Stomach Pain and Stomach Disorders

According to Dr. Douglas Drossman, co-director of the University of North Carolina’s Center for Functional GI and Motility Disorders, stomach pain is part of life.

Often, a stomachache is just a stomachache. But if you’ve had pain for six months, or experienced serious symptoms such as blood in the stool or unexplained weight loss, better see a doctor.

There are more than 100 possible causes for your pain. So, how do you know if your stomachache is the result of pathogen, overindulgence, stress, an allergy or some rare disorder?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS is one of the toughest disorders to diagnose and treat. Once diagnosed, doctor may suggest dietary changes, such as eating more fiber. It is important to note that the increase of fiber must be gradual, since an excess can cause bloating. Doctors may also prescribe antibiotics—to reduce bacteria in the intestinal tract, or probiotics—to shore up healthy bacteria.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a sensitivity or allergy to gluten—a family of proteins found mostly in grains, including wheat, barley and rye. Some sufferers also have trouble with oats.

It may cause:

• Stomach pain

• Diarrhea

• Bloating

• Weight loss

• Anemia

• Just a vague not-so-good feeling.

According to Dr. Amy Foxx-Orenstein, president of the American College of Gastroenterology, the healthy intestine is lined with villi, fingerlike projections that absorb nutrient and fluids. In celiac disease, the villi get lost or damaged, so your body doesn’t absorb much of anything.

Eliminating gluten from your diet will help the villi return and your symptoms go away over time. If you think you have celiac disease, see your doctor before you cut out these foods.

Stress Connection

When you’re stressed, there are an abnormal number of signals firing away, which can cause discomfort on your stomach. The Enteric Nervous System (ENS)—the gut’s brain—has its own muscles, nerves, neurotransmitters, which tell the gut to move its content through the body. The ENS is always communicating with your brain, sending signals back and forth.

According to Dr. Mehmet Oz, director of the Cardiovascular Institute at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City and co-author of the “You” health books, there’s a very close connection between our brain and our gut, so it’s not surprising to think that if our brain is overstressed, the same thing is happening to our gut.

Tips to Reduce Stress and Ease Stomach Pain Symptoms

• Deep Breathing

• Exercise

• Meditation 

• Yoga

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease, a group of conditions in which the GI tract is chronically inflamed. Crohn’s symptoms are similar to those of IBS, but unlike IBS, there’s no detectable damage to the digestive system, Crohn’s causes intestine to be inflamed.

According to Dr. Howden, the inflamed intestine can narrow the end of small intestine, so it has to work harder to push waste through, causing:

• Stomach Pain (especially while eating)

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting 

• Weight Loss (tend not to eat much cause it hurts to do so)

It is diagnosed in several ways:

• Doctor may feel a mass in abdominal cavity

• May have abnormal blood tests

• Other tests may reveal nutrient deficiencies or ulcers

Endoscopy, X-rays, or an intestinal biopsy can confirm the diagnosis.

Some Tips to Help Avoid the Pain

• Eat more protein

• Avoid foods that take a long time to break down

Food Poisoning

Gastrointestinal disorders tend to start slowly and gradually worsen, but food poisoning hits from four to 24 hours after eating, and comes with a lot of symptoms:

• Stomach Pain

• Nausea 

• Vomiting

• Fever

• Diarrhea

If more than 12 to 24 hours and you can’t keep fluids down and have watery diarrhea, or too much discomfort, see a doctor or go to the ER for pain relief and hydration.

What about Gas Problem?

The average person passes gas between 14 and 23 times a day. When you’re struck with painful bloating gas try taking an antacid or Pepto-Bismol to coat your stomach, or probiotics to ease your symptoms.

Tips To Avoid Gas Problem

• Chew food thoroughly and eat leisurely 

• Avoid overeating

• Don’t lie down after eating; get up and take a 20-minute walk

• Don’t drink water with meals

• Avoid gaseous foods, including soda, gum, mints, candy, Brussel sprouts and cabbage

Note: For more lists of Gaseous Foods See Gas-Forming Foods and For More Tips on Digestion Efficiency See The Suggested Meal Pattern

Reference: Patricia Curtis, Quit Your Belly Aching, p. 65-69, Reader’s Digest, February 2008

Common Digestive Disorders

Digestive disorders encompass a wide array of conditions that affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. These disorders vary in severity, from minor annoyances (such as mild heartburn) to potentially life-threatening illnesses (such as a perforated ulcer).

