If you feel ill with fever, flu-like symptoms or respiratory illness, please call us to reschedule your appointment. Please Do Not Bring Children Under age 16 to Appointments.

How Diet Affects IBS: Tips for Better Digestive Health

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. Characterized by symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation, IBS can significantly impact quality of life. One effective way to manage these symptoms is through dietary changes. We will delve into how diet influences IBS and provide actionable tips for better digestive health.

 

The Role of Diet in IBS

Trigger Foods

For many individuals with IBS, foods rich in fats, dairy, and certain types of carbohydrates—known as FODMAPs—can lead to symptoms. Other triggers might include spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages. Identifying and eliminating these triggers can significantly improve IBS symptoms.

 

Foods to Include

A balanced diet for someone with IBS might include lean proteins, low-FODMAP fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. Incorporating foods rich in soluble fiber can also be beneficial in regulating bowel movements.

 

IBS-Friendly Diet Plans

Several diet plans are specifically tailored for individuals with IBS. These plans generally focus on low-FODMAP foods and include soluble fiber to aid in digestion.

 

The Low-FODMAP Diet

This diet restricts various types of carbohydrates that are difficult to digest and likely to ferment in the gut, causing gas and discomfort. The elimination phase removes high-FODMAP foods for a few weeks. Reintroduction occurs gradually to gauge tolerance levels.

 

The Mediterranean Diet

Although not designed for IBS, the Mediterranean diet is often well-tolerated. It emphasizes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, while limiting processed foods and sugars that might aggravate IBS symptoms.

 

Dietary Supplements and Probiotics

Some people find relief from IBS symptoms by incorporating dietary supplements and probiotics into their routine. Fiber supplements can help regulate bowel movements, while probiotics can balance gut flora. However, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice, as these supplements can also potentially worsen symptoms in some cases.

 

Monitoring and Adjustment

Managing IBS through diet can be a process of trial and error. It’s advisable to maintain a food diary to note which foods trigger symptoms and which offer relief. Over time, this can help tailor a dietary plan that minimizes discomfort and improves digestive health.

Dietary changes can have a profound effect on IBS symptoms. By identifying trigger foods and incorporating IBS-friendly diet plans and supplements, individuals can take significant steps toward better digestive health.

 

 

Struggling with IBS?

Are you struggling with IBS and need guidance from a medical expert? Reach out to us for a personalized consultation that can set you on the path toward better digestive health.

What To Do When You Experience Bloating

We all suffer from that uncomfortable bloated feeling, on occasion. Bloating is an all-too-common digestive issue that can be caused by a number of things, including serious conditions or medications. Sometimes it’s as simple as overeating or eating too quickly that can cause your stomach to act up. But don’t worry—there are easy solutions! Here we’ll share three simple tips for reducing bloating: eat slower, keep good posture while eating, and take a walk afterwards. Making these small changes in your day can help improve your digestion and make your bloat vanish before you know it!

 

Eat Slower

The first thing to help prevent bloating from ever starting is to eat slowly. Eating too quickly can cause you to swallow more air with your food, leading to bloat and discomfort. Take time to thoroughly chew your food to break down the food particles, making them easier to digest. To eat slower, try putting your utensils down between bites, taking small sips of water, and engaging in conversation with others at the table.

 

Sit Up Straighter

Your mother was on to something here! When your stomach feels bloated try sitting up straight while eating. Not sitting upright while you eat can impede the digestive process and lead to bloating. With improved posture, your digestive system will function better and avoid uncomfortable gas build up. This is also a great way to enhance your core strength and overall spinal health by reducing strain on the back muscles. So remember: when it’s mealtime – sit up straight to beat the bloat!

 

Take a Walk

Stroll away your digestive discomfort by taking a walk after eating. Walking helps to get things moving in your digestive system, aiding your food’s journey through your gut, and diminishing trapped air that can lead to bloating. Plus, it keeps you healthy – raising physical activity levels; lowering stress; and enhancing mood!

 

Bloating can be unpleasant and distressing. Try these easy tips to reduce or manage it. If your bloating persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as abdominal pain or diarrhea, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition, and you should consult with your healthcare provider to determine the cause an appropriate treatment.

Be sure to look out for these other signs that it’s time to visit your gastroenterologist!

