Tips to fight Malabsorption Syndrome

Normally our body has the ability to digest the food we eat and absorb the nutrients form it. Over 9 meters long alimentary canal helps to accomplish the function of digestion and absorption. Malabsorption syndrome could be defined as the inability of our body to absorb essential nutrients from the food. Malabsorption syndrome can affect any person irrespective of age and gender. It may lead to a variety of deficiencies like that of vitamins, minerals, proteins, fatty acids and other nutrients. The associated cause may be digestive or dietary deficiency. The factors that contribute to cause the malabsorption syndrome may be adoption of dieting schedules for reducing weight, habitual & excessive intake of alcohol, food allergies, a diet deficient in B-vitamins and diseases of the digestive organs like pancreas and liver. Intestinal malfunction caused due to excessive use of antibiotics and/or laxatives can also lead to malabsorption syndrome.

Symptoms of Malabsorption Syndrome:

1. Fatigue and weight loss. However, some obese persons may also have malabsorption syndrome.
2. Recurrent diarrhoea and constipation.
3. Persistent abdominal discomfort with gas and bloating.
4. Unpredictable appetite.
5. Treatment of above cited conditions with a variety of medicine further complicate the problem.

Some complications of Malabsorption Syndrome:

1. Anemia and thinning & falling of hair.
2. Muscular cramps.
3. Psychological & behavioral changes.
4. Menstrual problems in female patients.

Tips to fight Malabsorption Syndrome:

1. Adopt dietary discipline in terms of quality, quantity and timings of intake.
2. Avoid fried and starchy foods.
3. Avoid excessive intake of alcohol.
4. Avoid too cold or too hot and preserved foodstuffs.
5. Avoid over medication with antibiotics.
6. Take spicy curd or buttermilk as it supports the intestinal flora and stimulates the secretion of digestive juices.
7. Seasonal and fresh fruits should be taken in between the regular meals.
8. Take medicines and food supplements as advised by your physician.