Here are some of the more common digestive disorders:

GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes at the wrong times, allowing acid from the stomach to enter the esophagus. One possible cause of GERD is a hiatal hernia—a protrusion of this same sphincter and the upper portion of the stomach into the chest cavity.

Gastritis and Gastric Ulcers

Gastritis (the inflammation of the stomach lining) and gastric ulcers (breaks or open sores in the lining) are most commonly caused by infections or the use of medications.

(Duodenal) Ulcers

Ulcers can also occur in the duodenum when stones that form in the gallbladder keep bile out.

Crohn’s Disease

Chron’s disease is an inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the small intestine. It may also damage the large intestine and any other part of the digestive system.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease that affects only the large intestine. Diarrhea occurs when waste products move through the large intestine too quickly, while constipation results when the waste products movement is too slow.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a condition where diverticula (small pouches) can bulge outward through weak spots in the wall of the large intestine. It is the infection or inflammation of diverticula.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are clusters of swollen veins, and are thought to result from increased pressure in the veins of the rectum and/or anus.

Reference: Recognising Common Digestive Disorders, p. 144 Readers Digest, September 2008

Vitamin A Deficiency

Depletion of the body’s Vitamin A stores is brought about by a prolonged intake of diet lacking in vitamin A.

Aside from promoting good night vision, Vitamin A plays a host of other important roles. It plays a part in:

• Promoting health of mucus membranes and skin

• Bone growth

• Reproduction

• Maintenance of cell membrane stability

• Helping the adrenal glands to synthesize a hormone

• Helping to ensure a normal output of thyroxine from the thyroid gland

• Helping to maintain nerve cell coverings

• Assisting in immune reactions

• Helping to manufacture red blood cells

With all these and other functions, you can just imagine the terrible problems that arise when Vitamin A is lacking or absent in the body.

The body can store up to one year’s supply of vitamin A, keeping 90% in the liver. Deficiency symptoms will only start to appear after your stores are depleted. Appearance of symptoms suggests that you have stopped eating good food sources of Vitamin A for quite some time.

Probable Causes

• Prolonged starvation

• Too little food intake

• Anorexia (See Underweight)

• Zinc deficiency (plays a major role in Vitamin A bioavailability)

• Poor food choices (lack of variety)

• Refusal to eat vegetables

Probable Symptoms
Area Affected	Main Effects	Technical Name for Symptoms
Eye       Retina       Membranes                General        Drying       (mildest         form)   Skin GI Tract Respiratory Tract Urogenital Tract Bones Teeth Nervous System Immune System Blood	Night Blindness Failure to secrete mucopolysaccharide causes change in epithelial tissue Triangular gray spots on eye Irreversible drying and degeneration of the cornea causes blindness (most severe) The eye’s symptoms of Vitamin A deficiency   Hair follicles plug with keratin, forming white lumps Changes in lining; diarrhea Changes in lining; infections Changes in lining favor Calcium deposition, resulting in kidney stones, bladder disorders Infections of bladder and kidney Infections of vagina Bone growth ceases; shapes of bones change; joints are painful Enamel-forming cells malfunction; teeth develop cracks and tend to decay; dentin-forming cells atrophy Brain and spinal cord grow too fast for stunted skull and spine; injury to brain and nerves causes paralysis Depression of immune reactions Anemia, often masked by dehydration	Xerophthalmia Xerosis Bitot’s spots Keratomalacia Hyperkeratinization Hyperkeratosis

Helpful Dietary Management

• Eat a balanced diet including dark green leafy and yellow vegetables. (See Foods Rich in Vitamin A)

Reference: Healing Wonders of Diet Effective Guide to Diet Therapy p.66-67 © 2003 Philippine Publishing House ISBN 971-581-013-6

Simple Goiter (Iodine Deficiency)

Simple goiter is a visible enlargement of the thyroid gland due to lack of available iodine in the blood.

Iodine is needed by the thyroid gland to synthesize thyroxine, a hormone responsible for regulating the rate of energy release within every body’s cell. When the iodine level of the blood is low, the cells of the thyroid gland work harder and enlarge in an attempt to get as many particles of iodine as possible.

About 96% of all goiter cases are caused by iodine deficiency (simple goiter).

Probable Causes

• Poor iodine content of soil from which food is grown

• Overconsumption of antithyroid-containing plants

Note: The cabbage family contains antithyroid (goitrogen). Its effect cannot be counteracted by dietary iodine.

