Managing Gastrointestinal Issues Through Diet and Lifestyle Changes

Untreated gastrointestinal issues, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), profoundly impact everyday life for millions of people. According to the American Journal of Gastroenterology, “Digestive diseases account for over 100 million ambulatory care visits annually in the U.S.” Diet is one of the most effective ways to manage or avoid digestive diseases. Gut health is directly connected to a person’s overall wellness. LifeSpring Home Nutrition uses medically tailored meals to help people recover from gastrointestinal issues.

The Connections Between Diet and Gut Health

A person’s diet directly affects their gut health. The types of foods a person eats, how much, and when influence the health of their gut microbiome. According to Nutrients, “The gut microbiome plays an important role in human health and influences the development of chronic diseases ranging from metabolic disease to gastrointestinal disorders and colorectal cancer.” Some people are more prone to gastrointestinal distress and may benefit from changing their diet to reduce foods causing inflammation of the gut and other uncomfortable side effects.

Diet impacts gut health by doing the following:

• Affecting how many nutrients are absorbed by the gut
• Controlling the type of bacteria building up in the gut
• Affecting whether the gut can support good bacteria

The quality of food and how much of it is eaten each meal determine how the body absorbs nutrients. Whole foods and high-quality meals aid digestion. Nutrient-rich and high-fiber ingredients also reduce the risk of gastrointestinal distress by creating a healthy environment for good gut bacteria.

What Are Common Causes of Gastrointestinal Issues?

Diet, lifestyle choices, and overall health impact how the body digests food. People with certain medical conditions may have difficulty digesting or absorbing nutrients.

Some of the most common causes of gastrointestinal problems include:

• Celiac disease
• Lactose intolerance
• Chronic stress
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Genetic and environmental factors
• Lack of fiber in a person’s diet
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Age-related health issues
• Chronic dehydration

All aspects of a person’s life may impact their digestion. Often, a combination of high stress levels, environmental factors, inactivity, eating unhealthy foods, and other factors contribute to the development of gastrointestinal issues. Addressing all underlying problems is the best way to avoid potentially uncomfortable or harmful health side effects.

Tailoring Meal Plans to Reduce Gastrointestinal Distress

Tailored meal plans are often an important part of positive lifestyle changes for individuals trying to manage gastrointestinal symptoms or diseases. Many people work with a healthcare provider, nutritionist, or dietician to create a personalized meal plan designed to reduce gut inflammation or improve gut health. For example, individuals experiencing gastrointestinal problems caused by a lack of fiber may follow a meal plan high in healthy fiber.

Symptoms and Side Effects of Gastrointestinal Issues

The symptoms and side effects of digestive issues vary significantly from person to person. Often, the cause of the condition also plays a significant role in determining how someone reacts to dietary changes. Monitoring physical responses to food can help people predict how changing their meals may impact their gut health.

Some of the most common symptoms and side effects of gastrointestinal disorders include:

• Cramping
• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Nausea or vomiting
• Unintended weight loss
• Malnutrition
• Difficulty concentrating

Dietary changes are the best way to manage gastrointestinal disorders. However, some people have more difficulty digesting certain foods and absorbing nutrients. People should report any new symptoms or side effects to their healthcare professional.

How Do Meals From LifeSpring Home Nutrition Reduce Gastrointestinal Issues?

LifeSpring Home Nutrition offers medically tailored meals (MTMs) and other services to help people heal from common health issues, including gastrointestinal problems. Dietary changes are used to treat digestive diseases and symptoms. MTMs also positively affect gut health for most people experiencing gastrointestinal issues.

According to Advances in Nutrition, “Over the past decade, the gut microbiota has emerged as a key component in regulating brain processes and behavior.” Research has shown that “diet is one of the key factors involved in shaping the gut microbiota, having marked effects on microbial diversity, as well as the abundance and metabolic capacity of specific microbes.” Home-delivered meals are enriched and can significantly improve gut health.

Home-Delivered MTMs Promote a Healthy Gut

Many people struggle to monitor their eating habits. Over or under-eating has the potential to cause digestive distress if left unaddressed. Some people prefer having a set meal time to avoid missing meals or snacking too much throughout the day. Home-delivered meals make this easy by providing premade meals at set intervals.

LifeSpring Home Nutrition supports community members who want to improve their health through dietary changes. MTMs promote gut health by ensuring people eat well-balanced meals every day throughout the week. Individuals with gastrointestinal problems often benefit from creating a consistent and tailored meal plan to address their symptoms.

Gastrointestinal issues are a leading cause of preventable diseases. Individuals are often unaware of the potential dangers of eating unhealthy foods. Gut health is directly tied to mental and physical health. Eating foods that support good gut health can improve chronic conditions and reduce symptoms causing gastrointestinal distress. Making dietary changes is often the first step in resolving health issues causing digestive issues. LifeSpring Home Nutrition uses medically tailored meals and other services and meal planning options to help people reduce the impact of gastrointestinal issues. To learn more about our services and how we can help you improve your overall health,  call our office today at (800) 798-5767. We can help you heal and develop a healthier diet.