327 recipes for dysbiosis, heartburn, flatulence, constipationA. A. Sinelnikova, 2013

Dysbacteriosis is a violation of the quantitative balance of the composition of microorganisms in the intestinal microflora. People of different age categories are susceptible to the disease. Due to the weak expression of symptoms at an early stage of development, diagnosis and treatment of the pathology becomes more difficult. Proper nutrition plays a huge role in the success of restoring intestinal microflora.

The importance of diet

Doctors say that the body’s reaction to following a special diet manifests itself very quickly. Over the course of several days, the pathogenic flora decreases and improves. The intestinal environment is quite “smart” and can itself fight to maintain a healthy balance in the body. To this end, she makes certain clues in the form of food preferences.

The specialist always pays attention to which foods cause special cravings in the patient - this allows us to determine the nature of the microflora.

Supplementing therapy with a special diet makes it possible not only to eliminate the symptoms of the disease, but also to fully cure it, so it is important to follow the nutritional advice given by your doctor.

What is dysbiosis?

Due to the bacteria that populate the digestive tract, food is digested and beneficial microelements are absorbed. There are no such bacteria in the stomach cavity - they populate the large intestine.

There are more than 500 of them and, thanks to their optimal ratio, the intestines can work in the correct mode. They synthesize some vitamins and promote the absorption of minerals. Intestinal bacteria remove toxins and harmful substances that poison the body.

Beneficial bacteria include:

1. Bifidobacteria.
2. Lactobacilli.
3. Bacteroides.

With a significant decrease in beneficial bacteria, pathogenic flora begins to actively develop, which is also present in our body - fungi of the genus Candida, streptococci, aphylococci and Protea. An imbalance leads to their proliferation, which is the cause of various diseases in the body.

Important!
The intestinal microflora ensures cholesterol, fat, carbohydrate and protein metabolism.

Reasons for the development of dysbiosis

The specific reasons that can trigger the disease have not yet been established. But there are known factors that provoke dysbacteriosis:

• 
  Despite the various reasons underlying dysbiosis, their development is characterized by a number of common signs: improper diet;

• taking antibacterial drugs;
• frequent stress and nervous system disorders;
• pathologies of the digestive system;
• allergic reaction;
• surgical intervention;
• parasites in the body;
• use of hormonal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for treatment;
• infection in the intestines;
• viral diseases.

It is also known that the risks of dysbiosis increase with a weak immune system.

Infant nutrition for dysbacteriosis

How to improve the health of a newborn’s intestines and cure dysbiosis in infants using baby food? We solve the problem of dysbiosis: we discuss its signs, medical tests, treatment, nutrition and much more with the candidate of medical sciences, a doctor of the highest category, a pediatrician and the deputy head of the children's hospital on Savelovskaya Alla Anatolyevna Shcherbakova.

— Alla Anatolyevna, what is included in the concept of “dysbacteriosis in infants”?

— Dysbacteriosis is a foreign word meaning a disorder in the composition of bacteria. In our particular case, dysbiosis is considered as a disorder in the intestines, because there is skin dysbiosis, respiratory tract dysbiosis and even blood dysbiosis.

Intestinal dysbiosis in infants is a disturbance of the microbiota, the composition of the microscopic inhabitants of the gastrointestinal tract.

The concept of dysbiosis exists, but there is no such diagnosis in the international classification of diseases, just as there are no norms for the content of intestinal microbiota in a child of the first year of life. Therefore, changes in the microbiota that the laboratory gives in the results of medical tests may be a variant of the norm, but also a manifestation of an intestinal infection, and a condition after the prescription of antibiotics or probiotics. Children cannot be diagnosed with dysbacteriosis.

— Why do newborns have digestive problems and how long does dysbiosis last in a child?