Probable Symptoms

• Sluggishness

• Weight gain

• Enlargement of thyroid gland (frontal neck part)

Note: Severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy causes cretinism characterized by severe and irreversible mental and physical retardation. However, much of the mental retardation associated with cretinism can be averted by diagnosis and treatment of iodine deficiency early in pregnancy.

Helpful Dietary Management

• Eat seaweeds and vegetables grown in iodine-rich soil. (See Iodine in Foods)

• Use iodized salt.

• Eat a well-planned balanced diet.

Reference: Healing Wonders of Diet Effective Guide to Diet Therapy p.64-65 © 2003 Philippine Publishing House ISBN 971-581-013-6

Anemia

Anemia is a condition wherein there is a decrease in hemoglobin (red coloring and oxygen carrier of the blood) per unit volume of blood below the established normal level for a certain age and sex.

The World Health Organization description for anemia is below 12 gm Hb/dl of blood for women and below 14 gm Hb/dl for men; and a hematocrit below 34%. 

Probable Causes

• Iron deficiency-nutritional anemia

• Loss of blood-hemorrhagic anemia

• Deficiency of Vitamin B12 or folic acid-pernicious anemia

Having greater risk of developing anemia are those with increased iron requirement such as:

• Frequent blood donor

• A woman having one pregnancy after another

• A woman with heavy menstrual bleeding

Note: Infections must be treated as these can easily depress blood formation.

Probable Symptoms

• Weakness

• Easy fatigability

• Pallor (Paleness)

• Breathing difficulty on exertion

• Palpitation

• Headache

• “Deadtired” feeling

• Thin and brittle fingernails

Note: The diagnosis of anemia is based on analysis of blood constituents.

Iron Deficiency Symptoms

• Effects on muscular work:

                -reduced work productivity

                -reduced work tolerance

                -reduced voluntary work

• Reduced physical fitness, weakness and fatigue

• Reduced resistance to cold, inability to regulate body temperature

• Reduced resistance to infection (lowered immunity)

• Itchy skin

• Pale nailbeds, eye membranes, palm creases, concave nails

• Pica (clay eating, ice eating)

• Lactose intolerance and possibly intolerance to other sugars

• Impaired wound healing

• Increased risk of lead and cadmium poisoning

• Impaired cognitive function (children): reduced learning ability, impaired visual discrimination, increased distractibility (inability to pay attention)

• Impaired reactivity and coordination (infants)

Helpful Dietary Management

• Eat a high-protein diet with emphasis on other nutrients that aid red blood cell formation including iron, Vitamin C and B-complex vitamins.

• Provide supplementary foods which are iron-rich for infants as early as 4 to 6 months.

Reference: Healing Wonders of Diet Effective Guide to Diet Therapy p.62-63 © 2003 Philippine Publishing House ISBN 971-581-013-6

Infection

Infection is an invasion by a disease-causing microorganism. After exposure to an infective agent, a period of time called incubation period (usually a few days) passes before the first symptoms appear. Shortly after this period, fever develops.

Mostly, the body’s response to infection is similar to its response to other injuries or to surgery. However, early body protein losses (muscle wasting) are more severe.

Infection often develops in persons already stressed by malnutrition, surgery, or other injury.

A well-nourished person can tolerate a short period of severe stress without adverse effects.

Probable Causes

• Exposure to an infective agent

• Poor hygiene

• Poor sanitation

• Lowered resistance brought about by lack of food intake, rest and sleep, and peace of mind

Probable Symptoms

• Fever

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Anorexia

• Diarrhea

• Marked weight loss (See Underweight)

• Immobilization

• Inflammation of infected area

• Lymphadenopathy

Helpful Dietary Management

• Eat a high-calorie, high-protein diet including plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamin C.

• Avoid concentrated sweets and sugars. They tend to incapacitate body soldier cells to fight infective invaders.

• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. (See The Importance of Water)

Helpful Tips for Minimizing Nausea and Vomiting

• Eat small meals.

• Avoid high-fat foods.

• Sip clear liquids or suck popsicles to prevent dehydration

• Lie down after eating.

• Loosen clothing after eating.

• Get fresh air.

• Avoid smells that cause nausea.

Reference: Healing Wonders of Diet Effective Guide to Diet Therapy p.60-61 & 246 © 2003 Philippine Publishing House ISBN 971-581-013-6

Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition characterized by the lessened ability, or the complete inability of body tissues to handle and use body sugar (carbohydrate).

Probable Causes

Diabetes can result from a host of factors which can be grouped into primary and secondary.

