By blog January 7, 2015 - 12:56am

Prevention is better than a cure; why spend a lot of money on treatment of gastrointestinal diseases when you can avoid these complications in the first place? Gastrointestinal diseases include abdominal wall hernia, gastroesophageal reflux, diverticular disease, gallstones and chronic constipation. Avoiding them and keeping your gut healthy is as simple as consuming the right foods and drinks.

Foods, such as, citrus fruit, leafy greens, fibre-rich foods as well as yellow vegetables should be a must-have in your diet due to their cancer eradication properties. Consuming at least 20 grams of fibre per day will significantly reduce gastric and esophageal cancer. Examples of fibre-rich foods include whole grains, carrots, cauliflower, beans, apples and broccoli.

A healthy digestive system also needs probiotics, which are good bacteria that enhance the health of your colon lining as well as gut motility. You can obtain probiotics by consuming foods, such as, miso, onions, asparagus, sauerkraut, bananas and yogurt. Garlic, Jerusalem artichokes, leeks and honey will help stimulate the growth of probiotic bacteria in your stomach; they contain soluble fibre hence are called prebiotics.

For a soothing effect in your tummy, include carminatives; these are foods that relieve your stomach of gas and simplify the digestive process. Examples of carminatives include cinnamon, ginger, oatmeal, fennel, caraway and cumin. Eating peppermint leaf or oil will relax the stomach muscles and relieve you of your digestive complications albeit the former should be avoided if you are susceptible to heartburns. Chewing ginger – as revealed by a study published in the European Journal of Gastroenterology in 2008 – cures nausea and remedies delayed stomach emptying, which is a diabetes side effect.

Do you crave for a flat belly? Then avocado, olive oil, walnuts, dark chocolate or sunflower seeds should be your go-to foods for this purpose. They are rich in monounsaturated fats (MUFA) and prevent the accumulation of fats around the abdomen. Other foods to include in your diet include the ones from the Mediterranean region, such as, whole grains, yogurt, low-fat cheese, legumes and fruits; these should be consumed in abundance.

Delicacies, such as, poultry, meat, eggs, wine and sweets can also help reduce belly fat although they should be consumed in moderate amounts. Obtaining a flat stomach is integral in maintaining a healthy body weight, which in turn reduces abdominal discomfort that often manifests itself through a full, bloaty sensation.

A study in 2012 by a group of health experts from Medscape revealed that cases of gastrointestinal diseases are on the increase in the United States. By 2010, there were over 60 million Americans suffering from various digestive health complications whereas over 240, 000 people lost their lives in 2009 as a consequence of the same. This increase translates to increased visits to the Manhattan Gastroenterology to cure these ailments.

Your digestive system is ever busy harnessing nutrients and water from the solid foods and liquids that you put in your stomach. As the same time, it faces the threat of harmful microbes that can give it a pouty look while increasing your susceptibility to digestive health complications. Visit a gastroenterology who will advise you further on an appropriate diet based on your health history and needs.