— At birth, the baby switches from nutrition through the placenta to enteral nutrition with breast milk or formula. With the beginning of milk feeding, a foreign inflammatory process occurs in the intestines, which is accompanied by the formation of microbiota - “good” (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli) and opportunistic (staphylococci, klebsiella, enterococci, etc.). Opportunistic microbes can cause fermentation processes, which are considered normal during artificial and natural feeding. Therefore, treatment of opportunistic microflora is not required in 99% of cases. The natural process will end by three months, this is colic that accompanies the so-called dysbiosis.

— Do signs of dysbiosis in infants often confuse parents?

— Newborns and babies often have problems with the gastrointestinal tract - insufficient weight gain, regurgitation, constipation, diarrhea, changes in the nature and color of stool, and others. And in these situations, parents often test their baby’s stool for dysbacteriosis. And when they see differences in the results from the presented norms, they begin to get nervous and come to the appointment. But the research performed will be unfounded and uninformative, and the pediatrician will not take it into account.

— If a stool test for dysbacteriosis in an infant has no diagnostic value, how then are disorders of the digestive system diagnosed in a child under one year old?

— Today, pediatricians do not prescribe tests for dysbacteriosis. There are no norms for the content of microbes in the microbiota and dysbacteriosis in children of the first year of life.

The study is not informative, and the change in microbiota that the results show does not require any treatment or recommendations.

Fever, vomiting, diarrhea, loose stools, and abdominal pain in a child can be manifestations of an intestinal infection. Any child complaints require a preliminary examination by a doctor. If an infectious disease is suspected, a stool test for the intestinal group is prescribed - a test for enteroviruses, rotaviruses, noroviruses, which has diagnostic and therapeutic meaning.

— Are dysbacteriosis and an allergic reaction in children somehow connected? Is it necessary to treat dysbiosis in a baby with food allergies?

— Complaints about insufficient weight gain, regurgitation, constipation, changes in stool character, mucus and blood in the stool, staphylococci and Klebsiella in the stool, analysis for dysbacteriosis - most often such disturbances of the intestinal microbiota of a small child will be a secondary process against the background of food allergies. In case of food intolerance, it is necessary to prescribe therapeutic nutrition to the child, and not to fight dysbacteriosis. If you have any complaints, you should contact a gastroenterologist who provides pediatric care.

— Alla Anatolyevna, is it possible to prevent dysbiosis in infants? For example, should a newborn be given probiotics and prebiotics?

— Artificial formula is sterile unless probiotics are added to it. Breast milk contains not only prebiotics and probiotics, but also other living components that affect the baby's microbiota and the contents of his intestines. And this is a good manifestation of the interaction between mother and child. Studies have shown that the microbiota of breast milk turns into the microbiota of the baby’s intestines and is subsequently accompanied by the development of children’s immunity, promotes better absorption of nutrients, and therefore the growth and development of the child.

Probiotics given to young children may be unsafe. It is best to discuss all therapeutic decisions with your doctor. It makes no sense to prescribe probiotics to solve an existing gastrointestinal problem, because you first need to select a diet - and the dysbiosis will go away on its own.

What you can and cannot eat if you have intestinal dysbiosis

In case of dysbacteriosis, nutrition should be balanced. There are a number of foods that need to be excluded, especially at the acute stage. Refer to the lists of allowed and prohibited foods.

Authorized Products

The diet is based on the following products:

• rice and other cereals;
• dill, parsley;
• boiled potatoes;
• steamed cutlets;
• low-fat broths for meat and fish;
• boiled vegetables;
• fermented milk products;
• jelly.

Products to Avoid

During treatment, the following products are excluded from the menu:

• 
  The main functions of normal microflora of the intestinal tract.

  pickles, smoked meats, marinades;
• spicy food;
• fresh fruits and vegetables;
• canned food;
• seasonings;
• millet;
• sausages;
• carbonated drinks;
• berries;
• mushrooms;
• seafood.

Mostly prohibited foods include foods that cause flatulence.

Diet principles

There are general principles of diet for dysbiosis. But you need to keep in mind that it may be accompanied by diarrhea or constipation.

