<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none;" alt="" src="https://ct.pinterest.com/v3/?event=init&amp;tid=2613151364092&amp;pd[em]=<hashed_email_address>&amp;noscript=1">

WHAT WE DO & WHY

SUPPORT OUR 501(c)(3) NON-PROFIT

Assuaged-Student-Home-Page-Headers-Category-Be-Your-Healthiest 1

Internships

Assuaged-Student-Home-Page-Headers-Category-Be-Your-Healthiest 3

Our Partners

Assuaged-Student-Home-Page-Headers-Category-Be-Your-Healthiest 2

About Us

Assuaged-Student-Home-Page-Headers-Category-Be-Your-Healthiest 6

Public Health

Assuaged-Student-Home-Page-Headers-Category-Be-Your-Healthiest 5

Our Students

Assuaged-Student-Home-Page-Headers-Category-Be-Your-Healthiest 4

Student Blog

Nutrition for Special Populations: GERD and Chronic Constipation

WHAT IS GERD?

Many Americans suffer from nutritional and gastrointestinal deficiencies especially special populations. Illnesses commonly associated with special needs often include multiple diagnoses, including GERD and chronic constipation. 

GERD affects approximately 20 percent of the U.S. population. Patients are often given a diet plan that includes a set amount of foods containing high fiber.

Individuals diagnosed with GERD:

  • Avoid foods such as garlic, chocolate, tomatoes, and mint, as they are often triggers. 
  • Avoid Alcohol at all costs, since it can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter (les) and trigger acid reflux.
  • Other known triggers such as high-fat foods, caffeine, spicy foods, and acidic ingredients.
  • Space out meals and eat small portions throughout the day to gastro-esophageal avoid upsets.
  •  Eating 3-4 hours before bedtime is highly recommended. 
  • Wear looser articles of clothing for further relief.

fruits nuts and seeds on a tray healthy

WHAT IS CHRONIC CONSTIPATION?

In similarity to GERD, it's one of the most common disorders known today. CHRONIC CONSTIPATION is caused by various dietary, lifestyle, and medical factors and it involves the struggle in passing stool.

Common medical conditions associated with chronic constipation include depression, cerebrovascular disease, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, and irritable bowel syndrome. (Jamshed, N., Lee, Z., & Olden, K. W., 2011).

 

DIRECT CAUSES OF CHRONIC CONSTIPATION OFTEN INCLUDE:

  • Poor diets neglecting high-fiber foods and water;
  • Inconsistent and reluctant restroom use;
  • The abuse of prescription drugs and laxatives; and
  • A lack of physical exercise.

Analyze your daily habits:  (Assess your own condition and gather more information about the symptoms that you're enduring and discover your needs).

  • Obtain your medical records and review your history.
  • Are there any hereditary illnesses, prior injuries, surgeries, treatments, and hospitalizations?
  • Do you have any medicinal, food, or environmental allergies?
  • What prescriptions medications and supplements do you currently take?
  • What's your daily caffeine intake?
  • What are your daily urination and sleeping habits?
  • Have you been diagnosed with any other medical conditions?
  • What is your intake of: prescriptions, OTCs, cigarettes, alcohol or recreational drugs?

IT IS POSSIBLE THAT YOUR CASE OF CHRONIC CONSTIPATION IS CAUSED BY OTHER FACTORS?

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it is estimated that 26 – 36 million people abuse opioids worldwide.

Many OTCs, opioids and prescription narcotic medications have been designated as playing an influential role in the cause of chronic constipation (Volkow, M.D., N., 2014).

 

CONCLUSION:

A therapeutic diet is a modifying dietary meal plan that manages the intake of certain foods and nutrients. Many patients rely on a therapeutic diet, which is tailored to fit their distinct nutritional needs due to bodily inadequacies. 

These types of diets are utilized for treatment of complex medical conditions and are often prescribed by a doctor with the help of planning by a dietician. Many physicians are now confidently recommending plant-based diets to their patients.

Committing to healthy dietary practices is VITAL for chronically ill patients.

Individuals suffering from special conditions can find relief and treatment through means of organic veganism.

