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Happy Tummy Expert

2 years ago

Dear Qais, Thank you for the question

Feeling heavy in the chest region after food consumption can be a sign of Acidity, heart burn or Gastritis, the causes of such gastrointestinal digestive issues can be indigestion, constipation, IBS, intolerances etc., and/or due to an underlying health condition which may require medical attention. Some of the Gastric issues can be a symptom of GERD (Gastro oesophageal reflux disease).
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 and/or Acidity
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.
• Try to limit the foods like caffeine, spices, raw onions etc.

Loss of appetite can be caused due to nutritional deficiency, infection, medications and/or an underlying health condition which may require medical assistance.
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.

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.

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

Some of the guidelines to be considered general digestive health are as follows:
- 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, soybean, garlic etc., good sources of probiotics like yogurt, buttermilk etc., to maintain a healthy gut.
- Practice portion guidance.
- Include foods such as whole grains, multigrains, millets, nuts, vegetables and fruits in your daily balanced diet as they are rich sources of fiber.
- Limit intake of fiber and dairy in case of loose stools/diarrhoea
- Deep fried foods to be restricted. Method of cooking like baking, grilling, boiling, steaming is preferable over deep frying with excess fat/ oil.
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day
- 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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