heartwise® life health series: digestion myths
DESCRIPTION
We tend to shy away from most foods in one category if we are lactose intolerant or gluten sensitive. These new facts are helpful!TRANSCRIPT
Myth: Lactose Intolerant People Should Not Eat Dairy Products • Most people with lactose intolerance can
handle some amount of lactose, however, the amount varies from person to person.
• Some people may be able to have eat yogurt, ice cream, and some cheeses while others may not.
• Cheeses such as Swiss, Mozzarella, Provolone and Cheddar may be tolerated better than other kinds.
• Products made from fortified soy, rice and almond milk are typically lactose-‐free.
Myth: Spicy Foods Cause Ulcers • While spicy foods could worsen the symptoms
of an existing ulcer, they do not cause them.
• NSAIDs and the bacteria Helicobacter pylori cause the majority of stomach ulcers.
• Spicy foods actually have health benefits including having the ability to increase serotonin, reduce blood pressure, fight off cancer, and help you lose weight.
Myth: Raw Foods are Harmful • Raw animal products such as eggs and
sushi from safe, local sources are nutritional powerhouses.
• Fermented foods improve digestion and aid the body in absorbing vitamins.
• Foods such as raw honey, Kombucha and Kefir are packed with gut-‐friendly probiotics, enzymes and good acids.
• Some raw and fermented foods have been reported to be beneficial for diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, as well as other ailments.
Myth: The More Fiber The Better • Dietary fiber is healthy and can ease certain
digestive conditions such as constipation, Irritable Syndrome, to name a few. However you can eat too much fiber.
• 20 to 35 grams of fiber per day is ideal for most people.
• Increasing your daily fiber too quickly can cause cramping, bloating, gas and even intestinal blockage.
• Eating too much fiber may interfere with how your intestines absorb certain minerals such a calcium, iron and zinc. Find the right balance for you.
Myth: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Is All About Your Diet • While certain foods can trigger IBS symptoms, a
change in diet alone is generally not enough to do so.
• Many people find that eating any food will trigger the abdominal, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation associated with IBS.
• Stress, anxiety and hormonal changes also trigger IBS symptoms.
• To identify your triggers, keep a journal of the foods you eat, any stressoes you have throughout your day as well as how you feel before and after eating.
Myth: Heartburn Is Just a Nuisance • Heartburn is a symptom of several conditions
including reflux disease, a progressive and long-‐term condition that can lead to painful symptoms and possibly death.
• Esophageal cancer , the fastest growing type of cancer in the U.S. is directly linked to reflux disease and in fact, may be the only cause of it.
• Reducing heartburn doesn’t mean that the reflux disease is cured. It simply means you cannot feel it.
• While reflux disease cannot be reversed, if caught in the early stages, it can be effectively managed. So don’t ignore frequent or prolonged heartburn.