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Happy Tummy Expert

4 weeks ago

Loose stools, Diarrhoea, Regular gastritis, Abdominal discomfort can be a symptom of gastrointestinal digestive issues such as indigestion, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), intolerances etc., and/or due to an underlying health condition.

Regardless of the cause, the highest treatment priority is to correct fluid and electrolyte abnormalities in older adults during diarrohea. Commercially available oral rehydration solutions can be used if diarrhea/dehydration are not severe. Care should be taken, however, to prevent dehydration. 

Do not skip your meals, ensure adequate intake of balanced diet along with good amount of vitamin C from citrus fruits etc.

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.

A few guidelines for general digestive health to be considered:

• 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.

• 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.

• 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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