Editing Nutrition (section)

=== Gastrointestinal Diets ===

* '''Low-residue or low-fiber:''' for acute diverticulitis, active inflammatory bowel disease flares, bowel prep, and early post-operative bowel recovery. Avoid whole grains, raw fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes.
* '''High-fiber:''' for diverticul'''osis''' (prevention), constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation. Do not confuse this with diverticul'''itis''', which requires low fiber during the acute flare and a return to high fiber after resolution.
* '''Gluten-free (celiac disease):''' strictly eliminate wheat, rye, and barley. Safe grains include rice, corn, quinoa, buckwheat, millet, amaranth, and certified gluten-free oats. Cross-contamination from shared toasters, fryers, and cutting boards is a real cause of ongoing symptoms.
* '''Lactose-restricted:''' lactose-free milk, hard aged cheeses, and yogurt with live cultures are often tolerated. Ensure alternative calcium and vitamin D sources.
* '''GERD:''' small frequent meals, avoid eating within 3 hours of lying down, elevate the head of the bed, and limit caffeine, chocolate, peppermint, alcohol, fatty or fried food, citrus, tomato, and carbonated beverages. Weight loss and smoking cessation help most.
* '''Dumping syndrome''' (after gastrectomy or bariatric surgery): small frequent meals, high protein, moderate fat, '''low simple carbohydrate''', fluids taken between meals rather than with meals, and lying down or reclining for 20 to 30 minutes after eating.
* '''Hepatic disease:''' restrict sodium and often fluid when ascites is present. Provide adequate protein and calories; blanket protein restriction in cirrhosis is no longer standard and worsens muscle wasting. Small frequent meals with a late evening snack reduce catabolism.
* '''Pancreatitis:''' nothing by mouth during severe acute episodes, then advance to a low-fat diet. Alcohol is eliminated. Pancreatic enzyme replacement is taken with meals and snacks in chronic pancreatitis.
* '''Gout:''' limit high-purine foods such as organ meats, anchovies, sardines, shellfish, red meat, and beer. Encourage generous fluid intake.