• Primary factors include:

1. Heredity
2. Obesity
3. Infections
4. Stress (pregnancy can be form of stress)
5. Mental strain
6. Worry (40 years and older are more prone)

• Secondary factors include:

1. Hormonal imbalance
2. Disease of the pancreas (viral infection bringing about pancreatitis, carcinoma of the pancreas, TB of the pancreas)
3. Gallbladder, thyroid, pituitary and liver diseases (See Gallbladder Inflammation, Gallstone Formation, Simple Goiter, Hepatitis)
4. Presence of unidentified insulin inhibitor
5. Nutritional factors (active-turned-obese persons due to decline in physical activity and increased food intake)

Probable Symptoms

• Hyperglycemia (increased blood glucose concentration)

• Fasting blood sugar (FBS) reading of more than 120 mg/100 ml of blood

• Polyuria (frequent and abnormally large volume of urine)

• Polydipsia (excessive thirst)

• Polyphagia (increased appetite)

• Dehydration

• General weakness

• Weight loss (See Underweight)

• Lowered resistance to infection

• Poor wound healing

• Degenerative changes (inflammation of nerves, atherosclerosis)

• Acidosis as reflected by an acetone smelling breath

Note: Treatment for diabetes should be prescribed by the physician. A careful treatment and control of the disease may prevent long-term complications (blindness, amputated limbs, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, etc.). Balancing the right kind and amount of food, exercise, medication (if necessary), maintenance of desirable body weight, and a positive outlook in life are the keys to efficient control.

Helpful Dietary Management

• Give calculated or measured low fat diet with normal protein.

• Eat complex carbohydrate foods with high-fiber content.

• Avoid added sugars and concentrated sweets. (See Diabetic Diet)

• Distribute foods into 3 regular meals.

• Give snacks only when action of medication dictates so.

• Eat regularly.

Reference: Healing Wonders of Diet Effective Guide to Diet Therapy p.58-59 © 2003 Philippine Publishing House ISBN 971-581-013-6

Arthritis

Arthritis is a group of diseases that causes joints and connecting tissues to become painful and inflamed. Once acquired, arthritis may continue for life. In most cases, damage remains permanent. At times, arthritis can be corrected by surgery. Although arthritis can be controlled, it cannot be cured. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential, without delay, to minimize pain and crippling deformities.

There are almost a hundred types of arthritis. Gout arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis are among the most popular ones.

Gout

Description A

Gout is a form of arthritis that is easiest to detect and treat. Excess uric acid in the body, as reflected in blood analysis, forms needle–like crystals in joints leading to severe inflammation. The affected joint becomes hot, swollen and very tender. Acute, painful attacks often start in the big toe, but frequently affect other joints in the feet, hands, knees and elbows.

Probable Causes

• Inherited defect in body chemistry (primary gout)

• Disturbances such as when the uric acid is either produced excessively or produced faster than kidneys can get rid of them (secondary gout)

Probable Symptoms

• Severe pain in a joint (big toe, wrist, ankle, thumb)

• Shiny, swollen and extremely tender-to-touch joints

Note: These are the characteristics of an acute attack.

Helpful Dietary Management

• Eat a low-purine diet, giving emphasis not to overeat protein-rich foods—even those which are not purine-rich.

• Eat a low fat diet for possible excretion of uric acid.

Note: All protein, when metabolized inside the body, will eventually contribute to uric acid pool.

Osteoarthritis

Description B

Osteoarthritis, the most common type, is a wear-and-tear disease that comes with old age. The elastic tissue becomes soft and wears away, sometimes even exposing the underlying bone. Most commonly affected are the weight-bearing joints—hips, knees and spine plus fingers and big toes.

Primary osteoarthritis—the onset is without apparent cause. It occurs earlier in life and mostly affects the small joints.

Secondary osteoarthritis—this results from injury or wear-and-tear. It occurs later in life in large or excessively used joints.

Probable Causes

• Mechanical stress. It is a combination of aging, chronic irritation of joints and normal wear and tear.

• Heredity. Some people inherit weaker cartilage, or have chemical abnormalities, ranking them as highly prone to osteoarthritis.

Probable Symptoms

• Localized pain

• Localized stiffness

• Loss of ability to move joints comfortably

• Appearance of bony enlargements of joints especially the fingers

Helpful Dietary Management

• Eat a balanced diet. Include food preparations that are easily handled and transported to the mouth by painful arthritic fingers.

