Q:I have been suffering from chronic diarrhoea and my doctor has asked me to take a bland, low-fibre diet. Can you tell me what should be taken and what to avoid?

P.C., Howrah

A bland diet should be free from stimulating agents but provide adequate nutrition.Your choice of food is important as well as the methods of preparation.

Foods to be included:

Refined cereals like milled rice, maida, pasta, bread

Milk products like curd, chhena, lassi

Cooked vegetables and fruits ? mashed and strained

Clear soups, strained juices, low-fat desserts

Low-fat fish or poultry as stews or broths

Foods to be avoided:

Coarse whole-grain cereals like atta, dalia, oats, bran

Fried foods, high-fat desserts and confectioneries

Seasonings, pickles, spices and condiments

Strongly flavoured vegetables, legumes and non-vegetarian dishes with thick and spicy gravy

Strong coffee

Tough meat

Raw salads

Unpeeled fruits

Q:What is the importance of chromium in our diet? Which are the foods rich in chromium?

S.M., Haldia

Chromium deficiency has been shown to lead to impaired glucose tolerance although the factor responsible has not been isolated as yet.

Due to its role in glucose tolerance, chromium is beneficial for diabetics. Usually, chromium present in our food is found in organically bound form, which facilitates its absorption. Dietary deficiency is thus not common.

The following are rich sources of chromium: cereals, nutmeg, ginger, betel leaves, poppy seeds and nuts (walnut, almond and cashewnut in particular).