One very common health issue among the aging population is digestive health. The body changes as we age and our digestive system is quite often affected in the process. Here are a few problems many face as the years progress:
Slow Bowel Function
A sluggish bowel increases the risk of being constipated. Much of the work inside the colon involves coordinated contraction of the smooth muscles that are in the gut. For this coordinated contraction to function smoothly, an individual must eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water and partake in physical activity.
The problem is, as people age they tend to let at least one of these 3 things slide. If it is spending less time doing physical activities, the result can be a sluggish digestive system. This ’cause’ has an ‘effect’. Their stools may then be harder to pass.
This isn’t something they have to live with! A sluggish colon can be improved with the help of an increased intake of foods that are rich in soluble fiber, increased fluid intake and regular exercise.
Diverticulosis
Although not just an ‘old-age’ diseases, many older adults suffer from a susceptibility to diverticulosis. This is when small pouches start to develop in the lining of a person’s colon. These diverticula pouches will eventually lead to digestive problems such as constipation.
In addition, when the pouches become inflamed the person may suffer from abdominal pain, tenderness and fever. Some people who have this condition may even suffer from rectal bleeding.
Not Getting Enough Fluid
Regardless of age, we need to drink plenty of water to avoid constipation. However, fluid intake may become a problem for older adults, especially when they start taking medications that have diuretic effects such as those commonly prescribed for heart failure and high blood pressure. These diuretics help reduce blood pressure by allowing the body to lose excess fluids through frequent urination.
As a consequence, some people reduce their fluid intake in order to avoid making frequent visits to the bathroom, thereby increasing their risk of becoming dehydrated. This is when constipation and other digestive problems can start to occur.
Thyroid Problems and Diabetes
Diabetes and thyroid problems are a few examples of illnesses that may occur in some people as they age. Unfortunately, these conditions trigger the occurrence of digestive problems such as diarrhea and constipation. Diabetes is also known to slow down the process of emptying the stomach, resulting in increased digestive discomforts.
Being Overweight
Increased weight also increases the risk of experiencing heart burn and acid reflux. This is because as more weight is gained, more abdominal fat can push the stomach up, resulting in feelings of discomfort.
Increased Food Sensitivity
One common complaint associated with aging is the increased sensitivity to some spicy foods, coffee or alcoholic beverages. Some people find they are no longer capable of tolerating the same kinds of foods as they did when they were younger. They often experience a ‘gassy’ feeling, along with other digestive problems such as dyspepsia and heart burn.
Medications
Medications are another problem for digestive health. As people age, there is a greater tendency to take medications which increases the risk of suffering from their side effects, one of which can be constipation. Narcotic pain relievers, aspirin, NSAIDs and other over-the-counter drugs may cause constipation, GI bleeding and upset stomach.