Rheumatoid

Description C

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common disabling and destructive type, often affecting the whole body. This disease often inflames and thickens the lining and tissues around the joints. In addition to joints, it can also affect heart, lungs, eyes, skin, blood vessels and the muscles.

Probable Cause

• Unknown

Probable Symptoms

• Fatigue

• Muscular stiffness

• Loss of appetite

• Weight loss (See Underweight)

• Swollen joints

• Presence of fever

Helpful Dietary Management

• Eat a high-calorie diet with abundant fruits and vegetables (balanced diet) if losing weight and with fever

• Eat a small frequent feedings rather than just 3 big meals to improve a failing appetite.

• Adjust diet to 3 regular meals as appetite improves.

Reference: Healing Wonders of Diet Effective Guide to Diet Therapy p.55-57 © 2003 Philippine Publishing House ISBN 971-581-013-6

Renal Failure

Renal failure refers to the failure of the kidney’s nephrons to maintain normal functions. With all the vital functions to perform, renal failure results in serious consequences. Renal failure can occur suddenly (acute) or over a period of time (chronic). Oftentimes acute renal failure is only temporary while chronic renal failure is irreversible.

Probable Causes

• Damage to kidneys as in:

1. Nephritis
2. Renal artery obstruction
3. Nephritic syndrome
4. Kidney stones
5. Renal tubular disorders 

• Diabetes 

• Hypertension

• Atherosclerosis

Probable Symptoms

• Reduced or no renal output

• Increased blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and uric acid

• Uremic syndrome in severe stage which include:

1. Fatigue
2. Weakness
3. Decreased mental alertness
4. Muscular twitches
5. Muscle cramps
6. Anorexia  (See Underweight)
7. Nausea
8. Vomiting
9. Stomatitis
10. Unpleasant taste in the mouth
11. Itchiness of skin (See Infection)
12. Gastrointestinal ulcers
13. Bleeding

• Common in later stages where virtually every system in the body is adversely affected.

Note: As renal failure progresses to a severe stage, the buildup of toxic waste products in the blood (uremia) results in a complex of symptoms called the uremic syndrome.

Helpful Dietary Management

• Eat a diet low in salt.

• A low protein diet may be given depending on the loss of kidney function during the acute renal failure. Protein is a major source of metabolic waste products.

• Restrict amount of water intake to the amount of water loss.

• Take calories from carbohydrates and fats. Include an abundance of fruits.

Reference: Healing Wonders of Diet Effective Guide to Diet Therapy p.53-54 © 2003 Philippine Publishing House ISBN 971-581-013-6

Kidney Stone Formation

About 60% of all kidney stones contain calcium oxalate, 9 % contain calcium phosphate, while about 11% contain a combination of both. Less common stones are composed of uric acid, cystine, or magnesium ammonium phosphate.

A stone that blocks the flow of urine or causes infection must be removed either surgically or by sound or shock waves to break up the stone into pieces that can be easily eliminated from the body.

The person who has had a kidney stone may experience recurrence, but, reports suggest that with proper treatment, a recurrence may be prevented. To date, much of the information is controversial, and research continues.

Probable Causes

• Bowel diseases (causing malabsorption)

• Cystinuria

• Glucocoriticoid excess

• Gout

• Hyperparathyroidism

• Hyperthyroidism

• Immobilization

• Osteoporosis

• Paget’s disease

• Recurrent urinary tract infections

• Renal tubular acidosis

• Vitamin D intoxication (overdose)

• Some types of cancers

Note: Depending on their composition, stones may form from a variety of medical conditions that bring about either elevated blood levels of the stone-component substances (e.g., serum calcium), excessive urinary excretion of the component substances, or deficiencies of factors in the urine that normally control stone formation.

Probable Symptoms

• Mild Pain. This occurs when small pieces of the stone break off and travel down with the urine through the ureters. The pain usually starts in the back, just below the ribs, and follows the path of the stone. Once the stone reaches the bladder, pain normally subsides.

• Severe, stabbing pain. This results if a large stone enters a ureter.

Helpful Dietary Management

• Eat a diet low in sodium and low-to–moderate in protein plus high fluid intake.

• Drink enough water—about 8 ½ glasses (eight-ounce glass)—spread within the day at regular intervals to maintain a urine volume of 2 liters per day. Maintaining a large urine volume ensures that mineral concentrations in the urine will be diluted, therefore reducing the risk of stone formation. (See The Importance of Water)

Reference: Healing Wonders of Diet Effective Guide to Diet Therapy p.52 © 2003 Philippine Publishing House ISBN 971-581-013-6

Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis refers to an inflammation of the glomerular capillaries of the kidneys. This condition occurs also in children.

