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Happy Tummy Expert

1 year ago

Dear Umme Zainab, Thank you for the question

Indigestion, bloating can be a symptom of gastrointestinal digestive issues such as constipation, IBS, intolerances etc., and/or due to an underlying health condition which requires medical attention.
Certain food intolerances can cause bloating and stomach pain after consuming specific foods. In lactose intolerance it is seen after consuming milk and milk products like cheese, paneer etc. And in gluten intolerance it is seen after consuming, wheat, rye, barley etc.
Loss of appetite can be caused due to nutritional deficiency, infection, medications and/or an underlying health condition which may require medical assistance.
For further diagnosis and assistance kindly contact your specialized health care professional.
Here are some tips to manage loss of appetite
- Eat a diversified balanced diet inclusive of all food groups to ensure intake of essential nutrients.
- Consume small frequent meals. Do not skip meals,
- Try to eat at regular meal times, do not wait for body’s hunger signal
- Eat along with social company.
- Ensure adequate water intake to maintain hydration.
- Engage in regular physical activity as it can stimulate appetite.
Here are a few guidelines for general digestive health.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 of 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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