Malabsorption Syndrome

Malabsorption is a broad term to describe the failure of the body to properly absorb vitamins, minerals and other nutrients from food.

Malabsorption can be specific or non specific; targeting fats, lipids, and vitamins or targeting all of the above. Regardless of your diet or how many supplements you take, those suffering from Malabsorption syndrome will still have nutritional deficiencies, which lead to other problems.

Malabsorption isn’t a disease in itself; but rather the result of another condition that is present. There are over one hundred conditions that contribute to malabsorption, most of which are rare. This means that people suffering from malabsorption may not even know it.

Causes of Malabsorption Syndrome:

Some diseases/ailments that can cause malabsorption syndrome include:

  • Poor diet
  • Excess mucous covering the intestinal lining
  • Imbalance of intestinal bacterial flora
  • Food allergies
  • Diseases of the pancreas, gallbladder, liver and bile duct
  • Disorders such as celiac disease, colitis, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, and irritable bowel syndrome
  • Lactose intolerance
  • Parasitic infestation
  • Excessive consumption of alcohol, antacids or laxatives
  • Chronic constipation and/or diarrhea
  • Too-rapid intestinal transit time
  • Radiation therapy
  • Digitalis treatment
  • Surgery that shortens the intestinal tract
  • AIDS

Malabsorption can occur from impaired digestion, impaired absorption of nutrients in the blood stream from the digestive tract, or a combination of both.

The most common symptom of malabsorption is diarrhea, although malabsorption of nutrients can occur even without diarrhea.

Symptoms of malabsorption syndrome include:

  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Dry skin
  • Fatigue
  • Gas
  • Mental difficulties (depression, the inability to concentrate, etc.)
  • Muscle cramps and/or weakness
  • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
  • Steatorrhea (pale, bulky, fatty stools)
  • Easily bruise
  • Failure to grow normally
  • Thinning hair
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Visual difficulties (especially night vision)

Home Remedies for Malabsorption Syndrome:

Dietary Recommendations:

There are a variety of specific dietary recommendations for people suffering from malabsorption syndrome. The dietary restriction is supposed to give the colon a chance to heal and to cleanse its walls of hard matter and mucous.

Follow this regimen for 30 days:

  • Eat a diet high in complex carbohydrates and low in fats
  • Eat plenty of fruits (except citrus fruits)
  • Consume fresh papaya and pineapple often
  • Eat broiled, steamed or baked white fish three times a week
  • Eat small portions of food throughout the day
  • Drink six to eight glasses of water, juice, or herbal tea daily
  • Do not consume wheat products
  • Avoid all products containing caffeine (that includes chocolate)
  • Keep fat and oil consumption to a bare minimum
  • Do not eat meat or meat products
  • Avoid all processed foods!