Diet and gastrointestinal disease

Dietary manipulation can be an important part of therapy for several common gastrointestinal disorders. In Crohn disease, the provision of adequate protein and calories may not only improve symptoms but may be associated with acceleration of growth. In celiac disease, the dietary restriction of gluten is curative of the intestinal inflammation. In chronic nonspecific diarrhea and functional constipation, the provision of appropriate amounts of fiber and fluids may ameliorate symptoms. A thorough understanding of the role of diet is essential to the management of these disorders.