What role does diet play in the treatment of eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)?
This comprehensive guide will help you understand the importance of diet for managing eosinophilic Esophagitis. In my role as a dietician and nutritionist, I will provide in-depth details on the impact that dietary modifications can have on this condition. Expect to gain practical advice on how to improve your diet and what foods to avoid. Let's delve into it.
What Diet is Important in the Management of Eosinophilic Esophagitis?
Eosinophilic Esophagitis is an allergic, inflammatory condition characterized by high levels of eosinophils within the esophagus. Numerous studies indicate that diet is crucial in managing the disease. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology conducted research that showed dietary treatments can result in histological remission for up to 70 percent of patients.
By changing your diet, you can eliminate foods that cause inflammation. This will reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. It's also important to remember that improper diets or excessively restricted ones can lead to nutritional deficiency. Any dietary change should only be done under the supervision of a health care professional.
Get Started with Dietary Control for EoE
Consult a health care provider who is experienced with EoE before making drastic changes. The healthcare provider may recommend one of the three main dietary approaches, including targeted elimination, elimination of six foods, or an elemental diet.
Targeted elimination is the removal of specific foods that have been identified by skin tests or blood tests as being allergens. Six-food elimination involves eliminating the common EoE triggers, including milk, eggs and wheat. Also, avoid soya, nuts, seafood, and other foods. In the elemental diet (the most restrictive), you can only consume formulas based on amino acids.
Example of Dietary Modifications to Manage EoE
- It is important to avoid dairy products: According to studies , cow's milk has been shown as the main cause of EoE.
- Reduce wheat consumption. Wheat is a major allergen that causes EoE symptoms.
- Eggs and soy are among the most common allergens that cause EoE.
- Remove nuts and fish from your diet. These can cause allergic reactions that lead to EoE.
- Elemental Diets: If the condition is severe, amino acids-based formulae may be necessary.
- Include fruits and vegetables in your diet: they are well tolerated and contain essential nutrients.
- Consumption of moderate amounts of meat is generally allowed, unless the food has been found to trigger allergies through testing.
- Oats and rice are usually safe choices for those with EoE.
- Keep hydrated. Drinking water helps digestion, and prevents dehydration.
- Eat smaller meals to reduce the stress on your esophagus.
Other Tips
Other lifestyle changes can also help to manage EoE. Exercise helps digestion, and can reduce stress which may exacerbate EoE. Avoiding late-night food and maintaining a healthy body weight will also reduce acid reflux. This is a major cause of EoE. Remember to monitor your health and make any necessary adjustments in your diet under the supervision of your healthcare provider.
Conclusion
Diet plays an important role in the management of eosinophilic Esophagitis. Understanding your triggers, and then making the necessary changes can help you reduce symptoms and improve quality of your life. It's important to follow a professional's advice when making these dietary changes to get all of the nutrition your body requires. The guide below should be a good starting point to help you manage EoE with dietary modifications.
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