Q: I am a 51-year-old man with 5 ft 10 inches (178 cm) height and weighing 53 kg. Since my childhood I am suffering from indigestion and acute lower back pain due to disc prolapse. Stool and endoscopy tests revealed nothing wrong in the stomach. I practise some asanas. I can’t digest non-vegetarian foods. Please suggest a diet by which I can stay healthy and control acidity, constipation and lower back pain.

MB, address withheld

It appears from your vital statistics that you are underweight. Probably you do not take enough food due to fear of indigestion.

You have to increase your calorie intake by increasing your food consumption. Drink fresh cabbage juice daily. Take it immediately after juicing. Consume well-balanced meals with plenty of fibre-rich food such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes.

Include in your diet fresh papaya and fresh pineapple, which are good sources of digestive enzymes.

Take soft food such as avocado, banana, potato, squash and yams. Include well-cooked millet and rice, cottage cheese, curd, green leafy vegetables, bitter gourd and barley water in your diet.

Limit your intake of peanut and soyabean. Drink skimmed milk or soymilk instead of cow milk.

Avoid bakery products, chocolate, coffee, carbonated beverages, citrus juices, beans, fried and fatty foods, animal fat of any kind, peppers, potato chips and other snacks, red meat, refined carbohydrates and salty or spicy food.

Drink enough water for dilution of stomach acid. But don’t drink while eating. Chew your food thoroughly. Do not eat when you are mentally upset or overtired.

Do not smoke.

Sometimes stress and anxiety may be the cause of acidity. So be cheerful and try to avoid stressful situations. Meditation and music therapy will help you.

There is no special diet for disc prolapse for which you should consult a physician.

Q: I take raw ginger with sprouted gram and jaggery for general health, and tea with ginger for cough and cold. Kindly elucidate the merits and demerits of the consumption of ginger.

SM, Calcutta

Ginger is a herb. It is the root of the plant Zingiber Officianate Roscae. The volatile oil present in ginger is called gingerol. It contains several phytochemicals. The nutrients present in ginger are aminoacids, essential fatty acids, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6 and C.

Ginger is reported to fight inflammation and pain in the joints. It cleanses the colon and reduces spasm and cramps. It is a strong antioxidant and effective in alleviating morning sickness, motion sickness, nausea, bowel disorders and circulatory problems. But it can cause stomach distress if taken in large quantities. It is not recommended for people who take anticoagulants or have gallstones.