For diarrhea

If the pathology is accompanied by diarrhea, then it is recommended to give the stomach and intestines rest for 2-3 days. You can use compotes, decoctions, broths, jelly. Decoctions of oak bark, bergenia root, and bird cherry fruit normalize stool. Sugar should not be added to drinks. Further, the diet should be based on pureed food at room temperature. Otherwise, you need to follow the general recommendations.

For constipation

Fiber is needed to normalize intestinal function. The diet includes fresh vegetables and fruits, not only stewed and baked, but also raw. Under the influence of digestive juices, fiber swells in the intestines and ensures the proper formation of feces. It also activates the growth of beneficial microorganisms. It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids.

Useful products for improving peristalsis are bran, prunes, applesauce, rhubarb compote. Otherwise, you need to adhere to general principles.

General recommendations

The general rules for constructing a therapeutic diet for correcting microflora are as follows:

• 
  If you want to restore the bacterial balance of the intestines and improve your overall health, start with proper nutrition. It is recommended to eat food 5-6 times a day in small portions, chewing it thoroughly.

• If there is an individual intolerance to any product, it is excluded from the diet.
• It is necessary to minimize the amount of refined foods in the diet.
• Mandatory components in the diet are fermented milk products and fiber.
• You need to maintain a balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
• The body must receive enough arginine and glutamine. Their sources are fish, chicken, beef, nuts, pumpkin seeds, wheat flour, peas, spinach, parsley.
• It is recommended to lean on mucous fresh food, which should be mild and unsalted.
• Food needs to be boiled or steamed. Frying is not allowed.
• When bloating occurs, fresh foods need to be thermally processed.
• It is important to drink enough water.
• Nutrition should be complete, but you should not overeat, since with dysbacteriosis the body absorbs and digests food more slowly.

Symptoms of the disease

There are 4 stages of the disease, each of which has its own characteristics:

1. 1st stage
   . Characterized by a slight change in the number of beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms. Most often it occurs due to taking antibiotics or changing diet. At this stage, discomfort can only be manifested by rumbling in the stomach. After eliminating the factor that negatively affected the microflora, its independent restoration is possible.
2. 2nd stage.
   There is a decrease in appetite, formation of gases in the intestines and a metallic taste in the mouth. Very often, constipation or diarrhea occurs, which can alternate. Rashes appear on the skin that cannot be treated.
3. 3rd stage.
   Inflammation of the intestines develops, which leads to severe abdominal pain. Symptoms characteristic of the second stage progress. During defecation, you may notice the remains of undigested food. Mandatory medical treatment is required.
4. 4th stage.
   Pathogenic microorganisms have almost completely colonized the intestines. Beneficial elements entering the body with food cannot be absorbed, which leads to the development of vitamin deficiency and anemia. A person feels a constant loss of strength, depression, and sleep is disturbed. This stage is characterized by the rapid development of infectious and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Treatment should be carried out by a specialist. This is a fairly serious disease that can lead to disastrous consequences if left untreated. Only in the first stage is treatment possible at home, which will consist of taking probiotics and following a diet.

Diet for pregnant and lactating women with microflora disorders

For intestinal dysbiosis in pregnant and lactating women, diet is the safest treatment measure. To normalize metabolic processes and the functioning of the digestive tract, it is recommended to eat 5-6 times a day in small portions.

The diet is based on porridge, lean meat and fish, which are steamed, stewed or boiled. Vegetables, fruits and herbs are also useful. They can be consumed fresh or cooked - this should be decided by the doctor. Fruits are acceptable in the form of fruit drinks, compotes, and purees.

