Dr. N Narvekar

Stress, overexertion and going too long without eating can all bring on the symptoms of gilbert’s syndrome. This condition is a common inherited illness that affects how the liver processes bilirubin -- a yellowish pigment made in the liver and a component of bile -- and causes yellowing of the skin and eyes. Other than the resulting change in skin color, gilbert's syndrome is relatively benign. While there is no special diet needed for the treatment of gilbert's syndrome, it's important that you eat regularly and include a healthy mix of nutrient-rich foods from all the food groups to keep your liver well.

Importance of regular meals

Fasting, which is when you go without food for a long period of time, may trigger the symptoms associated with gilbert's syndrome. A healthy meal plan that includes regularly scheduled meals and snacks may help prevent the jaundice. A regular eating plan usually includes three meals plus two to three snacks daily. Eating regularly not only helps control the symptoms associated with gilbert's syndrome but also helps keep energy levels up and aids in hunger control.

Foods from all the food group

One of the largest organs in your body, the liver is responsible for converting the nutrients from the food you eat into substances it can use, cleaning the blood of toxic waste and storing energy. It's important that you keep your liver in top working order for your health. Gilbert's syndrome does not lead to liver disease, but eating a healthy and balanced diet can help keep your liver healthy and prevent ill effects. A good diet for a healthy liver includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods from all the food groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean sources of protein such as poultry, seafood and tofu, low-fat dairy and healthy fats such as olive oil and avocados.

Get your fiber

Include plenty of fiber-rich foods in your diet to keep your liver healthy. Good food sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans. Getting more fiber in your diet is not only good for your liver but for your heart and digestive system as well. Men need 30 to 38 grams of fiber a day and women 21 to 25 grams a day. When increasing the fiber in your diet, do so slowly to prevent gas.

Dehydration, which is when your body does not have enough water to carry on its normal functions, may also trigger gilbert's syndrome. How much you need to drink to stay hydrated varies and depends on climate, exercise and diet. Clemson university cooperative extension says, in general, you need 1 quart of water per day for every 50 pounds of body weight. In addition to water, you can meet your fluid needs by drinking 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice, unsweetened decaf tea, fat-free milk or fortified soy milk. Making sure you get enough to drink is also important.

Pregnancy is that period of time in a woman's life when she is excited about giving birth to her baby. She is not only responsible to keep herself healthy, but her baby is also her responsibility. What she eats, how she lives and her daily routine will affect the baby. Thus, to have a healthy pregnancy it is necessary that you exercise regularly and eat well. You should also avoid those things that may hurt your baby. 

Take care of what you eat

During pregnancy it is important to get proper nutrition so that you and your baby are healthy. For slow and gradual weight gain, it is necessary to pay close attention to the folic acid, calcium and iron intake. However, if you are obese, then your weight gain regime will be different from others. 

The diet during pregnancy should include:

1. Intake of fruit and vegetables is important as they are good sources of Vitamins, minerals and even fiber. They are good for digestion and also help in preventing constipation. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables daily.
2. During pregnancy carbohydrates are also important as they act as an important source of energy. Different food items that are rich in carbohydrates are potatoes, bread, breakfast cereals, pasta, rice, noodles, millet, maize, oats, yams, sweet potatoes, and corn meal. It is better to eat whole grains and potato with the skin on as they are rich in fiber. 
3. Intake of protein is very important during pregnancy, and thus you should take lean meat, pulses, beans, nuts, fish, and eggs. All these items should be cooked well so that you do not face any problem in digestion during pregnancy. 
4. It is also necessary to eat dairy products like milk, cheese, butter and yoghurt during pregnancy. They are important because they contain the calcium and nutrients that are necessary for the growth of the baby. 

What to avoid
Just as you should eat certain food items to be healthy, there are certain foods that must be avoided to be fit and healthy. Avoid the following during pregnancy

1. Drugs and alcohol
2. Medicines that are not prescribed by your physician
3. Smoking tobacco
4. Fried and oily food
5. Fishes those are rich in mercury like shark, tilefish, swordfish and those fishes that are caught in local waters are not considered safe. 
6. Too much intake of caffeine is also hazardous for a pregnant lady. 

Thus, by following the above-mentioned  diet tips you can keep your baby and yourself healthy. Always get advice from your physician for any decision that you take during pregnancy. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Gynaecologist.