptoms include:
- Dysphagia
- Early satiety
- GI bleeding
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Choking & pain
Medical Nutrition Therapy- MNT:
- Complex carbohydrates provide a high amount of soluble fiber. It stays longer in the body and helps in acid absorption present in the stomach. It soothes bowel movements and reduces acid reflux production. Sources include oatmeal, whole grains, rice, whole pulses, oats, whole wheat bread, and raw fruits.
- Lean protein is recommended as it helps with stomach motility which tends to increase the LES pressure, resulting in rapid gastric emptying without any further delay. Good source of proteins includes beans, eggs, lean meat (chicken, fish), seafood, tofu, and soya chunks.
- Dietary fats were preferred as some of its content appeared in the duodenum which appears as a strong reflux trigger in part of gastric emptying. It also helps digestion and prevents constipation and other digestive complications. Nuts, walnuts, seeds, olive oil, canola oil, and flaxseeds are rich sources of dietary fats.
- Stomach Bleeding:
Stomach bleeding, or GI bleeding, can happen anywhere in the digestive tract but is most likely to start in the stomach. Reasons include benign, such as gastritis or peptic ulcers, or potentially malignant, such as stomach cancer. Persistent vomiting of blood; black or tarry stools; and, in severe cases, shock from blood loss are signs of stomach bleeding. The first symptoms of stomach cancer.
Some of the most common reasons for bleeding in the stomach are NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) usage, excessive alcohol consumption, and infections such as Helicobacter pylori. The approach will depend on the underlying issue but might involve the use of meds designed to decrease stomach acid, antibiotics to treat infections, or in severe cases, surgery.
- Gastric/Peptic ulcer:
Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach and the upper portion of your small intestine which are generally caused by the digestive action of pepsin and stomach acid. Our digestive tract is coated with a mucous layer that normally protects against acid. But if the amount of acid is increased or the amount of mucus is decreased, you could develop an ulcer.
Role of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in causing peptic ulcer:
Helicobacter pylori bacterium is commonly living in the mucous layer (acidic environment), which covers and protects tissues that line the stomach and small intestine.
Initially, the H. pylori bacterium causes no problems, but it can cause chronic inflammation in the stomach’s inner layer, resulting in the formation of an ulcer. Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach, prolonged gastritis may result in atrophy and loss of stomach parietal cells, with a loss of HCL secretion.
Nutrition Management of Peptic Ulcer:
- Complex Carbohydrates containingsoluble fiber are advocated because they delay gastric emptying time and hence prevent mucosal damage by acidic gastric juice. Fiber reduces the side effects of antibiotics and helps reduce treatment time too.
- Adequate protein (lean) intake ensures the synthesis of new tissues essential for healing, reducing inflammation, and regenerating new cells. It is also helpful in preventing other forms of ulcers. It provides relief to the antrum by lowering the production of gastrin and gastric acid in the stomach.
- The products of fat digestion in the small intestine stimulate entrogastrone, which inhibits gastric juice secretion. Recently polyunsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic and eicosapentaenoic acid are effective against duodenal ulcers by inhibiting in vitro growth of H. Pylori.
- Fresh fruits are a great source of beneficial fiber, polyphenols, and antioxidants that contribute to overall health and build the immune system. Green leaves, bright red and orange veggies, and cruciferous vegetables are laden with essential vitamins and antioxidants that are valuable for uplifting total well-being and healing.
The following guidelines should be considered for patients having peptic/gastric ulcers:
- Avoid smoking,
- Check the pH of food,
- A soft and chewable diet is preferred,
- Avoid high-fat sources,
- Avoid tobacco products.