The importance of proper nutrition

The diet should be balanced and exclude foods that lead to the formation of gases in the intestines. You need to eat 5-7 times a day. You should not overeat or consume large amounts of vegetables or fruits. During the period of exacerbation of the disease they are contraindicated. Very important:

1. Eliminate fatty and spicy foods from your diet. It promotes the spread of pathogenic bacteria and negatively affects intestinal motility.
2. For diarrhea and flatulence, fermenting foods are absolutely contraindicated.
3. Alcohol is completely prohibited.
4. Sugar and confectionery products are contraindicated.
5. Drinking tea after meals should be no earlier than 30 minutes later.
6. Instead of frying, use stewing or boiling as a heat treatment.
7. The diet should contain foods rich in lacto and bifidobacteria. These include Ayran, kefir, Bifidok.
8. You should not eat processed foods or fast food.
9. Drinking coffee and carbonated drinks is prohibited.
10. Try to avoid products with added flavor enhancers.

During dysbacteriosis, food must undergo careful processing. Only cucumbers are allowed to be consumed raw. It is best to cook steamed dishes. The basis of nutrition will be fresh and slimy food. Only in extreme cases, it is possible to add a small amount of salt.

Healthy foods

The diet should consist of healthy foods that supply the body with all the necessary microelements. Drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day. Herbal decoctions that have a positive effect on the digestive tract are useful.

If you have an individual intolerance to one of the “healthy” foods, it must be excluded from the diet. Very often dysbiosis is accompanied by food allergies.

Allowed foods during the diet:

1. Rice.
2. Parsley and dill.
3. Low-fat chicken and fish broths.
4. Boiled potatoes.
5. Steam cutlets.
6. Boiled vegetables.
7. Dairy products.
8. Kissel.

Prohibited Products

The list of prohibited foods for dysbiosis has much in common with other diets aimed at improving the health of the body. With a balanced and proper diet, the body is enriched with all the necessary nutrients and the functioning of the digestive system is normalized.

During treatment you should not consume:

1. Smoked meats.
2. Pickles.
3. Marinades.
4. Spicy dishes.
5. Bran.
6. Fresh vegetables and fruits.
7. Canned goods.
8. Millet.
9. Seasonings.
10. Carbonated drinks.
11. Sausages.
12. Confectionery.
13. Mushrooms.
14. Berries.
15. Seafood.

You should not include prohibited foods in your diet immediately after recovery. They should be introduced gradually so as not to disrupt the digestive system again. It is forbidden to overeat and eat large portions.

Important!
A diet for dysbiosis is not aimed at reducing body weight, although it can contribute to this.

What foods go together: general principles and approximate diet

In case of dysbacteriosis, separate nutrition is recommended. It is recommended to eat legumes with cereals, vegetable oils, sour cream, vegetables, and bread. Sour fruits can be safely combined with fermented milk products. The latter can also be combined with vegetables. You can use nuts and dried fruits with fruits and vegetables. Cereals are combined with plant foods, but combining meat and fish with carbohydrates is not recommended.

It is not recommended to mix whole milk and eggs with other products, except perhaps with a light vegetable salad. Fermented milk products go well with fresh herbs.

Sample diet for a week

The diet should be prepared together with a doctor. An approximate menu for intestinal dysbiosis for a week is presented below.

Monday

• Breakfast: banana, 20-30 minutes later - porridge, herbal tea;
• Second breakfast: vegetable salad with added herbs, medium-sized fruit;
• Lunch: boiled chicken with grated cheese and herbs;
• Afternoon snack: fruit;
• Dinner: boiled or steamed fish, egg.

Tuesday

• Breakfast: buckwheat, kefir, tea without sugar;
• Second breakfast: fruit;
• Lunch: steamed fish with vegetables;
• Afternoon snack: fruit;
• Dinner: steamed chicken, fresh vegetable salad.

Wednesday

• Breakfast: rice, kefir;
• Second breakfast: fruit;
• Lunch: salad of boiled beef and vegetables;
• Afternoon snack: dried fruits and milk;
• Dinner: cottage cheese casserole without sugar.

Thursday

• Breakfast: cottage cheese casserole without sugar;
• Second breakfast: sour fruits;
• Lunch: stewed fish with vegetables;
• Afternoon snack: dried fruits;
• Dinner: salad with cheese, tomatoes, herbs and basil.

