Do you also have frequent stomach problems? Sometimes, no matter how much medicine you take or how much you control your diet, this constant trouble seems to have no end? In such cases, giving our digestive system, that is, our intestines, a complete rest can be a very good solution. Just like giving a vacation to someone who has worked hard. So, one such medical method that gives rest to the intestines is the 'Elemental Diet'.
Simply put, what is the Elemental Diet?
The Elemental Diet is a special liquid diet that provides complete nutrition. It breaks down the nutrients our bodies need, such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, into their most basic, or "elemental," form.
Just think, our intestines have to do a lot of work to digest the food we eat, right? But on this diet,
- Proteins are broken down into their smallest units , amino acids ,
- Fat is broken down into very simple fatty acids (`short-chain triglycerides`) ,
- The carbohydrates have also been pre-digested into maltodextrins , a type of simple sugar.
In addition to these, essential vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes have also been added to it. Because they are "digested" in this way, these nutrients are absorbed by the body from the upper part of our digestive tract (at the very beginning of the intestine). Therefore, the remaining parts of the intestine get a chance to rest completely without any work. This rest is what helps the intestines that have been damaged by illness or surgery to heal. These are available in the market as a liquid or as a powder that can be dissolved in water.
For what medical conditions is this diet recommended?
This is not a typical weight loss diet. Doctors recommend it for people with severe intestinal disease or those recovering from intestinal surgery. Giving your intestines a break can help reduce inflammation, stop food-related reactions, and control unwanted bacterial growth in your intestines.
| Disease category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Inflammatory or Autoimmune Diseases | Crohn's disease, Colitis, Chronic pancreatitis, Eosinophilic esophagitis, Celiac disease, IBS, Food allergies, SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) |
| When additional nutrition is needed | Anorexia, Cancer, HIV |
| When the digestive system is not working properly | Short bowel syndrome, Pancreatic insufficiency (impaired functioning of the pancreas) |
Who should not do this diet?
This is not for everyone. These two in particular need to be very careful.
- People with diabetes, for example, who have difficulty controlling their blood sugar levels: This diet is high in carbohydrates, which can cause blood sugar levels to spike suddenly.
- People trying to lose weight: The goal of this is not to reduce the amount of calories you eat, but to change the way you eat them. Therefore, this is not suitable for weight loss.
What should you do before starting this diet?
The most important thing is to definitely talk to your doctor before starting this.
This is not a good idea to start on your own. Depending on your medical condition, your doctor will decide whether you should follow this diet for a short period of time, such as three days, or for several weeks. He will also tell you how much of this liquid diet you should consume per day, according to the calorie needs of your body.
Can I eat other foods while on the diet?
If you are on a Full Elemental Diet, you cannot eat any other foods. The goal of this is to minimize bowel activity, so eating other foods will not achieve that goal. However, you may be allowed to drink something like plain tea without sugar or milk.
Sometimes doctors recommend a "half-elemental diet," which means getting half of your daily calories from this liquid and the other half from regular food.
It's a bit difficult, how do you do this successfully?
Drinking the same amount of fluid every day can be a bit mentally challenging, but keeping this in mind can make things easier.
- Drink it well chilled: This powder tastes better when blended with ice cubes and made into a smoothie.
- Drink slowly: Drinking too much at once can make you feel nauseous. So drink little by little. Drink plenty of water during your "meals."
- Take it with you when you go out: If you carry a flask of hot water (like a `thermos`) with you, you won't have a problem even if you get hungry outside.
- Engage in something else: Stop thinking about food and do something else you enjoy. Watch a good movie, talk to a friend, read a book.
Are there any side effects? Should I be worried?
In the early days of starting the diet, you may think, "Oh my, will this make me sicker?" But some side effects can actually be a good sign. But it's important to tell your doctor about any symptoms you experience.
| Side effect | What does that mean? |
|---|---|
| Stomach cramps/pain | In the early days, the stool particles that were stuck in the intestines will start to come out due to the liquid food. This can cause bloating and pain. This is temporary. |
| Detox symptoms (Detox) | When the intestines get a break, the liver starts to remove toxins from the body. This can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. These will go away in a few days, and you will feel much more refreshed. |
| Symptoms of bacterial death | If you have a condition like SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), this diet will starve those bacteria and they will die. This can also cause the detox symptoms mentioned above. |
| Decreased bowel movements | It is normal to have fewer bowel movements on this diet. Some people mistake this for constipation, but it is actually a natural slowing down of the bowel movement. There is nothing to worry about. |
What do you do after the diet is over?
This is also very important. It is not a good idea to start eating regular food immediately after finishing the diet. You need to gradually get your bowels used to working again. Doctors usually recommend following a low-FODMAP diet for a few days. You may also be advised to take probiotics to help restore the good bacteria (flora) in your gut. When you are getting used to eating regular food again, listen to your body. If a food makes you uncomfortable, stop eating it for a while and try again later.
Take-Home Message
- The Elemental Diet is not a weight loss diet, but a medical treatment for severe intestinal conditions.
- Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions before starting, during, and after this diet. Don't make decisions alone.
- Side effects (headaches, stomach aches) in the early days can often be a sign that the body is healing. But inform your doctor about any discomfort.
- This is not a fun or exciting diet, but the results may be worth it in terms of providing relief from your condition.
- After the diet, you should gradually get used to normal food. It's not good to put weight on your stomach all at once.
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