Brochures, Fact Sheets & Articles
Topic: Food intolerance, Malabsorption
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Fact Sheet: Malabsorption
119By: Nimish Vakil, MD, FACP, FACG; Carol Jorgensen-Vakil, MS, RD, CNSD, Registered Dietician
The gastrointestinal tract and liver play key roles in the digestion, absorption and metabolism of nutrients. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver may profoundly disturb normal nutrition. Malabsorption refers to decreased intestinal absorption of carbohydrate, protein, fat, minerals or vitamins. There are many symptoms associated with malabsorption. Weight loss, diarrhea, greasy stools (due to high fat content), abdominal bloating and gas are suggestive of malabsorption.
Topics: Food intolerance, Malabsorption -
Fact Sheet: Lactose Intolerance: Definition, Symptoms and Treatment
122By: Eli D. Ehrenpreis, MD; Benjamin Z. Ehrenpreis
The term lactose intolerance refers to the development of gastrointestinal symptoms following the ingestion of milk or dairy products. Lactose intolerance is caused by a shortage of a digestive enzyme called lactase, which is produced within the lining of the small intestine, although not all people with lactase deficiency develop symptoms. Lactose intolerance is an extremely common disorder and may have a prevalence of up to 100% in some populations. The following brief review of lactose intolerance will provide a summary of the populations most affected, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Revised 2007.
Topics: Food intolerance, Malabsorption -
Fact Sheet: Relationship of Diet to Functional GI Disorders
139The symptoms of functional GI disorders, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation can by initiated or exacerbated by stress, hormones, drugs, and diet. Certain foods can induce symptoms that mimic certain functional GI disorders. Review of an individual's diet is important when dealing with functional GI symptoms.
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Fact Sheet: Diet and Functional Bowel Disease
143By: Kenneth W. Heaton, MD, FRCP
The exact nature of the connection between what people eat and how their intestines behave is controversial, but there is certainly a connection. The effects of foods on the gut are reviewed.
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Fact Sheet: Dietary Factors in Gastrointestinal Diseases
148By: Jarol Boan, MD, MPH (formerly Knowles)
The gastrointestinal (GI) complaints commonly associated with reactions to food include dyspepsia, heartburn, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, and constipation. The exact dietary factors that contribute to these symptoms in functional GI disorders, such as IBS, are poorly understood. Clearly, there is a need for more research to examine the relationship between food intake and functional GI symptoms. However, a substantial amount of research has been done to determine the relationship between food and other digestive diseases. This article will examine five such diseases that affect the GI system – gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), celiac disease, food allergies, lactose intolerance, and eosinophilic gastroenteritis.
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Fact Sheet: Why Does Milk Bother Me?
218By: Information Adapted from the National Diseases Information Clearinghouse NIH
Lactose intolerance means that you cannot digest foods with lactose in them. Lactose is the sugar found in milk and foods made with milk. This sheet reviews what you need to know about lactose intolerance.
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Fact Sheet: Dietary Aspects of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
220Many patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) comment that their symptoms appear to deteriorate following a meal. In many individuals this is merely a nuisance but in others it can be much more of a problem. Fortunately, it is usually reasonably easy to tackle the dietary aspects of IBS as long as you understand a few basic principles. For those who suspect food is a factor in their symptoms, there are 4 foods that most often seem to be involved.
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