Belching, Bloating, and Flatulence

We know it’s embarrassing when your digestive symptoms become noticeable to others. There can be many causes for the belching, bloating and flatulence that you may experience and your gastroenterologist can help you find the culprit that is interrupting your life. Read on to learn more.

Jump To:

Symptoms and Possible Causes

Conditions That May Cause Symptoms

Diagnosing Your Symptoms

Option to Rule Out Dietary Influences

 

 

Originally posted on 4/10/2018
Updated on 6/9/2022

 

Belching, bloating, and flatulence: Any of these symptoms can be embarrassing, leading to unwanted noises, abdominal discomfort, and general malaise. Occasionally experiencing these symptoms is normal, but if symptoms become excessive or too frequent, they can negatively impact your life.

 

Symptoms and Possible Causes

Belching occurs when excess air is swallowed, causing the stomach to become too full. Flatulence may be a result of this swallowed air, or it can be caused by gas produced by bacteria in the colon. Bloating is a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen that may be caused by gas in the stomach or intestines.

Issues that can lead to swallowing excess air:
• Simply eating food
• Chewing gum
• Carbonated beverages
• Experiencing anxiety
• Poorly-fitting dentures
• Postnasal drip

Excess intestinal gas can be caused by:
• Gas-producing foods such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and beans
• Bran and other high-fiber cereals
Dairy products including milk, some cheeses, and ice cream – especially those dairy products that lack the enzyme lactase, which is necessary to digest milk sugars
• Bacterial overgrowth – normal bacteria in the gut that produce intestinal gas

Carbohydrates that are not digested well in the small intestine travel to the colon where they are metabolized by bacteria into hydrogen and carbon dioxide gases. This causes cramping, bloating, and flatulence. In some people, these gases can accumulate in the right upper section of the colon, leading to pain similar to gallbladder pain. Gas accumulated in the left upper section of the colon can cause chest pain that feels like a cardiac episode.

 

Conditions That May Cause These Symptoms

• Those suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be extremely sensitive to increased intestinal gases.
• Patients with altered anatomy from surgical changes or with poor intestinal motility can be at increased risk of bacterial overgrowth, leading to excess gas.
• If postnasal drip is suspected, your doctor may check for sinus problems.

 

Diagnosing for Belching, Bloating and Flatulence:

Our Granite Peaks Gastroenterology Specialists will meet with you to discuss your symptoms and determine what tests may be needed. They may recommend an upper endoscopy, depending on the frequency, severity, and location of your symptoms. If celiac disease is suspected, this may be detected during an upper endoscopy. If bacterial overgrowth is a possibility, it may be diagnosed with a breath test.

 

Some Options to Rule Out Dietary Influences:

• Withdraw dairy products from the diet to rule out lactose intolerance
• Eliminate carbonated beverages from the diet
• Eliminate gas-producing foods such as cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, and bran from the diet—eliminate these ones by one and keep a diary of symptoms
• Avoid sugar-free gum and hard candies—the sweeteners can cause extra gas while chewing gum and sucking on candy cause one to swallow excess air.

 

Remember that everyone experiences belching, bloating, and flatulence at one time or another. It’s normal! However, if it is interrupting your life, causing you frequent, recurring discomfort; or causing you to feel generally unwell, it is time to seek professional help.

 

Granite Peaks Gastroenterology Specialists are available to help you find answers and stop these uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms. Call us today at (801) 619-9000 to make an appointment.

3 Sneaky Places Dairy Might Be Hiding

There are many people worldwide who have some degree of lactose intolerance. For some, the symptoms may be as mild as minor bloating and a little extra gas. For others, consuming dairy may result in more severe gastric distress or for those who have a true allergy, anaphylaxis can occur. Avoiding dairy products may seem simple, but there are a few places you may find dairy that would surprise you.

 

Chewing Gum

It sounds crazy, right? Most of the time, chewing gum is safe for lactose intolerant people, but there is one ingredient that could have a significant effect on those with a lactose allergy.  Recaldent is an additive that is derived from milk and is used by some brands of chewing gum to strengthen teeth’s enamel with calcium and phosphate. If you’re not sure, check with your doctor or dentist before using a new product for the first time.

