Doctors suggest alternative sources of nutrition if you cannot eat vegetables and fruits.

Some people are unable or dislike eating vegetables and fruits due to objective or subjective factors. Restricting or eliminating these food groups from their diet can lead to negative health consequences.

Medical conditions that make it difficult to consume vegetables and fruits.

Mr. NAP (28 years old, residing in Thu Dau Mot, Binh Duong province) has been unable to eat fruit and most vegetables since childhood. When asked about the cause of this condition, Mr. P. said: "Every time I smell or am forced to eat fruit, I feel nauseous."

Similarly to Mr. P., Ms. NNNH (21 years old, residing in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City) also has a problem with the smell of vegetables and fruits: "People might not believe it, but when I eat vegetables, I feel like I'm... chewing grass! Except for lettuce, watercress, and chives, I can't eat any other vegetables."

Fruits are rich in vitamins and fiber, but many people can't eat them.

According to Dr. Truong Le Luy Na, Deputy Head of the Nutrition Department at the Tropical Diseases Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City), there are several medical conditions that can make it difficult or impossible to consume fruits and vegetables, including:

Food allergies : Some people are born with allergies to the proteins in fruits and vegetables. In this case, the immune system mistakes the food proteins for harmful agents and triggers an allergic reaction, causing an overreaction of the immune system to one or more proteins in the food, including fruits and vegetables.

People with allergies may have difficulty or even be unable to eat certain fruits and vegetables. In addition, some allergic reactions can damage the gut, leading to symptoms similar to food intolerance. For example, people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, or bloating when consuming carbohydrate-rich fruits and vegetables, especially those containing difficult-to-digest carbohydrates like onions, garlic, cauliflower, and certain other foods.

Congenital digestive disorders : For example, congenital megacolon (Hirschsprung's disease) requires a diet that prioritizes low-fiber, easily digestible, high-energy foods to support digestive function.

“In this disorder, a portion of the intestine lacks the nerve cells responsible for regulating bowel motility. This leads to the intestine being unable to contract normally, causing severe constipation, bowel obstruction, or inflammation of the intestine. Vegetables and fruits often contain high amounts of insoluble fiber, which can make stool hard and difficult to move through the intestine. In patients with Hirschsprung's disease, the intestine cannot effectively push stool out, leading to a higher risk of bowel obstruction. Furthermore, foods high in fiber or with a fibrous texture (such as cabbage, raw carrots, and apples) can increase stool volume and cause blockages in the affected section of the intestine. This can cause abdominal pain, bloating, or require hospitalization,” explains Dr. Luy Na.

A deficiency in a small group of nutrients can have… big consequences!

If the body is not supplied with nutrients such as fiber and vitamins from fruits and vegetables, there will be many negative effects on health, both short-term and long-term. Some of the main impacts include:

Increased risk of chronic diseases : Increased risk of cancer, especially colorectal and stomach cancer; increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, atherosclerosis, premature aging, depression, anxiety, etc.

Fiber deficiency: Fiber from fruits and vegetables plays a crucial role in maintaining digestive health and preventing disease. A lack of fiber can lead to: constipation, hemorrhoids, imbalance of gut microbiota, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, weight gain, and obesity…

Vitamin deficiencies : Fruits and vegetables are the main sources of essential vitamins. Vitamin deficiencies can cause conditions such as weakened immunity, scurvy due to vitamin C deficiency; night blindness, dry skin and hair due to vitamin A deficiency; blood clotting disorders due to vitamin K deficiency; fatigue, impaired cognitive function due to vitamin B deficiency, etc.

Supplement your diet with vitamins and other nutrients from fish such as herring, salmon, etc.

What alternative nutritional sources are available?

For those who cannot eat (or can only eat very little of) fruits and vegetables, fiber and vitamins can be compensated for by choosing the following foods:

Whole grains (oats, brown rice, millet, whole-wheat bread, etc.), beans, nuts, etc.

Alternative foods that provide vitamins : Animal liver (such as chicken liver, beef liver), egg yolks, milk and dairy products fortified with vitamins A and D; red bell peppers, potatoes, mulberries, orange juice or juices fortified with vitamin C; fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, herring, etc.); vegetable oils (such as olive oil, sunflower oil), almonds, sunflower seeds rich in vitamin E…

Use dietary supplements : Multivitamins provide a variety of important vitamins, and added fiber helps support digestion…

Dr. Luy Na also emphasized that it is difficult to find a complete food source to replace fruits and vegetables, as they provide many important nutrients and antioxidants necessary for the body. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a nutritionist to build a suitable diet that provides sufficient energy and nutrients.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bac-si-chi-ra-nguon-dinh-duong-thay-the-neu-khong-an-duoc-rau-cu-trai-cay-185250111000551393.htm