Digestive disorders

Uncomfortable, inconvenient and at times embarrassing, some digestive disorders are also potentially harmful to health if left undiagnosed for long periods of time. Getting the right advice early will help restore you to proper functioning and enhance your sense of wellbeing.

What are the main digestive disorders?
Constipation, diarrhoea and indigestion caused by gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) are among the most common digestive problems.

It’s important to obtain a proper diagnosis if you think you may have a digestive disorder.

Common digestive problems and solutions

Constipation - Symptoms:

• no bowel movement for several days
• hard and dry bowel movements

Common causes

• lack of dietary fibre and fluids
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Treatments

• Eat more fibre rich foods such as fruit, vegetables, whole-grain cereals.
• Drink plenty of fluids each day, particularly water.
• If constipation is related to IBS, see an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) for individualised advice.

Diarrhoea - Symptoms:

• frequent, loose or liquid stools
• abdominal pain

Common causes

• infections from contaminated food or water
• inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• poor food absorption, as in Coeliac disease

Treatments

• Avoid very hot or very cold liquids, coffee, alcohol or soft drinks containing caffeine.
• Eat bland, non-fatty foods that are easily digested (such as crackers and dry toast). These foods should only be re-introduced as diarrhoea improves.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Symptoms:

• bloating and abdominal pain
• diarrhoea
• constipation

Common causes

• stress
• high-fat or fibre-rich foods

Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) - Symptoms:

GORD is a common cause of indigestion which occurs when acidic stomach juices are regurgitated into the oesophagus (the tube leading from the throat to the stomach).
Symptoms include inflammation and pain (heartburn).

Common causes

• poor tone in the ring of muscle at the end of the oesophagus and increased abdominal pressure due to pregnancy or obesity

Treatments

• eating small frequent meals, with fluids in between rather than with meals.
• increased dietary fibre.
• avoid foods or drinks that exacerbate symptoms.

Crohn’s disease - Symptoms:

Crohn's disease is a long-term inflammatory condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Early symptoms include abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

The cause of Crohn's disease remains unknown although intensive research is continuing.

Treatments

• A diet low in fat, bulky fibrous rich foods, alcohol, spicy foods and milk products may assist.

For more information or to book an appointment, contact an FNA Accredited Pracitising Dietitian.

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