 

Processed Meats

Processed meats are a food that should be a limited part of anyone’s diet. Fillers in certain types of processed meats (hot dogs and deli meat) may include whey, made from milk protein and lactose. An additional risk is meat that is cut on the same slicer as deli cheeses. Be cautious if you have issues with lactose intolerance or milk allergies.

 

Alcohol

If you’re a social or recreational drinker, you might want to think twice before reaching for a new beer or wine that you’ve never had before. Sometimes, milk and its derivatives are used in the process of making such beverages. Vegan alcoholic beverages will always be free of dairy and its derivatives.

 

For the most part, avoiding dairy foods like milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream will take care of most of your lactose intolerance symptoms. To stay symptom-free always check the ingredients label before purchasing a new food to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

 

Not sure if you are lactose intolerant? Check out the Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance to learn more. The specialists at Granite Peaks Gastroenterology can help you pinpoint the cause of your digestive health symptoms and help you make choices to keep you feeling your best.

The Holidays are on the Way – Keep Your Gut Health in Check!

Let’s face it. Many of us tend to over-indulge during the holidays. So many wonderful foods you only see at this time of year can be hard to pass up, but sometimes it’s worth the pass to not deal with the gas. Gas, bloating, acid reflux, and gut pain can all be part of the “joys” of the holidays if you suffer with digestive health challenges.

 

Be Mindful of Your Choices

Be aware of the foods you can’t seem to resist and think carefully about how you feel after you eat them. If you’re able to have a small amount of a favorite food, go for it! Enjoy every moment of the smell, taste and texture of that small serving. You’ll probably find the smaller serving is just right for you.

If you have a condition such as celiac disease or lactose intolerance, even small amounts of offending foods can be devastating to your digestive system. There are more fantastic gluten-free or lactose-free options for all types of foods than ever before at your local grocery store. You can have your treat and eat it too!

Foods high in sugar or sweeteners can make certain conditions, such as acid reflux, worse and they can have a negative effect on your gut and other organs. When you can, choose natural sweeteners in limited quantity to make your holiday treats sweet.

 

Don’t Make the Holiday a Drag

Shoot for the dishes you can enjoy without experiencing painful symptoms. To be sure you can enjoy your favorites by bringing safe dishes to share at important gatherings. Your host will love the help and you’ll have more fun!

Eating foods that taste great for a moment but take you out of the action aren’t going to help you enjoy your holidays. Aim for healthy foods that help you stay feeling your best. It will also help you keep your weight in check and avoid those extra holiday pounds.

 

When Your Digestive Issues Need Attention

If you have been having persistent digestive issues, now is the time to get checked out. Afterall, you can’t fix a problem if you’re not sure what the problem is. People sometimes suffer longer than necessary with symptoms such as acid reflux, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation and other digestive ailments. See a gastroenterology specialist at Granite Peaks Gastroenterology to find the cause of your symptoms. An accurate diagnosis is the first step toward feeling your best, for the holidays and every day.

3 Ways to Keep Your Gut in Good Shape

Keeping your gut moving is important to your digestive and overall health. There are a few reasons why your gut may not function as well as it could, ranging from poor diet and lifestyle choices to illness or disease. This may lead to constipation, sluggishness, and bloating. With the items you can control, like diet and lifestyle, making smart decisions can help you feel better. What can you do to keep your gut in good shape the way it should?

 

Eat Healthy Fats

Fat sometimes gets picked on when people talk about eating a healthy diet. Healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, in the proper amounts, are essential to good health. Healthy fats help you feel full, reducing the chances of overeating. Fish, seafood, nuts, seeds, plant oils and fortified foods are good sources of the omega-3 fatty acids. Add these along with plenty of nutritious fruits, vegetables and water to your healthy diet.

 

Manage Stress

When you’re stressed, your body tends to experience the “fight or flight” response. This is in direct opposition to the “rest and digest” response that your body tends to have when you’re eating food. Stress diverts blood away from your digestive system, making it more likely that you might experience poor digestion. Practice stress management techniques that may include regular exercise and meditation for ongoing stress relief, and ultimately, better digestion.

 

Eat Attentively

Sometimes the simplest solution is the key. Eating slowly and with intention can help your digestive system perform better. Chewing your food thoroughly helps your body absorb nutrients more effectively. The longer you chew, the more saliva you produce, which breaks down food before it hits your stomach and intestine. This gives your body more time to register how much you’ve eaten and send the signal to stop before you over-eat.

