Tag: digestion

The digestive system processes foods taken into the body and breaks it down to its useable components – carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. It also expels waste from the body. A diet with plenty of dietary fibre and water is essential to keep the digestive system functioning well. Running a poor digestive system for extended periods of time reduces overall nutritional intake leading to a multitude of other problems and can also cause cancers of the digestive system.

Fibre is found in whole grains, vegetables and fruit – essential to healthy gastrointestinal function. Leading health organisations recommend adults to consume 30-40 grams of dietary fibre per day, which is about 5-9 portions of fruits and vegetables. For urban populations, this is often not feasible and this is where supplements can assist.

Applied nutrition

It is often necessary to explore whether it is the intake of food or lack thereof that is the source of the problem. If the diet and lifestyle is changed for a particular condition but problems persist, then it may be useful to direct attention to the digestive system.

Chew food properly. Eat slower if you are a fast eater. Turn off all distractions when eating – this includes the TV, the phone and speaking too much. Avoid cold liquids and excess liquids when eating meals. Heat improves digestion generally.

Like a pipeline, you’ll need water. 8 glasses (250ml) is a good guideline, to be sipped throughout the day from morning to 7pm and not in large gulps.

Diarrhoea is the passing of increased amounts of loose stool. It can be caused by viruses or bacteria and can be short term or long term lasting more than two to three weeks.

Diarrhoea is an infection usually due to consumption of contaminated drinking water, undercooked meat, eggs or other improperly processed foods and occurs when micro-organisms irritate the mucus membranes of the small or large intestine resulting in an abnormally large quantity of water in that area. The irritated gut becomes very active, contracting excessively and irregularly. Diarrhoea is often accompanied by stomach pains, nausea and vomiting.

Prevention

• Avoid possibly contaminated places since bacteria and viruses can be transmitted from person to person.
• Avoid possibly contaminated food and water.
• Keep clean using soap and water especially after using the toilet.

Applied nutrition

• It is tempting to suppress diarrhea using drugs but the body is often just reacting to an infection of the gut and trying to eliminate the harmful bacteria or viruses in that area. Suppression with drugs may help the harmful elements reside in the body for longer, causing further damage.
• Avoid suppression unless the diarrhoea is prolonged.
• Keep hydrated with purified water.

Bad breath, sometimes called halitosis, is experienced by many adults occasionally. Bad breath can have a significant impact on a person’s social and professional life.

Possible causes and symptoms

Bad breath can be caused by a multitude of problems including: gum disease; tooth decay; infection of the respiratory tract; improper diet; constipation; smoking; fever; indigestion; inadequate protein intake; fermentation of food in the mouth; sinus infections; and unclean teeth.

Other less obvious reasons include: lung infections; kidney failure; severe liver disease and first/second-hand cigarette smoke.

Applied nutrition

Use of better mouthwash, toothpaste and mouth spray is helpful. Avoid refined sugars and reduce meats for a week. Visit a dentist at least once a year.