DEAR DR. ROACH: After a stomach probe two years ago, I was told that I have mesenteric panniculitis. I know it’s inflammation of the stomach lining and that there’s no known cause of it. So, what can I do for it? Are there special foods I should eat or stay away from?

I can’t take a lot of medication because it causes pain in my abdomen. — G.M.

ANSWER: Mesenteric panniculitis is a rare condition of inflammation and fibrosis of the mesentery. The mesentery is not actually the stomach itself: It’s a large fold of connective tissue that helps hold in place many of the structures of the abdomen.

Some people with this condition have no symptoms, but in those who do, the most common are abdominal pain, fever and weight loss, and diarrhea or constipation.

Treatment is indicated for people with symptoms, and the usual first treatment is a steroid like prednisone to combat the inflammation. Tamoxifen, which has some estrogen and some anti-estrogen actions, inhibits fibrous tissue deposition, and often is given at the same time.

For people with inflammatory conditions, I recommend a diet low in pro-inflammatory red meat and high in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts. Keeping a food diary can help identify if there are foods that seem to trigger symptoms in you.