Depending on your ailment, there are foods that are recommended and others that you should avoid. Also, when treating digestive problems it's important to keep in mind special advice on a diet to follow. HEARTBURN

Heartburn, also called reflux oesophagitis, is a discomfort or pain caused by regurgitated stomach contents travelling from the stomach up into the gullet (lower part of your esophagus).

∎ Foods that may soothe

1. • Lean meats, fish, poultry and skim lactose products are protein rich and they stimulate the esophagus valve (in particular the gullet).
2. • Soluble fiber found in cereals, bread and brown rice helps to prevent constipation and releases tension in the colon without pressing on the stomach.
3. • Bananas and cabbage juice help to reduce gastric acid. Cabbage juice is prepared by processing 3 cabbage leaves in a blender with 2 cups of water. Drink 2 or 3 times during the day.

∎ Foods you should avoid

1. • Fried foods, fatty meats, sweets, chocolate, butter, alcohol, margarine and cream because they weaken the esophagus valve.
2. • Coffee, tea and soft drinks because they are high in caffeine and produce more gastric acids.

1. • It is not recommended to use mint tea as a therapeutic infusion.

It is also recommended: during pregnancy avoid weight gain and eating too much. Drink water between and not during meals, because it dilutes gastric secretions.

PEPTIC ULCERS

Peptic ulcers are sores in the mucous lining of the duodenum.

∎ Foods that may soothe

1. • Carrots (because of the beta-carotene they contain), red peppers and apricots because they help to heal and scar over sores in the intestinal lining.
2. • Red meats, oysters and cereals. Lean meats, seeds, eggs, cereals, avocados, and vegetables contain vitamin E that cures sores in the organic linings.
3. • Citrus fruits and peppers are rich in vitamin C that protects the body.
4. • Fish, dried fruits and seeds contain fatty acids that help to protect the digestive lining.

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Although foods can be used for their curative properties, it's important to consult a medical expert before adopting a new diet, recipe or treatment. This way your doctor can be sure whether the symptoms are being treated properly.

∎ Foods you should avoid

1. • Fried foods, alcohol, tea, coffee and soft drinks because they produce excess gastric acid.
2. • Deli meats, black pepper and spices, which irritate the stomach.
3. • Milk, because although it neutralizes acids, over time, it can increase acid production.

It is also recommended: not to skip meals, it's best to eat regular meals so that stomach acid is produced steadily without increasing. If you are a smoker, it's best to quit.

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD)

A long-lasting problem that can cause irritations and ulcers in the GI tract –the most common disorder is ulcerative colitis.

∎ Foods that may soothe

1. • For breakfast eat whole grain breads, vegetables and enriched cereals or take a folic acid supplement because it replaces folic acid deficiencies that IBD produces.
2. • Sea fish (tuna, sardines and salmon for example) that contain fatty acids that help to soothe inflammations.
3. • Fruits, juice and vegetables help to replace potassium lost when suffering from diarrhea, dried fruits, seeds and lactose provide the calcium lost in bowel movements.

∎ Foods you should avoid

1. • Those who suffer from IBD find that some foods like dairy, whole foods, dried fruits, fresh fruit and seafood can provide relief, while others find that these foods worsen symptoms.

1. • Whole foods rich in insoluble fiber can trigger diarrhea in certain people.

It is also recommended: consuming fish oil which can help to reduce symptoms.

DIVERTICULITIS

A condition where small pouches in the colon become inflamed.

∎ Foods that may soothe

1. • Whole grain foods, pastas and rice, because they are rich in soluble fiber.
2. • Prunes stimulate the bowel.
3. • Fruits and vegetables, especially figs because they stimulate bowel movements, depending on each situation.

DIET TO RELIEVE CONSTIPATION

1. • Breakfast. A bowl of muesli with strawberries and skim milk; a glass of apple juice.
2. • Lunch. Rye bread with low-fat cheese; peach slices; fruit yogurt with banana.
3. • Dinner. Sautéed vegetables with red pepper, cashew and brown rice. For dessert prunes and yogurt.
4. • Snacks. Dried figs and prunes or whole rye crackers or a slice of wholewheat bread.

∎ Foods you should avoid

1. • Red meat, that weakens the bowel lining.

It is also recommended: to drink at least 6 glasses of water a day. Stay active to increase bowel movements.

FLATULENCE

Gases caused by the excess of undigested carbon hydrates.

∎ Foods that may soothe

1. • Herbs such as rosemary, cinnamon, camomile, sage, thyme and fennel fresh or dried, because they aid in digestion.
2. • Eat one yogurt a day, because it helps to maintain the bacterial levels that help the digestive process.

∎ Foods you should avoid

1. • Brussels sprouts, beans, root vegetables, cabbages, excess flours and potatoes. They contain carbohydrates and they produce gas in the colon.
2. • Artificial sweetener (artificially sweetened soft-drinks), which are difficult to digest.

∎ Foods that may soothe

1. • Fruits and vegetables because they are high in vitamins, minerals and rich in fiber.
2. • Lean meats or white fish, which contain proteins that can easily be broken down.
3. • Olive oil, which is effective in normalizing the digestive system.
4. • Peppermint infusion that helps to normalize and relieve symptoms.

∎ Foods you should avoid

1. • Dairy products, which can cause an intolerance.
2. • Chickpeas, brussels sprouts, cauliflower and red beans tend to worsen symptoms.
3. • Seafood, sausages and wet fish; you should eliminate these foods for 14 days until you can determine whether your symptoms have improved.

It is also recommended: to eat regularly and avoid stress, which can worsen symptoms. Practicing relaxation techniques, physical exercise or psychotherapy.

DIET FOR IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

1. • Breakfast. A yogurt, fruit salad with toasted almonds, chopped finely.
2. • Lunch. A ham and tomato (peeled and deseeded) sandwich on rye bread; a yogurt.
3. • Dinner. A salmon filet with steamed vegetables; orange juice.
4. • Snacks. Banana, yogurt or rye crackers.