 

Living a healthy life includes caring for your digestive system by making smart choices. Eat a well-balanced diet of nutritious foods and healthy fats and get a little physical and mental exercise to help manage stress. Your digestive health is important to your overall health. Make the diet and lifestyle choices that help you keep your gut in good shape and help you feel your best.

The Facts About Constipation and How to Treat It

by James M Stewart, MD

The gastrointestinal tract is designed to break apart food so that we absorb the nutrients we need while leaving behind the material in food we don’t need. To do this, our body secretes digestive enzymes from the pancreas and water from the body to liquefy the food we eat so that it can mix around in the intestines. Once the nutrients are absorbed, the remaining liquid with the non-absorbed food material enters the large intestine.

The role of the large intestine is to remove as much of the remaining liquid that was added to the food so that we don’t waste water. It is a very slow process and usually takes about 24 hours. Through very slow movements, the liquid waste is slowly turned into solid waste until enough has accumulated. At this point, most of us will feel the need to have a bowel movement and push the solid waste out of the body.

Constipation is when that process takes too long or there is something not functioning correctly with the muscles that coordinate bowel movements. When one meets with a physician, it is important to be very clear what one means by constipation because there are multiple symptoms that are called constipation. Constipation can mean that you have very infrequent bowel movements (less than 3 per week) or that it can very difficult to pass stool (straining while having a bowel movement). For the purposes of this article we will discuss infrequent bowel movements.

Most constipation in the United States is related to slow movement through the large intestine which results in infrequent bowel movements or hard bowel movements. There are many things that slow down the movement through the large intestine and most of them are harmless and do not impact one’s health but can affect one’s wellbeing. Pain medications containing opiates are one of the most common causes of drug-induced constipation. Stress, anxiety, and depression can also alter the function of the large intestine causing things to slow down. Certain diets, particularly those that are low in fiber, can cause temporary constipation. In some cases, the large intestine just doesn’t move as quickly as we would like.

Discussing symptoms with a physician can usually uncover some of the causes of constipation. Blood testing can sometimes help. Colonoscopy can sometimes be useful if there is any suspicion for narrowing in the intestines causing a blockage which can sometimes occur with colon cancer or large polyps.

Once the dangerous causes of constipation have been ruled out, treatment for constipation usually consists of increasing physical activity, dietary changes to increase fiber, using fiber supplements, and sometimes medications. Light to moderate exercise has been shown in multiple studies to help stimulate bowel function to have more regular bowel movements. Fiber supplements like psyllium husk (Metamucil) contains natural fibers which are non-digestible plant products. Other fibers include bran as well as semi-synthetic fibers such as Benefiber and Citracel.

Medications, or laxatives, can be divided into four categories.

• Osmotic laxatives, such as Miralax and lactulose, function much like fiber and help hold more water in the large intestines. These are extraordinarily safe medications because they do not alter any chemical receptors or nerves in the body but just change the osmotic gradient in the large intestine. These medications are not absorbed into the body and are eliminated with a bowel movement.

• Stimulant laxatives, such as Senna or bisacodyl, stimulate the large intestine to have a bowel movement. These medications are available over the counter and are safe for short-term and long-term use. Older versions of these medications were found to be unsafe and were removed from the market many decades ago, but the current medications are safe for long-term use.

• Secretory laxatives, such as Linzess, Amitiza, and Trulance, encourage the body to secrete more fluid into the small intestine to act as a “flush” and push the bowel movement out. These are available as a prescription and are very well tolerated and safe for long-term use.

• Opiate blockers, such as Relistor and Movantik, are only indicated for those using opiate containing pain medications. These medications will block the opiate effect in the intestines while still allowing the anti-pain effect of the opiates.

In summary, most constipation in the United States is caused by a variety of things that can slow down the large intestines. Discussing these symptoms with a gastrointestinal expert can help identify some of the causes of constipation and find ways to reverse them. Also, some constipation can be caused by serious conditions such as colon cancer so further testing may be required. Once the causes of have been identified, there are many safe and sensible therapies to treat constipation and improve one’s quality of life.

Are you Lactose Intolerant?

