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I cannot properly maintain any diet. So on regular basis I get acid reflux. And I cannot get any muscle. What to eat and when?

Manodip Mitra

1 week ago

I cannot properly maintain any diet. So on regular basis I get acid reflux. And I cannot get any muscle. What to eat and when?

Digestive issues
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Happy Tummy Expert

1 week ago

Dear Manodip Mitra, Thank you for the question

Gastrointestinal digestive issues such as, burning sensation in the stomach, Vomiting, Nausea, can be a symptom of GERD (Gastro oesophageal reflux disease), indigestion, constipation, IBS, intolerances, food allergies etc., and/or due to an underlying health condition which may require medical attention. For further diagnosis and assistance kindly contact your specialized health care professional.

Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic symptom of mucosal damage. It is caused due to the entry of stomach acid into the esophagus. The most-common symptoms of GERD include Heartburn, Difficulty in swallowing and a sour taste in the mouth or back of the throat due to fluids and undigested foods rising back in to the mouth.

Here are a few tips to manage GERD

It is important to modify your dietary patterns to manage the symptoms of GERD.

  • Weight management is necessary in people for whom the underlying cause of GERD may have been obesity.
  • Eat small frequent meals and avoid eating meals within 2-3 hours of bedtime.
  • Prevent laying down immediately after eating
  • Avoid drinking fluids in between the meals.
  • Food should be eaten slowly and chewed well as fast eating provokes gastric feeding reflex.
  • Some of the foods should be restricted or avoided, these include caffeine, raw onion, citric juices and spicy foods etc.
  • Consume low fat dairy in substitute of full fat options to prevent or manage GERD symptoms.

 Gaining muscle mass, toning of muscles, and body shaping requires specific exercise regimen followed by appropriate dietary changes, especially in terms of good quality proteins balanced with appropriate calories, which should be done under professional guidance. For specific exercise regimen please contact a fitness expert.

Some of the nutrients that support healthy muscles and bone include protein, calcium, vitamin D, magnesium etc. Some of the food sources rich in these nutrients include milk and milk products, green leafy vegetables, lentils, soybean, nuts, etc. Include these foods in your daily balanced diet.

As a general dietary guideline, for an apparently healthy individual/ with no specific health or nutrition needs and/or metabolic condition it is recommended to consume 2000kcal/d and the RDA for protein requirement is 54g/d for men.

A balanced diet should provide around 50-60% of total calories from carbohydrates, preferably from complex carbohydrates, about 10-15% from proteins and 20-30% from both visible and invisible fat. Daily protein requirement should ideally be followed as 0.8-1g protein per kg body weight. Some of the sources of high protein include pulses, lentils, milk, paneer, soybean, eggs, lean meat, nuts & seeds etc.

However, for general wellbeing, you can begin by consuming a balanced diet is which provides all the nutrients in required amounts and proper proportions. It can easily be achieved through a blend of the four basic food groups. The quantities of foods needed to meet the nutrient requirements vary with age, gender, physiological status and physical activity.

Here are a few guidelines for general digestive health & healthy balanced diet

  • Have a Diversified Balanced Diet that includes all the food groups in the right quantity which thereby provides you with all the essential macro and micro nutrients that your body requires daily for proper functioning.
  • Try to incorporate the My plate Concept by dividing your plate into 4 quadrants, fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables, the other two quadrants with cereals and protein.
  • Begin your day with a well-balanced breakfast as it is an important meal of the day.
  • Do not skip your meals, have small frequent meals at regular intervals.
  • Eat a well-balanced diet including minimum 5 serving of vegetables and 1 serving of fruit in a day as they are good sources of fiber and essential nutrients such as vitamin A, Vitamin B, iron, zinc etc.
  • Consume fresh, seasonal fruits and Whole grains, Millets and Multigrain foods as they are a good source of fiber.
  • Include prebiotics such as banana, soyabean, garlic etc., good sources of probiotics like yogurt, buttermilk etc., to maintain a healthy gut.
  • Try to include whole grains like wheat, millets and multigrain in your diet as they are a good source of fiber and other nutrients.
  • Limit the intake of dairy and fiber in case of loose stools/diarrhea
  • Avoid large, heavy meals, and practice portion guidance.
  • Deep fried foods to be restricted. Method of cooking like baking, grilling, boiling, steaming is preferable over deep frying with excess fat/ oil.
  • Try to limit the foods like caffeine, spices, raw onions etc.
  • Food should be eaten slowly and chewed well as fast eating provokes gastric feeding reflex.
  • Avoid lying down immediately after your meal consumption
  • Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day
  • Have a gap of minimum 2-3 hours between bedtime and your last meal
  • Engage in physical activity for a minimum 30-45 minutes for at least 5 days a week.
  • Try to follow a good sleep regimen in terms of both quantity and quality.

 

For a customised and personalised meal plan for specific conditions, please contact your Health care professional.

 

Hope we have answered your query.

Wishing you a great day ahead

 

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