Content Map Terms

Digestive

Many conditions may affect your ability to digest food well. These healthy eating resources can help you make healthy food choices that work best for you and your gastrointestinal condition.

Chewing Difficulties

If you have a hard time chewing, it may be difficult to maintain a healthy eating pattern. Learn about foods that are soft, moist and easy to chew. See: Healthy Eating Guidelines for People with Chewing Difficulties

Constipation

Find information about what constipation is, what causes it and how a healthy eating pattern may help. See: Managing Constipation with Diet: Adults (HealthLinkBC File #68l).

Diverticular Disease

Diverticular disease is when you have pouches or sacs in the walls of your colon. Sometimes these pouches can become inflamed and cause abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. To learn about the steps you can take to help manage diverticular disease. See: Healthy Eating Guidelines for People with Diverticular Disease.

Fibre

Dietary fibre is important for your digestive health and can be found in whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables. If you have a digestive health condition, you may need to reduce your fibre intake for a period of time to manage symptoms during flare-ups. Learn about the types and amounts of fibre in different foods

Gallbladder Disease

Gallstones develop when cholesterol and other substances in the bile form crystals that become hard stones in the gallbladder. To learn about nutrition advice for gallbladder disease. See: Eating Guidelines for Gallbladder Disease.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestion problem that causes episodes of belly pain, cramping or bloating, and diarrhea or constipation. To learn about the symptoms of IBS and advice for managing these symptoms, see:.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a condition that causes ongoing inflammation of the intestines. Learn about the symptoms and nutrition advice for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. See: Bowel Disease: Changing Your Diet.

Lactose Intolerance

Find out information about what lactose intolerance is, what the symptoms are, how it is diagnosed, and how it is treated.

Peptic Ulcers

A peptic ulcer is a sore in the inner lining of the stomach or upper small intestine. Find information on how to manage your ulcer through healthy eating. See: Healthy Eating Guidelines for People with Peptic Ulcers.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a problem some people have with foods that contain gluten. Gluten is a type of protein. It's found in the grains wheat, barley, rye, and triticale (a wheat-rye cross). Find out information about symptoms of celiac disease and how to manage the disease. See: Celiac Disease: Eating a Gluten-Free Diet.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

If you experience frequent heartburn, nausea and loss of appetite, you may have GERD. Find out more about reducing symptoms through healthy eating. See: GERD: Controlling Heartburn by Changing Your Habits.

Useful Resources

Canadian Celiac Association

The Canadian Celiac Association is dedicated to supporting people with celiac disease through awareness programs, advocacy, education and research. This website provides information about celiac disease. Find information about what it is, the symptoms, diagnosis, related diseases and conditions, and how to manage the disease. You can also find information on the gluten-free diet. See: Living a Healthy Gluten Free Life.

Crohn's and Colitis Canada

The Crohn's & Colitis Canada website provides information to help educate and increase awareness about inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). For more information about living with IBD, see: Crohn's and Colitis Canada.

GI Society

The GI Society is a Canadian organization committed to improving the lives of people with gastrointestinal and liver conditions. It supports research, advocates for appropriate patient access to health care and promotes gastrointestinal and liver health. To learn more or to watch videos about IBS or IBD, see:

Last Updated: June 2021