OVERVIEW
Lactose is the sugar found in milk and dairy products such as cheese and yogurt. After eating dairy products that contain this sugar, usually lactase, a digestive enzyme of the small intestine, helps to breakdown this complex sugar into two simple sugars, glucose and galactose. These simple sugars are then absorbed in the small intestine and ultimately reach the blood stream where they act as nutrients. The enzyme lactase is located in the lining of the small intestine known as the intestinal villi.

In addition to milk and dairy products such as ice cream, yogurt and cheese, lactose can be found in bread and baked goods, processed breakfast cereals, instant potatoes, some soups and non-kosher lunch meats, candies, dressings and mixes for pancakes and biscuits. Lactose is also the sugar found in breast milk and standard infant formulas. Therefore almost all babies are able to digest and absorb this sugar and it serves as their primary dietary sugar.

 

SYMPTOMS
Because lactose is not digested properly in the small intestine of individuals who are lactose intolerant, it passes whole into the large intestine or colon. Upon reaching the colon it is broken down by the normal colon bacteria. This breakdown results in the production of carbon dioxide and hydrogen gases. The gas production can lead to the following common symptoms:

  • • Abdominal distension and pain
  • • Excess burping
  • • Loud bowel sounds
  • • Excess gas and diarrhea following ingestion of lactose.
  • • Watery and explosive bowel movements
    • Urgency with bowel movements, which means that children feel that they have to get to the bathroom immediately or they will have an accident.

The symptoms of lactose intolerance can start during childhood or adolescence and tend to get worse with age. The severity of symptoms is usually proportional to the amount of the milk sugar ingested with more symptoms following a meal with higher milk sugar content.

Although eating lactose-containing products will result in discomfort for someone who is lactose intolerant, they are not at risk of developing more serious intestinal disease because of long-term lactose malabsorption. The only exception to this would be for babies who are born with primary lactase deficiency or children with secondary lactase deficiency as discussed below.

 

CAUSES
Primary Lactase Deficiency:
 This condition is very rare and occurs when babies are born with a deficiency or absence of the enzyme lactase. Babies inherit this condition by getting one gene that causes this problem from each of their parents, even though both parents may be lactose tolerant. These babies require a specialized formula with another type of sugar such as sucrose (present in table sugar), which they are able to digest.

Secondary Lactase Deficiency: The most common cause of temporary lactose intolerance in infants and young children is infection that affects the gastrointestinal tract and can damage the lining of the small intestine.

Rotavirus and Giardia are two common organisms that cause damage to the surface of the small intestine resulting in temporary lactose intolerance. Older infants and young children will commonly be infected by a rotavirus. The symptoms of rotavirus infection symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea (frequent, watery stools), and fever. Giardia is a parasite that is found in well water and fresh water from lakes and streams. Treatment of giardia infection with antibiotics will resolve the lactose intolerance.

Secondary lactase deficiency can also be due to Celiac disease, which is intolerance to gluten, the protein found in wheat, rye, barley and other grains. Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory condition that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, can lead to secondary lactase deficiency as well. Once each of these conditions is treated, the lactase deficiency will resolve. The lactose intolerance usually resolves within three to four weeks when the lining of the intestines returns to normal.

Acquired Lactase Deficiency: Many individuals acquire lactose intolerance as they get older. It is estimated that approximately one-half of adults in the United States have acquired lactase deficiency. This condition is due to a normal decline in the amount of the enzyme lactase present in the small intestine as we age. Although lactose is an important part of the diet in infants and young children it represents only 10% of the carbohydrate (sugar) intake in adults. However, individuals who are lactose intolerant may not be able to tolerate even small amounts of this sugar in their diet.

Lactose intolerance occurs more frequently in certain families. One of the most important factors affecting the rate of developing lactose intolerance is an individual’s ethnic background. Approximately 15% of adult Caucasians, and 85% of adult African Americans in the United States are lactose intolerant. The rate of lactose intolerance is also very high in individuals of Asian descent, Hispanic descent, Native Americans and Jewish individuals.

 

DIAGNOSIS
Lactose intolerance is diagnosed by a simple test called a hydrogen breath test. After an overnight fast before the test, an individual breathes into a bag and then drinks a specified amount of the milk sugar in the form of a syrup. In adults this corresponds to the amount of milk sugar in a quart of milk. Subsequent breath samples are taken for up to three hours. The breath that they exhale into the bag is analyzed to determine its hydrogen content. During the course of the test individuals who are lactose intolerant will have an increase in the amount of hydrogen that they exhale. If the values for hydrogen increase above a certain value, the diagnosis of lactose intolerance is made. Patients who are lactose intolerant may also develop their typical symptoms during the test.