Probable Cause

• Streptococcal infection (with an incubation period of 1 to 2 weeks, often resulting in tonsillitis or scarlet fever)

Probable Symptoms

• Decreased urine output

• Cloudy urine which contains blood, albumin (a plasma protein) and casts

• Edema

• Hypertension

• Anemia

• Nausea

• Vomiting

Helpful Dietary Management

• Eat low-protein, low-salt diet during acute stage when almost all of the symptoms are present.

• Eat a high-quality protein. Restrict the amount, though.

• Restrict water intake if edema is present.

• Supply calories in fruit juice and puree form to minimize body tissue breakdown leading to excessive weight loss.

• Give regular diet (balanced diet) as soon as edema has subsided, blood pressure has lowered, and urine output has increased.

Note: If nausea and vomiting are present, a sufficient diet is difficult to provide.

Helpful Tips for Minimizing Nausea and Vomiting

• Eat small meals.

• Avoid high-fat foods.

• Sip clear liquids or suck popsicles to prevent dehydration. (See clear liquid diet)

• Lie down after eating.

• Loosen clothing after eating.

• Get fresh air.

• Avoid smells that cause nausea.

Reference: Healing Wonders of Diet Effective Guide to Diet Therapy p.50 & 246 © 2003 Philippine Publishing House ISBN 971-581-013-6

Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)

Myocardial Infarction is a condition that occurs when the supply of blood bringing oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscles is cut off, resulting in tissue death (infarct).

Probable Causes

• Atherosclerosis

• Hypertension

• Abnormal blood clotting

• Spasms of the coronary arteries

• Infection of the membrane covering the heart

• Rheumatic heart disease

Probable Symptoms

• Shock

• Extreme thirst

• Nausea (See Vomiting)

Note: In shock, the water in blood vessels moves temporarily to the spaces between body tissues. As an area of the heart dies, enzyme cells leak out into the general circulation. Raised levels of serum glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (SGOT), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine phospokinase (CPK) in the blood are often used in diagnosing heart attacks.

Helpful Dietary Management

• Offer nothing by mouth immediately after a heart attack until shock resolves.

• Give intravenous (IV) infusions (to be administered by a physician) to prevent dehydration if victim is still nauseated as shock resolves.

• Give a low-salt diet consisting of liquid or soft, bland foods in small frequent feedings several hours after shock.

• Serve foods neither too hot nor too cold.

• Adjust diet to include regular low fat and low-salt foods planned into 3 meals a day after about 5 to 10 days.

• Eat small frequent meals slowly if chest pain still persists.

• Do not exercise immediately after meals.

Reference: Healing Wonders of Diet Effective Guide to Diet Therapy p.48-49 © 2003 Philippine Publishing House ISBN 971-581-013-6

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Hypertension is a condition which can result when the arterial diameter is reduced (as when cholesterol is deposited in the arterial lining) or when the blood volume flowing through the arteries is increased (as during intense activity). Increased pressure caused by reduced diameter of the arteries plays a greater role in hypertension.

(Normal blood pressure is 120/80 or ranges between 90/60 to 140/90. When higher than 140/90, blood pressure usually described as hypertension.)

Probable Causes

• High sodium intake. Sodium (salt) and other dietary factors have been studied to see whether they play a role in the development of hypertension. Studies have shown that even mild restriction of sodium can produce a modest but definite fall in blood pressure.

• Kidney disease (See Glumerulonephritis, Kidney Stone Formation, Renal Failure)

• Various hormonal imbalances

• Unknown, sometimes

Note: If hypertension goes unchecked, the result is heart failure which may lead to further problems such as stroke and kidney damage.

Probable Symptoms

• Breathlessness

• Nose bleeding with no apparent cause

• Severe headache localized in some part of the head, which occur in early morning hours, accompanied by nausea, and vision becoming progressively worse

• Dizziness when diastolic pressure is above 110

Note: In most cases, there are no signs or symptoms. Hence regular blood pressure check up is vital.

Helpful Dietary Management

• Eat a low-salt diet, at the same time, low fat diet.

• Include foods high in potassium.

• Lose weight (for overweight). See Reducing Diet.

Reference: Healing Wonders of Diet Effective Guide to Diet Therapy p.46-47 © 2003 Philippine Publishing House ISBN 971-581-013-6

Hypercholesterolemia

Hypercholesterolemia is a condition where there is an excess of cholesterol in the blood. (A blood cholesterol of 200 mg/100 ml of blood or more is abnormal.)

