Restaurant owners could help those with digestive disorders such as Crohn’s and Colitis by having a list of all ingredients. It is unrealistic to put all the ingredients on a menu; however, at the bottom of the menu, they could have a note saying “ingredient list upon request.”
I used to suffer with Crohn’s disease and once I learned there were certain ingredients that did not agree with me, I would ask to see the ingredient list. Usually they would have to bring out the giant container for me to read. It should not be like this. There should be a special binder or book that is quick to look at and know what not to order.
When it comes to IBS and IBD, sufferers of these conditions have super sensitive stomachs and there are known ingredients that can cause problems. Two great examples are carrageenan and saturated milk fats.
Carrageenan is a common food additive derived from red seaweed; however, it is highly processed. It is a thickening agent used to thicken, stabilize or make things creamy. The problem is there are animal studies indicating that carrageenan can interfere with digestion and absorption of nutrients, resulting in a decreased digestibility and enlargement of digestive organs. Although turned down, scientists at the University of Illinois at Chicago and University of Chicago petitioned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2008 and 2012 to prohibit the use of carrageenan, due to evidence of digestive problems caused by it.
Saturated milk fats have also come to light in the past year. According to a study published in the journal Nature, researchers at the University of Chicago found that concentrated milk fats, which are abundant in processed and confectionery foods, alter the composition of bacteria in the intestines. These changes can disrupt the delicate truce between the immune system and the beneficial bacteria in the intestines. The emergence of harmful bacterial strains in this setting can unleash an unregulated tissue-damaging immune response that can be difficult to switch off.
These are only two examples of the thousands of harmful ingredients that can cause digestive upset in those with IBS and IBD, and can turn a social fun time into agony and embarrassment.
Most restaurants now have a gluten-free menu available on request because there is a growing demand for this service. The more people start questioning ingredients, the quicker restaurants will comply with this request.
Check out these great articles:
Saturated Fats Change Gut Bacteria–May Raise Risk for IBD such as Crohn’s Disease
What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Food Sensitivities and Symptoms
Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Food Sensitivities
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