How to Treat Malabsorption

Malabsorption is the term used to refer to the failure of the body to receive nutrients from food. There are over 200 possible causes of malabsorption and the treatment varies slightly from one to the next. There are a few basics, however, that apply to almost all conditions.

Instructions

1. Make an appointment with a specialist for a full workup to try and ascertain the specific cause of malabsorption in your case. You may have to provide a stool sample, or undergo some invasive testing.

2. Drink water. Water will help flush your system and keep your kidneys working better. Also look into enzyme fortified drinks and supplements.

3. Avoid foods you can’t digest. Once you have ruled out an allergy, malabsorption is the most likely cause for lactose or gluten intolerance. Some foods may be more readily accepted when eaten in conjunction with others. You have to be active in planning your diet to pinpoint the cause of malabsorption.

4. Ask your doctor about medication. Depending on your underlying condition, they may be able to prescribe antibiotics for a bacterial infection or anti-inflammatory for conditions such as Crohn's disease.

5. Replace the lost nutrients with alternate foods and high protein-vitamin supplements. Some patients may require as much as 4,000 calories a day just to maintain a minimum body weight.

Tips & Warnings

• Finding out exactly which foods your body cannot digest is often the key to pinpointing your condition. Make a list of all foods you can’t tolerate and take it to the doctor’s office with you. Unfortunately it may take a long process of trial and error before you can pinpoint which foods your body cannot digest.

• Malabsorption can be an early sign of very serious conditions such as cancer. Any sudden and dramatic weight loss is cause for concern. Seek diagnosis and treatment immediately.