We need cholesterol in the synthesis of some important metabolic substances such as the bile and some hormones. It also becomes an integral part of every cell. The body, through the liver, is able to produce its own cholesterol from raw materials such as carbohydrates, protein and fat. Aside from biosynthesized cholesterol, the body receives performed cholesterol from animal foods eaten.

From the liver to the different cells, cholesterol is transported by lipoproteins through the bloodstream. Along the way, cholesterol may be deposited in the artery wall. It is the deposit of cholesterol in arteries that creates conditions leading to stroke and heart attack.

Probable Causes

• Genetic Reasons

• Poor health habits such as:

• Overconsumption of fat

• Underactivity

• Poor coping with stress

• Overeating

Probable Symptoms

• Elevated total cholesterol level is equal to or greater than 200 mg/100 ml blood.

Note: Hypercholesterolemia often occurs along with other diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and renal disease.

Helpful dietary Management

• Eat a diet low in fat, low in cholesterol, high in fiber (fruits, vegetables and legumes).

• Increase physical activity. Lose excess weight. See Reducing Diet.

Reference: Healing Wonders of Diet Effective Guide to Diet Therapy p.45 © 2003 Philippine Publishing House ISBN 971-581-013-6

Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure is a syndrome wherein the heart cannot adequately pump blood through the circulatory system anymore, thus reducing the blood flow to the different body organs.

Reduced renal (kidney) blood flow signals the kidneys to retain water. The retained water increases the load on the heart and further weakens it. Since blood entering the heart from the veins cannot be pumped out effectively, edema (water retention) of the extremities, and sometimes even of the lungs, may result. The heart enlarges and begins to beat more rapidly as it tries to make up for its inefficiency to pump. Malnutrition can result due to a disrupted supply of nutrients and oxygen to the different body tissues brought about by inadequate pumping of blood.

Probable Causes

• Cardiovascular diseases

• Hypertension

• Kidney disease (See Kidney Stone Formation, Glumerulonephritis, Renal Failure)

Probable Symptoms

• Exhaustion even in simple activities such as eating

• Malnutrition

• Underweight

Note: Congestive heart failure may be left- or right-sided. It may also develop gradually or present suddenly with acute pulmonary (lung) edema.

Helpful Dietary Management

• Limit sodium and fluid intake. See Low-salt Diet.

• Lose weight if necessary to lighten the work of the heart. See Reducing (Weight Loss) Diet.

• Eat small frequent meals. Eat foods that are least likely to form gas.

Reference: Healing Wonders of Diet Effective Guide to Diet Therapy p.44 © 2003 Philippine Publishing House ISBN 971-581-013-6

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is the thickening and hardening of the arteries (blood vessels) brought about by accumulation of lipid (mostly cholesterol) plaques within the arterial wall. A reduced diameter of the arteries will raise the pressure of blood against the wall. Atherosclerosis is the most common type of coronary heart disease (disease affecting the arteries of the heart).

Over time an artery may be shut off completely thus blocking the flow of blood. The result is death of all tissues dependent on that artery for oxygen and nutrients. If blood supply to the heart muscle is cut off, a heart attack can result. When an artery supplying blood to the brain is involved, a stroke can result. Kidneys, lungs and arteries of the legs and arm can also be affected.

Probable Causes

• Smoking

• High serum cholesterol

• High blood pressure or hypertension

• Genetics

• Diabetes mellitus

• Emotional stress

• Decreased physical activity

Note: The first three are the major risk factors.

Probable Symptoms

• Hypertension (a risk factor and a symptom)

• Problems involving arteries of the kidneys, lungs, arms and legs

Helpful Dietary Management

• Eat foods low in fat, low in cholesterol, low in salt, high in complex carbohydrates and in fiber.

Note: Make all attempts to control risk factors whenever possible. Prevention is the best cure for atherosclerosis. For example, if you are a diabetic and at the same time a hypercholesterolemic, then these two must be dealt with together to control your atherosclerosis.

Reference: Healing Wonders of Diet Effective Guide to Diet Therapy p.42-43 © 2003 Philippine Publishing House ISBN 971-581-013-6

Cancer (Neoplasm, Malignant Tumor)

Cancer is a general term for uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. Many kinds of tumors are specific to certain parts of the body. When tumors grow, they interfere with the normal functioning of an organ or tissue. The growth has no built-in brakes. Cancerous cells are alive, and as they continue to grow, they also take nutrients from the host’s diet or body reserves.