Friday

• Breakfast: cereal soaked in kefir;
• Second breakfast: citrus fruits;
• Lunch: veal stew with peppers and tomatoes;
• Afternoon snack: seasonal berries;
• Dinner: vegetable salad with Feta cheese;

Saturday

• Breakfast: millet porridge with water without sugar;
• Second breakfast: fruit;
• Lunch: vegetables, fish soup;
• Afternoon snack: nuts;
• Dinner: steamed omelette.

Sunday

It is recommended to make this day a fasting day by choosing one product: apples, kefir, cucumbers, and so on.

Video on the topic: What is dysbiosis? What foods should be consumed if the intestinal microflora is disturbed?

Diet for dysbiosis

There is a special diet that can be used to create a diet. In medicine it is called “Diet No. 4”. Ideally, the menu should be drawn up by the attending physician, who introduces some amendments to the original diet, depending on the manifestation of symptoms and the cause of the disease.

Sample menu:

This diet does not include strict restrictions, and you will not feel hungry on it. Depending on your taste preferences, you can add other foods that are not on the list of prohibited foods. You need to stick to this diet until complete recovery. Red moles appear, study the link. Read what you should not eat if you have a stomach ulcer on our website.

What can patients with dysbiosis drink?

If changes are observed in the intestinal microflora, you also need to carefully monitor your diet. You should drink liquid no later than half an hour before meals and no earlier than 2 hours after it.

All alcoholic drinks and carbonated waters are prohibited. It is recommended to limit kvass and sour jelly. Infusions of chamomile and mint, cranberry juice and jelly, and compote based on dried fruits will be useful. You can also supplement your diet with drinks based on bitter herbs. For diarrhea, compotes made from astringent berries, infusions based on pomegranate peels and oak bark are useful. You need to drink still water, preferably mineral water. For carbonated drinks, you must first eliminate the gases. To do this, leave the bottle open for some time.

Prevention

Specific prevention of dysbacteriosis has not been developed. It is recommended to lead a healthy lifestyle and monitor your diet. In the prevention of the disease in children and infants, attention is paid to breastfeeding the baby, at least until he is six months old.

During treatment, it is necessary to monitor the fluid balance in the body.

Supplement to the diet: folk recipes

After consultation with a specialist, the diet can be supplemented with herbal medicinal infusions. It is recommended to combine different plants with each other. Herbal medicine is usually divided into several stages:

• Stage 1 . Plants such as St. John's wort, anise, and coltsfoot are used to help normalize the microflora. Chamomile, blackberry, calamus and other herbs can be used for disinfection.
• Stage 2 . Treatment is aimed at relieving inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, restoring balance in the body and normalizing digestion. Plants such as chamomile, yarrow, marigold, St. John's wort, etc. are used.
• Stage 3 . To eliminate toxins from the body, flax seeds, leaves and roots of elecampane, angelica, and calamus are used.
• Stage 4 . For diarrhea, it is useful to use astringent components that are contained in oak bark, cinquefoil, and bergenia root. Bird cherry fruits, infusions with burnet root and erect cinquefoil also help.
• Stage 5 . Anise, cumin, and fennel can be used to combat constipation. If there is a large amount of feces that injure the anus, you can use a mixture of buckthorn, milkweed, Alexandria leaf and hogweed.
• Stage 6 . Elecampane, marshmallow, angelica, and flax seeds will help protect the mucous membranes of organs from the negative influence of pathogenic microorganisms.
• Stage 7 . The body needs to be saturated with energy and vitality. For this, infusions of rowan, black currant, rose hips, string, and strawberries can be used. Herbs can be combined with milk sugar. Chamomile will help normalize stools and eliminate intestinal spasms; lactose will help restore microflora. Plantain is useful for diarrhea. For flatulence, you can chew fennel seeds. Another proven remedy for problems with microflora is garlic along with fermented milk products.