ELEMENTAL DIET Meaning and
Definition
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An elemental diet is a therapeutic approach to nutrition that involves consuming easily digestible nutrients in a pre-digested and liquid form in order to give the gastrointestinal tract a period of rest and healing. This specialized diet consists of essential amino acids, simple carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements that are broken down into their simplest elemental forms, making them highly absorbable by the body.
Typically used as a short-term treatment for individuals with severe gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), an elemental diet aims to alleviate symptoms and reduce inflammation in the digestive system. Because the nutrients are already broken down, the digestive system requires minimal effort to process them, giving the intestines an opportunity to heal and repair.
The elemental diet is implemented under the supervision of a healthcare professional to ensure proper balancing of nutrients and to monitor progress. It can be delivered orally or through a feeding tube, depending on the patient's specific needs and condition. This diet is often recommended when other dietary modifications and medications have not provided sufficient relief.
While an elemental diet serves as a short-term solution, it is not intended for long-term use due to its potential limitations, such as inadequate fiber intake and lack of variety in nutrients. Therefore, it is necessary to transition gradually back to a regular diet as the gastrointestinal system improves and can handle more complex foods.
Common Misspellings for ELEMENTAL DIET
- wlemental diet
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Etymology of ELEMENTAL DIET
The word "elemental" comes from the Latin word "elementalis", which means "pertaining to the elements". The term "elemental" in the context of the elemental diet refers to the concept of breaking down food into its basic components or elements. In this diet, the food is typically consumed in a liquid form, consisting of essential nutrients such as amino acids, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, without any whole foods or complex substances. The goal is to provide the body with the essential elements it needs while minimizing digestive strain. Therefore, the term "elemental diet" indicates a diet that focuses on elemental nutrition or the fundamental elements necessary for sustenance.
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