Food plays a key role in our health and well-being. Several recent scientific studies have shown that this statement is still true. A diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, vegetable proteins and unsaturated fats can reduce the risk of disease. Diet is therefore a key element in the prevention and management of many diseases. However, for people with disease, does this still apply? Obviously, diet plays an even more important role for people with amyloidosis. So, amyloidosis and diet, read our latest tips in this article.
Digestive problems in people with amyloidosis
Digestive problems can be common in people with amyloidosis. The reason for these problems is the abnormal accumulation of proteins in their gastrointestinal tract. They are caused by a number of factors including inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, impaired intestinal motility or malabsorption of nutrients. Commonly described symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhoea. These symptoms can be very debilitating and sometimes prevent patients from leaving their homes.
Consulting a doctor and dietician for advice and appropriate treatment can obviously help to manage the digestive symptoms associated with amyloidosis. However, the medicines prescribed by these health professionals do not provide real solutions to these problems. They only help to relieve patients. In addition to these medications, we offer advice on how to reduce digestive problems in people with these disorders.
Our advice to improve their quality of life
It is essential that people with amyloidosis pay special attention to their diet. This could improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of complications related to their disease. Here are some nutrition tips from Jean-Christophe Fidalgo, President of the Amyloidosis Alliance:
- Blond psyllium: this is a natural vegetable fibre that swells up to 40 times its volume in the presence of liquid. Mixed with water, it forms a gel that helps to regulate digestion. Jean-Christophe Fidalgo takes one tablespoon a day. It is very important to note that each dose must be taken at a distance from the medication (1 to 2 hours before or after taking the medication). Digestive improvements should appear after a few weeks.
- Intermittent fasting: the two advantages of this practice are, on the one hand, that it feeds the digestive system and, on the other hand, its anti-inflammatory effect. There are many different forms of intermittent fasting. Jean-Christophe Fidalgo has opted for the one that seems simplest to him: the daily 14-hour fast. It is important to stay well hydrated during the fasting periods and to avoid sugary drinks. After a few days, you will feel comfortable with your digestive system.
- Chrono-nutrition: its basic principle is to eat everything but not at any time. It is a question of grouping foods according to their speed of digestion: eat the foods that are heaviest to digest (fatty protein and slow sugar) at the beginning of the day. Avoid drinking during meals so as not to dissolve the digestive juices and slow down digestion.
- Microbiota: it corresponds to the microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) that colonise our intestines. More and more studies show a link between the microbiota and various pathologies. It is important to enrich your microbiota through your diet: take lacto-fermented foods, eat yoghurts, fruit, vegetables and legumes rich in fibre, garlic and onions. In addition, you can also take a probiotic cure twice a year, preferably in autumn and spring, which will help improve your immune system.
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