Content Map Terms

Digestive

Last updated: December 12, 2024

Overview

Digestive conditions are problems that affect how your body digests food. Common examples include diverticular disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), reflux and constipation. Learn about healthy eating advice for these and other digestive conditions.

Fibre-modified diets

If you have a digestive health condition, you may need to change your fibre intake to manage symptoms. Learn about fibre and the types and amounts in different foods:

Celiac disease

Celiac disease is a condition where the small intestine gets damaged by gluten. Read tips for following a gluten-free diet and find support groups in your area:

Chewing and swallowing difficulties

Learn about the causes, signs and risks of chewing and swallowing difficulties. Find tips for making meals safe, easy, and enjoyable:

Constipation

Constipation is when you have bowel movements that are hard to pass or happen less often than usual for you. Read about what causes it and how a healthy eating pattern may help:

Diverticular disease

Diverticular disease is when you have pouches or sacs in your colon that can get inflamed. Find out how you can reduce the risk of getting a flare-up:

Gallbladder disease

Gallstones are a type of gallbladder disease that happens when hard stones form in the gallbladder. Discover ways to reduce symptoms and what to eat if your gallbladder is removed:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

GERD is when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. Learn how your eating habits can help reduce symptoms of GERD:

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

IBD is a condition that causes ongoing inflammation of the intestines. The two main forms include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Read about dietary strategies for managing IBD during and between flare-ups:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a chronic condition that affects how the gut works. The exact cause isn’t clear but it may be linked to stress, diet, and bacteria in the gut. Learn about the symptoms of IBS and how to manage them with your diet:

Lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance occurs when the body does not make enough of the enzyme to break down lactose. Read about the symptoms, how it’s diagnosed and dietary advice:

Peptic ulcers

A peptic ulcer is a sore in the inner lining of the stomach or upper small intestine. Find out how to manage a peptic ulcer through what you eat, including foods to limit or avoid:

Useful resources

GI Society

Find articles, videos, symptom charts, stories shared by others, support group details and more.