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Happy Tummy Expert

1 year ago

Dear  Alina Ghosh,Thank you for the question

Intermittent Fasting is recommended for specific health conditions and should be followed under the supervision of health care professionals.

It is specified for different individuals’ basis different metabolic rate, need and fitness goal. Ideally for apparently healthy individuals without any underlying medical conditions the ideal time duration for Intermittent fasting is when you can eat during 6-8-hour window period and fast for the remaining 14- 16 hours. For further details and specific guidance please contact your healthcare professional or registered dietitian.

Ideal body weight for an individual can be calculated using the Broca Index (BI) which is: Ideal Standard Weight (kg) = Ht (cm) – 100

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 2nd 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

Weight management as a journey requires steady and systematic changes and any diet specified for weight management under professional guidance takes time to show results as body adapts to the changes steadily.

IBS is characterized by a variety of chronic symptoms that include abdominal pain, an alteration in bowel habits, constipation, Diarrhoea and flatulence. IBS can be managed by eliminating some exacerbating factors such as certain drugs, stressor conditions and changes in dietary habits. 

Nutritional Tips to manage IBS

• Too much fiber at once can cause gas, which can trigger IBS symptoms. Adding fiber to your diet slowly, may help prevent gas and bloating.
• One of the dietary factors associated with bloating is the intake and poor absorption of short chain carbohydrates called FODMAP foods. Consumption of foods that as may lead to excess gas production and poor gas clearance. In case of severe bloating abdominal pain and/or IBS try to limit the intake of FODMAP containing foods such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, corn, turnips, onions, peas, wheat, dairy, radishes, lentils, apples, pears etc.

• Gluten free foods are recommended try to limit the consumption of cereal grains and other food products made from whole wheat, barley, oats, rye etc., as they contain gliadin.
• If Diarrhoea is present then limit the intake of Excess fiber and dairy products.
• If constipation is persistent then include high fiber foods with adequate fluid intake 

Sharing with you some of the Indian foods that can be eaten in management of IBS

• Rice
• Millets
• Corn
• Fresh fruits & vegetables (Limit FODMAP containing foods)
• Lean meats, eggs.
• Low fat dairy, curds, etc.

Certain food intolerances can cause bloating 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

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.
• Try to include whole grains like wheat, multigrain and millets in your daily 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.
• 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.

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