In younger children or in children who cannot tolerate the breath test, removal of lactose from the diet and possible supplementation with lactase can be done for 2-4 weeks to see if this improves the symptoms.

Treatment
The best treatment of lactose intolerance is a combination of dietary modification and taking a supplement to aid in digestion of lactose. Individuals who are lactose intolerant should meet with a dietician to review the sources of lactose in their diet. Some reduction in the daily lactose consumption is usually required. When an individual is going to be eating a food that contains lactose they should take a commercially available non-prescription lactase supplement at the time of lactose ingestion. This type of supplement can be taken throughout the day whenever lactose is ingested. Some individuals will be less lactose intolerant and therefore will be able to tolerate comparatively larger amounts of lactose. Alternatives to milk for lactose intolerant individuals include products such as soy milk. If an individual is restricting their milk/ dairy intake it is important to ensure adequate supplementation of calcium and Vitamin D in the diet. This is especially important for pediatric patients and women.

Recommended daily calcium intakes:
1-3 years of age: 500 mg
4-8 years of age: 800 mg
9-24 years of age: 1300 mg
Age 25 and above: 800-1000 mg
Pregnant and nursing women: 1200 mg

 

Author(s) and Publication Date(s)

Marsha H. Kay, MD, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, and Anthony F. Porto, MD, MPH, Yale University/Greenwich Hospital, Greenwich, CT – Updated December 2012.

Marsha H. Kay, MD, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, and Vasundhara Tolia, MD, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI – Published September 2004.

Digestive Friendly & Not-So-Friendly Foods

Summer is notorious for bringing people together, whether it’s a barbecue, July 4th & July 24th celebrations, birthdays, and even weddings.  You can almost always expect a smorgasbord of foods that may or may not agree with your digestive system. The following is a list of friendly and not so friendly food choices that could leave you partying with your friends and family, or spending the event uncomfortable and aggravated with GERD heartburn or other related concerns.

Worst:

  • High-Fat/ Fried Foods: for many, high-fat foods and fried foods produce acid reflux and heart-burn. This can cause a pale-colored stool called steatorrhea which is excess fat in the feces.
  • Spicy Food: can often cause heartburn pain
  • Diary: Those who are lactose intolerant should steer clear from many diary items because they don’t usually have lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose, which is the sugar in milk. If diary causes gas, bloating, diarrhea, or other GI issues, consult with your primary care provider.
  • Alcohol: This relaxes the esophageal sphincter, causing acid reflux and heartburn, especially if combined with spicy and fatty foods. Alcohol can also inflame the stomach lining, impairing enzymes and preventing nutrients from being absorbed.
  • Berries: Berries are a great source of antioxidants, but can cause problems for people with diverticulitis, which are pockets in the large intestine. Seeds can get stuck in these pockets and may cause infection.

  • Chocolate:
    This could cause problems for people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and since chocolate contains milk, those with a lactose intolerance could also find gas, bloating and other symptoms after eating this tasty treat.
  • Coffee, Tea, Soft Drinks: These beverages can act as a diuretic and can over-relax the esophageal sphincter, causing acid reflux and heartburn.

Best:

  • Yogurt: Our GI tract contains trillions of bacteria that help break down and digest food. Yogurt contains some good bacteria to promote a healthy system. Look for products that say “Live & active cultures”.
  • Lean Meat & Fish: Easier for your body to digest than high-fat red meats and is not associated with colon cancer.
  • Whole grains: Americans need 20-30 grams of whole grains, but the average consumption is around 12 grams. Whole grains help you feel full longer and can help lower cholesterol. However, those with Celiac Disease must stay away from the whole grains which contain gluten.
  • Bananas: “A Banana A Day is a Healthy Way” and can restore normal bowel functions, electrolytes, and potassium.
  • Ginger: Ginger can relieve nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, morning sickness, gas, colic, and lack of appetite.

Go forth, and have a healthy and happy gastrointestinal tract through the summer. If you have uncomfortable reactions to foods, but you’re unsure why, call 801-619-9000 to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists. Granite Peaks can help get you back on track and enjoying your summer without discomfort.

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