August 21, 2021

How to Manage Digestive Problems as You Get Older

Aging or getting older has both positives and negatives. The positive side would be that you have ample time to relax and enjoy your free time. The negative would be that there could be many or some health issues. These health issues are related to the digestive system. The problem with digestive disorders can occur at any age. Usually, it is seen that older adults have one or more age-related digestive symptom each year.

Ayurvedic syrup for gas and acidity can work in relieving some of the digestive problems. These digestive problems can occur due to dehydration, many medicines, and poor lifestyle. Your eating habits also play a major role in how your system works. When we were kids our parents would tell us to eat a balanced diet. As we grow up our eating habits change. We tend to eat food that leads to a deficiency of certain nutrients.

This can lead to other digestive problems like acid reflux and constipation. The problems that you might face as you age could be many. Some of them are:

Constipation:

One of the major problems that we see in people of age group 60-70 is slower bowel movements. This is also known as constipation. Symptoms may include difficult or painful bowel movements, infrequent bowel movements. Another symptom could be hard or dry stool.

Changes in the digestive system:

The digestive system moves food through your body by a series of muscle contractions. As we age this process slows down, and this can cause food to move through the colon slowly. When things slow down more water gets absorbed from food waste. This results in constipation.

Diverticular disease:

About half of the people above 60 and above have diverticulosis. This occurs when small pouches in the lining of the colon bulge out along weak spots in the intestinal wall. While many people do not have any symptoms, gas, bloating, cramps and constipation may occur.

GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease):

GERD is one of older adult’s most common upper GI disorders in older adults. GERD occurs when stomach acid backs up in the esophagus causing heartburn. Heartburn is more common as you get older. Generally, heartburn is caused by other factors not related to aging. Late-night eating, eating fried and fast food can cause GERD.

You can face any of the above problems at any age, but with growing age the digestive issues increase.

We have discussed age-related digestive problems. Now we need to find solutions to them. Ayurvedic syrup for gas can provide some relief. Some lifestyle changes can improve your digestive system’s conditions. These lifestyle changes are:

Healthy diet:

Most digestive problems can be overcome with the help of a well-balanced diet. Increased fibre content, reduced fat, and salt consumption can help you get rid of digestive problems. Include more fruits and vegetables in your diet, low fat and high nutrient foods like wholegrain and beans. High fiber foods can prevent constipation and diverticulosis.

Staying active:

Getting at least 30 minutes of exercise for 5 days a week can help prevent many age-related health problems. We know that as you age you want to take a breather and relax. But it is important to indulge in some form of physical activity. Take a walk, do yoga or play with your kids.

Hydration:

Hydration is key. Keeping yourself hydrated will help in many ways. Lack of hydration can make it difficult for food to pass through the large intestine. Which in turn causes pain and constipation.

Check your medicines:

Some medicines can have side effects like vomiting, nausea and indigestion. It is better to consult your physician and inform him/her about any present allergies.

Managing a healthy weight:

Maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent many age-related health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Avoiding health problems can reduce the number of medications. This in turn can result in good health.

Reduce stress:

As we age, we tend to worry about a lot of things. Stress can lead to digestive problems. It leads to formation of gastric acid which leads to indigestion or heartburn. You should relax and maintain good sleep so that stress does not affect your digestion.

Maintain oral hygiene:

One needs to maintain good oral hygiene as mouth is the first part of the digestive tract. You have to take care of your teeth, because if you are unable to chew well it might affect your digestion.

Take probiotics:

Probiotics promote healthy digestion. It contains good bacteria that are helpful in the digestion process. It can help you regulate good digestive system. It helps with constipation and promotes good gut health.