What causes malabsorption?
Malabsorption is a disorder that occurs when people are unable to absorb nutrients from their diets, such as carbohydrates, fats, minerals, proteins, or vitamins.
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Malabsorption symptoms vary according to the cause, the severity of the condition, and how long a person has had the disorder.
Examples of some immediate malabsorption symptoms that may occur:
- bloating and stomach distention
- diarrhea
- fatigue
- gas
- steatorrhea, or stool that is pale to white
- stools that appear “greasy” in texture
- stomach cramping
- weakness
People need nutrients from food to maintain a healthy body. When their body cannot properly absorb these nutrients, they might experience the more long-term effects of malabsorption.
These include:
- bone pain
- bones that fracture easily
- iron-deficiency anemia, which can result in shortness of breath
- muscle wasting
- a sore tongue
- weight loss
Dyspepsia diet
A high-fiber diet is a good way to manage digestive health. It has the effect of clearing out the intestine and making digestion a smoother, cleaner process.
Fruits, nuts, legumes, and wholegrain foods are packed with fiber and an excellent choice for protecting against indigestion. Many yogurts and cereals have also been fortified with fiber.
Eating a balanced diet that excludes spicy or greasy foods is key. Be sure to consume fluids with every meal, as this helps to move food through the digestive tract.
Consuming four or five smaller meals in a day as opposed to three larger ones can also help the digestive system.
Common causes of indigestion include:
- eating too much or too rapidly
- eating fatty, greasy, or spicy foods
- drinking too much caffeine or alcohol
- consuming too much chocolate or soda
- emotional trauma
- gallstones
- gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach
- hiatus hernia
- infection, especially with a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
- nervousness
- obesity
- pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas
- peptic ulcers
- smoking
- certain medications, such as antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- stomach cancer
15 possible causes of abdominal pain
7. Food intolerances
When the body is unable to digest food materials, they are broken down by intestinal and stomach bacteria, which release gas in the process.
When large amounts of undigested materials are present, a lot of gas is produced, causing pressure and pain.
Nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are other symptoms.
A person with a food intolerance will have a hypersensitivity to certain foods. Find out more here about the symptoms and causes of food intolerance, and how to prevent a reaction.
What is a food intolerance?
According to the Australian NSW Food Authority, the following are the most common symptoms of food intolerance:
Some common types of food intolerance are:
- lactose
- wheat
- gluten
- caffeine
- histamine, present in mushrooms, pickles, and cured food
- additives such as artificial sweetners, coloring, or other flavorings
Some people experience a reaction after eating bread, but this does not necessarily indicate a gluten intolerance. Anyone who suspects they may have a gluten intolerance should see a doctor before giving up gluten, as cereals can be an important source of various nutrients.
Of the thousands of additives used in the food industry, a relatively small number are thought to cause problems. The following food additives are known to cause adverse reactions in people:
- Nitrates – known to cause itching and skin rashes. Processed meats are generally high in nitrates and nitrites.
- MSG (monosodium glutamate) – used as a flavor enhancer. Known to cause headaches.
- Sulfites – used as a food preserver or enhancer. Commonly used in wines. In the United States and European Union, wines bottled after 1987 and 2005, respectively, must state on their labels if they contain sulfites at more than 10 parts per million. A German study found that about 7 percent of people have an intolerance to wine.
- Some colorings – especially carmine (red) and annatto (yellow).
Some people find that if they stay off the specific food for a while, they have no reaction when eating it again – this is known as tolerance. Maintaining tolerance is often a question of knowing how long to abstain, and how much of it to eat when it is being reintroduced.
As each person reacts differently, the only way to determine this is by trial-and-error.
see also at this page related topics as well:
Eczema elimination diet and foods to eat
How to cope with your food allergy
Lactose intolerance: What you need to know
Is it a food allergy or an intolerance?
List of gluten-free cheeses and alternatives to cheese:
According to Beyond Celiac, some varieties of cheese that are usually gluten-free include:
- brie
- Cheddar
- Swiss
- Parmesan
- provolone
- feta
- goat
- ricotta
There are non-dairy cheese alternatives, which are usually made from plant sources, such as soy or nuts. Some of these products are gluten-free, but others may contain ingredients with gluten.
A naturally gluten-free alternative to cheese is avocado. Avocados add flavor and a creamy texture to many dishes, such as sandwiches or salads.
Nutritional yeast is another non-dairy alternative to cheese. It can be sprinkled on top of dishes or added to sauces for a cheese-like flavor.
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