Fitoterapia e cuidados dietéticos no tratamento de doenças do trato gastrointestinal

Abstract

Medicinal plants and herbal medicines are types of therapeutic or complementary alternatives widely used by the population for centuries to treat various diseases, including those of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Thus, its use can be an efficient ally in clinical practice through dietary prescription, seeking effective health recovery, with low cost and easy access. Thus, the present study aims to identify in the scientific literature the use of herbal medicines in the treatment of GIT diseases, seeking to associate this therapeutic strategy with the dietetic prescription by the professional nutritionist, confirming it as a way of promoting and recovering the health of individuals. The study is an integrative literature review, based on a collection of data available in the literature to deepen the knowledge of the topic investigated. Data collection was carried out from January to April 2021, in the databases of PubMed, Scielo, MEDLINE, Lilacs, Google Scholar, books, national official documents and class councils. The search for articles was based on the following descriptors: herbal medicines, medicinal plants, digestive system, gastric diseases and intestinal diseases. The inclusion criteria were publications in the last 10 years, in Portuguese and English and that brought the certification of some herbal medicine or medicinal plant on the subject discussed. A total of 114 scientific articles were found, 68 of which were selected. After an analysis, it was found that they met the research inclusion criteria. In addition, 14 herbal medicines that are related to GIT diseases were chosen, and some specific dietary precautions against these diseases were also listed. According to the consulted literature and having as reference the information obtained in the research, it is concluded that herbal medicine is an effective therapeutic practice used mainly for the treatment of GIT disorders and has been disseminated as an excellent alternative for the recovery of the health of patients. Individuals, also presenting itself as an important ally in the professional practice of the nutritionist.