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1 year ago

Dear Jyoti, Thank you for the question

WHO has given different BMI (Body mass index) classifications to categorise adults into different weight categories. BMI is a simple index of weight-for-height. It can be considered as a 2^nd level indicator of overall health.

It can be calculated using a simple formula of BMI = Weight (kg) / Height (m²)

Following is the WHO BMI Classification

18.5 to 24.9 - Normal

Less than 18.5 - Underweight

25 to 29 - Overweight

Above 30 - Obese

As per WHO BMI (Body Mass Index) classification, a person weighing less than 18.5 kg/m2 is considered underweight.

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.

Constipation can be due to inadequate fiber and water intake. Some other causes that can lead to constipation include neglecting urge to defecate, irregular meals, excess stress etc. 

The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of fiber for  female is 25g per day

Here are a few tips to help manage constipation

• Include adequate amount of fiber to your daily balanced diet. Some of the good sources of fiber include Whole grains, multigrain, millets, Psyllium, fruits such as apples, banana, citrus fruits, vegetables like green beans, peas, potato, cauliflower, nuts and soybean etc.
• An intake of at least 2 litres of water per day.
• A glass of hot water , preferably taken with lemon juice taken early in the morning, stimulates gastro colic reflex and helps ease constipation.

Here are a few tips to help manage diarrhoea

• Replacement of lost fluids and electrolytes is necessary. Drink plenty of fluids such as water, fruit juices, buttermilk, vegetable clear broths etc.
• Oral intake of fluids, particularly those high in sodium and potassium such as an electrolyte solution is recommended
• Limit excess fiber and dairy intake
• Cooked apples, rich in pectin help in controlling diarrhoea
• Try to limit the foods like caffeine, spices, raw onions etc.
• Include prebiotics such as banana, soyabean, garlic etc., good sources of probiotics like yogurt, buttermilk etc., to maintain a healthy gut.
• Do not skip your meals, ensure adequate intake of balanced diet along with good amount of vitamin C from citrus fruits etc.

Celiac disease which also known as ‘gluten - sensitive enteropathy’ is an autoimmune disorder caused by a reaction to gliadin which is a component of gluten. It is important to avoid gluten free foods as a cornerstone management of Celiac disease.

Here are few tips to manage Celiac disease/ Gluten intolerance

• Avoid consumption of cereal grains and other food products made from whole wheat, barley, oats, rye etc., as they contain gliadin.
• Include rice, corn, potato, millets, and soybean, arrowroot and amaranth seeds in daily diet. Products made out of these foods can be a part of daily diet for an individual who is diagnosed with celiac disease
• While grocery shopping carefully read labels to avoid food products that have gluten and hence look out for words such as ‘made from whole wheat’, ‘contains traces of wheat’, and mention of other ingredients that contain gluten or cross contamination with wheat. Choose products that are labelled ‘gluten free’, ‘made from millets’, ‘made with soybean’, etc.

Lactose intolerance is a condition in which there is a deficiency or absence of the enzyme ‘lactase’ which helps breakdown lactose present in milk. It is often seen in infants and children but may also be prevalent in adults.  The most common symptoms of lactose intolerance include Nausea, Abdominal cramps, Flatulence, Diarrhea, Bloating, Urgency with bowel moments etc. Lactose intolerance can also be known as inability to digest milk protein.

Here are few tips to manage lactose intolerance

• Dietary modification is a crucial part of management of lactose intolerance. Consume regular balanced diets with modifications in the intake of milk and milk-based products.
• Depending of the degree of lactose intolerance, some people may be able to ingest small amounts of milk and milk products.
• For milk intolerance intake of milk and milk products such as paneer, cheese, ice creams etc., should be limited.
• Curd and buttermilk may be consumed without discomfort
• Read label carefully and look out for words such as milk powder, milk solids, lactose etc. Avoid products that specify these words.
• Use lactose free or lactose reduced milk and milk products.
• Include foods such as fish, almonds, tofu and dark green leafy vegetables which are good sources of calcium.

The causes of underweight or unintended weight loss can be due to genetics, inadequate food intake, stress, hormonal imbalance, malabsorption or other underlying health condition which may require medical assistance.



An ideal weight management program such as weight gain involves lifestyle management including dietary modification, regular physical activity, hydration and good sleep cycle. With any weight gain diet, changes take time to reflect as your body requires sufficient time to adapt to the changes in order to show results.

 

A high calorie and high protein diet is recommended for weight gain. 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, curd, soybean, eggs, lean meat, nuts & seeds etc.

Here are few guidelines that can be considered for weight gain & general digestive health.

• Have a Diversified Balanced Diet that includes all the food groups (keep in mind the foods to avoid for management of lactose & gluten intolerance) in the right quantity which thereby provides you with all the essential macro and micro nutrients that your body requires daily for proper functioning.
• Maintain a positive energy balance where the calorie intake should be more than the energy expenditure.
• Do not skip meals. Eat small frequent meals.
• Three major meals a day with healthy nutritious snacks in between is preferred.
• Try to increase the serving size and portion size gradually and systematically
• Include energy dense foods, keeping in mind the daily needs.
• Add healthy fats from nuts and seeds.
• Include protein sources (plant and/or animal sources) such as lentils, curd, lean meat, egg etc.
• Include prebiotics such as banana, soyabean etc., good sources of probiotics like yogurt, buttermilk etc., to maintain a healthy gut.
• Indulging physical activity can help in increasing the appetite and give a feeling of hunger.
• Try to follow a good sleep regimen that is in terms of both quantity and quality

Check  out the link below for more information on Celiac Disease- https://www.aashirvaad.com/article/Celiac_disease.html

For further diagnosis and assistance kindly contact your specialized health care professional or a Gastroenterologist.

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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