 

HOW TO ESTABLISH HEALTH FOR YOURSELF BY TRANSITIONING TO AN ORGANIC PLANT-BASED BALANCED DIET:

  • Calculate your needs using a supertracker, a free program that provides you with a daily limit of calories.
  • Substitute your "protein" and "dairy" needs by incorporating whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, healthy oils, organic vegetables, fruits, and herbs in your diet plan.
  • Break up your daily eating habits by eating six small portioned meals a day.
  • Your diet plan should also include plant-based sources of vitamin B’s, calcium, potassium, protein, and vitamin D’s.

EXAMPLE OF RECOMMENDED DIETARY PLAN:

  1. Whole grains 7 ounce(s) per day which consists of bread, cooked pasta, rice, or cereal, tortillas, pancakes, and ready-to-eat cereal. These foods include the following macronutrients and micronutrients: B vitamins, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, and iron. Daily values of whole grains should contain dietary fiber of 20 percent or more;
  2. Vegetables 3 cup(s) per day daily allowance which consists of dark green vegetables, red and orange vegetables, beans, peas, and starchy vegetables for macronutrients;
  3. Fruits 2 cup(s) per day which consists of raw or cooked fruit, juice, and dried fruit for macronutrients and micronutrients. Patient should avoid overly acidic fruits;
  4. Dairy (plant-based alternative) 3 cup(s) per day collard greens which will meet your calcium, potassium, vitamin D, macronutrients, and micronutrients needs;
  5. Protein macronutrient foods excluding meat, seafood, poultry, and dairy. The daily allowance is 6 ounce(s) which consist of beans, lentils, soy, tofu, peanut butter, chickpeas, almonds, tempeh, and hemp seeds; and
  6. Oils 6 tsp. per day excluding dairy consisting of nuts, soy, avocado, olive or coconut oil in efforts to satisfy vitamin E needs for essential fatty acids. To be consumed in moderation.

It’s essential that you dedicate to healthier eating habits and follow the guidelines to your tailored diet plan.

A plant-based diet is deemed beneficial towards physical health, and its healing properties could also benefit GERD and chronic constipation diagnoses because these conditions call for similar dietary practices.

While supertracker is an excellent program, it does not provide you with a curated meal plan or recipes. We give what we can. If you have a medical condition and need a meal-plan, please, CONTACT US. Our meal plans contain a specific breakdown of calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients including measuring ingredients and recipes tailored to your needs.

Craniofacial Events

CRANIOFACIAL

STATIONERY

 

References: 

Schlenker, E. (2011). Williams' Essentials of Nutrition and Diet Therapy, 10th Edition. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

Volkow, M.D., N. (2014). America’s Addiction to Opioids: Heroin and Prescription Drug Abuse. [online] Drugabuse.gov. 

Jamshed, N., Lee, Z., & Olden, K. W. (2011). Diagnostic approach to chronic constipation in adults. American Family Physician, 84(3), 299–306.

SuperTracker: My Foods. My Fitness. My Health. (n.d.).

Feature Image Credit: Darko Djurin & Kelly Sikkema

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Browse more healthy living plant-based recipes on our FREE Assuaged iOS App!

Assuaged Winning Design_RGB

 

App Store

Pick Your Type of Deliciousness!

"A dietary shift toward plant foods and away from animal products is vital for promoting the health of our planet."

Start with either a Meal Kit or Fresh, Prepared Meal plan, and then customize your weekly delivery.  

It’s easy peasy. Get exactly what you want—meal kits, prepared meals, or both—every time.

And don’t worry, our favorite foodie brand Trifecta has lots of Less Prep, high-protein and gluten-free meals.

✅ Immunity-Rich Meals
✅ Fast-Prep & No Hassle
✅ Ease Cooking Stress
✅ Enjoy Plenty of Variety

️ PLANT FOOD

    
Assuaged Ⓥ Aficionados

Assuaged Ⓥ Aficionados

Love our website? Leave your feedback and let us know what more we can do to improve, we are constantly making enhancements for our loyal customers. >> Leave us Feedback

Ignoring Your Health Is Just As Bad As Ignoring Your Mother

Here at Assuaged, we are dedicated to promoting healthier living and equipping students with essential digital skills. Support our mission by visiting our non-profit website and discovering the impact we are making on public populations and the lives of public health students.

Learn More

Health has never tasted so good.

Organic and plant-based varieties have proven to reduce the risk and progression of disease. Guess what? You can still have fun on date night indulging in sweets you never knew existed.

I Want Organic Shopping For Less