Probable Causes

• Initiating events such as:

1. General, medical or industrial radiation
2. Infusion of a chemical—a carcinogen—into the cell
3. Certain viral infections
4. Heredity, runs in the family (tendency to succumb to cancer cells)

Probable Symptoms

• Cancer cachexia—a syndrome that often accompanies many types of cancers characterized by:

1. Anorexia
2. Inadequate intake of food
3. Progressive malnutrition
4. Accelerated weight loss (See Underweight)
5. General ill-health

Helpful Dietary Management

• Eat a high-calorie diet, high-protein diet, low fat diet preferably with fresh fruits and vegetables which are rich in the protective nutrients (vitamins). No preservatives, please!

      

Note: Attention to diet can prevent or reverse poor nutrition status. The cancer patient in good nutrition status is less susceptible to infections and probably tolerates cancer therapy better.

Possible Effects of Radiation and Chemotherapy on Nutrition Status

Radiation	Chemotherapy
Reduced nutrient intake
Anorexia Damage to teeth and bone Esophagitis Nausea Reduced salivary secretions Thick salivary secretions Vomiting	Abdominal pain Anorexia Intestinal ulcers Nausea Taste alterations Vomiting
Increased nutrient losses
Chronic blood loss from intestine and bladder Diarrhea Fistula formation Intestinal obstructions Malabsorption	Diarrhea Malabsorption
Altered metabolism
(secondary to malnutrition)	Fluid and electrolyte imbalance Hyperglycemia Interference with vitamins or other metabolites Negative nitrogen and calcium balance

Reference: Healing Wonders of Diet Effective Guide to Diet Therapy p.38-39 © 2003 Philippine Publishing House ISBN 971-581-013-6

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver accompanied by rapid cell destruction.

Probable Causes

• Virus transmitted through:

a)      Contaminated food or water. This is known as acute, viral (type A) hepatitis. Type A and E are transmitted through fecal-oral.

b)      Blood transfusion from infected donors, sexual intercourse with infected partner, infected injection needles. This is known as acute, viral (type B) hepatitis.

c)      Mushroom poisoning, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene, acetaminophen, halothane, isoniazid, chlorpromazine, oral contraceptive. This is known as acute, toxic and drug-induced hepatitis.

• Disorder characterized by gradual but continuous dying of liver cells, active inflammation and scarring of dead liver tissues which may lead to cirrhosis caused by hepa B virus and chemical or drug agents. This is known as chronic, active hepatitis.

• May occur as a result of viral hepatitis known as chronic, persistent hepatitis.

Probable Symptoms

• Anorexia nervosa 

• Abdominal discomfort

• Fever

• Headache

• Weight loss (See Underweight)

• Jaundice

• Enlarged liver

• Tenderness of liver

Helpful Dietary Management

• Have a high-calorie diet and low fat diet.

• Provide frequent small feedings (in the case of anorexia nervosa).

• Progress from clear liquid diet to soft diet depending on patient’s tolerance during acute attacks.

Reference: Healing Wonders of Diet Effective Guide to Diet Therapy p.40-41 © 2003 Philippine Publishing House ISBN 971-581-013-6

Gallbladder Inflammation (Cholecystitis)

An inflammation of the gallbladder is usually a result from a low-grade chronic infection.

Probable Causes

• Bacteria that may have traveled from any point of the body such as the tonsils or even the appendix through the bloodstream to the gallbladder

• Presence of gallstone

Note: If inflammation is without infection, other factors influencing abnormal gallbladder functioning include:

a)     Obesity

b)      Pregnancy

c)      Constipation

d)     Constricting clothes

e)      Improper diet

f)       Digestive upsets

Probable Symptoms

• Pain radiating from the upper abdominal area (epigastric) to the right shoulder

• Impaired fat digestion (fat intolerance)

• Sense of fullness

• Urge to vomit

• Stomach distention with intake of gas-forming vegetables and strongly-flavored foods

• Low-grade fever

Helpful Dietary Management

• Eat a low fat diet and bland diet.

• Have small frequent meals.

Note: The gallbladder contracts to release bile when fat is present in the digestive system. This influences the intensity and incidence of pain and discomfort in cholecystitis.

Reference: Healing Wonders of Diet Effective Guide to Diet Therapy p.36-37 © 2003 Philippine Publishing House ISBN 971-581-013-6