|
Small intestin
 Duodenal
ulcer (Peptic Ulcer)
Lactose
intolerance
Coeliac
disease
Duodenal ulcer
Duodenal ulcer is a break in the tissue lining the duodenum,
which is the first part of the small intestine. The term 'peptic
ulcer' refers to those that occur in either the stomach or
the first part of the small intestine that leads out of the
stomach, called the duodenum. It was once commonly thought
that stress, smoking and diet were the principal causes of
stomach ulcers. However, the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
bacterium is now known to be responsible for most duodenal
ulcers and 60 per cent of stomach ulcers. The H. pylori bacterium
also prompts many symptoms of dyspepsia, or indigestion.
Lactose intolerance
Lactose is a carbohydrate (natural sugar) found in all kinds
of milk, including human milk. It is an important source of
energy for babies during their first months of life.
What is lactose intolerance?
People who cannot easily digest lactose are said to have lactose
intolerance. That is because they do not have enough lactase,
an enzyme in the digestive system that helps to break down
the lactose in food. However, this does not mean that they
can't tolerate any lactose at all.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms of lactose intolerance are
mild discomfort in the abdomen, a bloated feeling, wind and
diarrhoea. You can't be sure you have lactose intolerance
from these symptoms alone, however, since they can be caused
by other conditions. Your doctor can test you to find out
for sure, but that probably isn't necessary unless your symptoms
are severe. Lactose intolerance generally isn't serious, and
can be controlled by some simple changes in your diet.
What changes should you make in your
diet?
There are no foods that you must eliminate completely
from your diet. However, reducing the amount of some kinds
of dairy foods should keep you from having symptoms. Most
people with lactose intolerance can consume 8-10 grams of
lactose a day without symptoms. That is roughly the amount
in a small glass of milk (200ml, about ¾ cup). And
since many dairy foods actually have little or no lactose,
you can continue to enjoy them. That's important, because
dairy foods are a rich source of nutrients that are essential
to good health.
In addition to dairy foods, chocolate, some biscuits, cakes
and flavourings you add to milk also have small amounts of
lactose. If you reduce your lactose level and still have problems,
it is likely that your symptoms come from something other
than lactose intolerance.
Lactose content of various dairy foods
Most people with lactose intolerance can consume 8-10
grams of lactose a day without symptoms.
| Dairy
Food |
Lactose
Content |
| Regular Milk, 200ml |
9.4g |
 |
| Cheese, 35g slice (Edam,
Swiss, Brie, Cheddar) |
0.0g |
|
| Processed Cheddar, Feta
|
0.1g |
|
| Cottage Cheese, 100g |
1.4g |
|
| Cream Cheese |
3.2g |
|
| Yogurt, 200g * |
7.8g |
|
| Ice Cream, 50g |
2.8g |
|
| Butter, 20g (1tblsp) |
0.2g |
|
| Cream, 20g (1 tblsp) |
0.6g |
|
Source: Nutest project 1993/4,Australian
Dairy Corporation
* The lactose content in yogurt decreases each day, even while
it sits in the fridge, because its natural bacteria use lactose
for energy.
Why shouldn't you give up dairy foods?
Dairy foods are an important source of vitamins and minerals
you need for good
health. You can continue to enjoy them by making some simple
changes in your diet.
As you can see from the table, many dairy foods have little
or no lactose, so they
will not cause your symptoms. Here are some general principles
to keep in mind
when selecting food.
Choose full cream milk instead of low fat or skim milk. Fat
slows the passage of
lactose through your digestive system, giving your body more
time to digest it.
Most cheeses have virtually no lactose, so you can continue
to enjoy them.
In small servings of 1 tablespoon or so, butter and cream have
very little lactose
and can probably be enjoyed without causing symptoms.
Yogurt actually loses lactose while it sits in your fridge.
Keeping it for a while before
you eat it may reduce the chance that it could cause symptoms.
Ask your pharmacist about lactase products that may help you
enjoy dairy foods without causing symptoms
In some Australian states, long-life low lactose milks are available
in supermarkets.
After your symptoms have stopped for a while, you may be able
to increase your lactose without further problems. Many people
find that they become more
tolerant of lactose with time.
Remember...
With lactose intolerance there are limits to how much lactose
you can have without causing symptoms. That usually means about
8-10 grams per day.
Dairy foods should not be completely eliminated from your diet
because they are
rich in vitamins and minerals you need.
Full cream milk will be easier for you to digest than low fat
or skim milk.
Most cheeses have almost no lactose, so you don't have to limit
them.
Small serves of butter and cream have very little lactose and
can probably be enjoyed without causing symptoms.
If you cut back on lactose and still have symptoms, it may be
that your problem is something other than lactose intolerance.
Check with your health-care professional.
Coeliac
disease
Coeliac disease affects the small intestine - the part of
the digestive system responsible for absorbing nutrients from
the diet. In a person with coeliac disease, the lining of
the small intestine is sensitive to gluten, which is the protein
component of grains like wheat, rye, barley and oats. Even
tiny amounts of gluten can cause harm. When the lining of
the small intestine is damaged, nutrients like calcium, iron,
folic acid and fat-soluble vitamins are poorly absorbed. Sugars,
proteins and fats may be poorly absorbed too.
Malnutrition, osteoporosis, depression and infertility are
just some of the problems that can develop if the disorder
is left untreated. Coeliac disease is common in Australia,
although firm statistics aren't available. Out of the thousands
of people who have the disorder, most are of Anglo-Celtic
origin. Depending on the individual, coeliac disease symptoms
can be severe, moderate or mild, or the person may be asymptomatic
(symptom free). Many people with coeliac disease don't know
they have the condition.
There is no cure for coeliac disease; a gluten free diet
is the only way to manage the condition.
A varied range of symptoms in adults
Coeliac disease is difficult to diagnose because it
is not often characterised by specific complaints. Different
people may experience different symptoms. The most common
symptoms in adults include:
Anaemia (iron
deficiency)
Bloating and
flatulence
Diarrhoea
or constipation
Fatigue, weakness
and lethargy
Nausea and
vomiting
Stomach cramps
Weight loss.
Symptoms in children
The most common symptoms in children include:
Abdominal
pain, bloating and flatulence
Bulky, foul-smelling
bowel motions
Chronic anaemia
Diarrhoea
or constipation
Nausea and
vomiting
Poor weight
gain
Retarded growth
Weight loss.
Click here to see animated anatomy on Oesophagus
and entire Gastrointestinal
system
With a slow connection, it may take about a minute to download
this presentation.
|
