Diet for blood in stool

Following are some dietary changes that can help control this condition:

Inflammation is commonly seen in some digestive issues such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, etc. If this inflammation is not treated, it can worsen your condition. If you frequently experience inflammation, some of the following food options can be helpful for you:

• Omega 3 fatty acid-rich food: Omega 3 fatty acids are known as an anti-inflammatory nutrient. Fatty fish contain a good amount of omega-3 fatty acids. If you are vegetarian, have more walnuts and flaxseeds regularly.  

• Sweet potato: Sweet potato contains a good amount of choline, which is a micronutrient that helps reduce inflammation in the body. Frequent consumption of sweet potato can be beneficial in controlling the bleeding.

• Turmeric: Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can be had raw, powdered or in pill form. To include this food in your diet, add it in your herbal tea, milk, curry, lentil or pickle.

• Colourful fruits and vegetables: All colourful fruits and vegetables should be added to your diet to control this condition. They all have a good amount of fiber, water, vitamins and minerals. But always choose fresh and seasonal options rather than packaged juices or soups for the wholesome benefits. 

There are certain food options that can increase acid reflux, gas, constipation, inflammation and other conditions which can flare up and worsen the condition. Try to avoid having the following:

Spicy and greasy food: Spicy, fried, greasy and fatty foods can all cause heartburn and lead to reflux because they prevent the lower esophageal sphincter from fully tightening; this creates an opening for stomach acids to flow upward which can work as a trigger.

Foods that increase inflammation in the body: Evidence suggests that eating too much added sugar and too many refined carbohydrates can cause inflammation in the stomach. So try to avoid white sugar, honey, fruit juices, all-purpose flour, sweets, carbonated and energy drinks, etc.

Smoking and alcohol: Alcohol and smoking can increase stomach acids and lead to ulcers. Do not drink alcoholic beverages or smoke if you have GI bleeding.

Caffeine-rich foods and drinks: Caffeine can dehydrate your body, which increases the risk of constipation; this can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding in few diseases. If you crave caffeinated foods and drinks, replace your tea, coffee, energy drinks and chocolate with non-caffeinated green tea, turmeric tea, herbal tea, lemon water, buttermilk and jaggery, etc.

Processed foods: Processed food is bad for the gut as it can have a harmful effect on the ‘good bacteria’ that live in our gut, interact with our immune system and work as a trigger that leads to chronic inflammation and other health conditions which can cause blood in the stool. To eliminate this food group, choose home-cooked food and avoid ready-to-eat items like french fries, packaged snacks (chips, namkeen, biscuits), bakery products (cake, pastry), processed meat items (bacon, sausage, ham, salami), etc.

Below is a sample meal plan, which can be easily followed by a person who is suffering from blood in stool:

• Early morning: Warm water (1 glass) + soaked raisins (8-10)
• Breakfast: Sago porridge (1 bowl) + strawberry smoothie (1 glass)
• Midmeal: Orange (1) / buttermilk (1 glass)
• Lunch: Vegetable khichadi (1 bowl) + curd (1 bowl)
• Evening tea: Herbal tea (1 cup) + mashed paneer (15-20 grams)
• Dinner: Lentil soup (1 bowl) + mashed rice (1 bowl) + vegetable curry (1 bowl)
• Bed-time: Papaya (1 bowl)