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5 Ways Older Adults Can Prevent Digestive Problems

Older Adults

As people age, it’s not unusual for them to develop one or more digestive problems. Acid reflux, constipation, and other gastrointestinal issues can be annoying, but they also can be treated. Changes in lifestyle and eating habits are often the key.

Here are five ways older adults can prevent or reduce digestive problems:

Focus on eating healthy foods

Everything from what you eat and drink to how you season your food can have an effect on your digestive system. Adding fiber to your diet through raw vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can be helpful.

Reducing consumption of salt and white foods like potatoes, bread and rice can, too. Cutting back on fatty red meat in favor of beans, fish, and lean meat is useful, as well as replacing alcohol and caffeinated beverages with water.

Avoid foods that lead to heartburn or acid reflux

What causes you the worst stomach problems? For some people, it’s milk and other dairy products. For others, it’s all things that contain gluten. If you know what irritates your system, cut back on those things. If you don’t, an elimination diet and a conversation with your doctor about food sensitivities and allergies might be a good idea.

Consider taking a probiotic

Ingesting bacteria seems counterintuitive, but more and more evidence indicates that probiotics help. People who have digestive issues including chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome can benefit from taking probiotic supplements, which supply beneficial bacteria to the digestive system. Finding a safe and effective supplement is key, but there are other sources, including yogurt.

Consider your medications

The combination of multiple over-the-counter and prescription drugs — and sometimes even one medication — can lead to gastrointestinal issues like bleeding ulcers, constipation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea. Speak with your doctor about possible side effects and whether there might be alternatives to the medicines you are taking.

Maintain an active lifestyle

Inactivity and dehydration become more common as people age and can make constipation worse. Getting 2 ½ hours of physical activity in each week might sound daunting at first, but a 20-minute walk each day will get you almost all the way to that goal. It is a great idea to mix in some muscle-strengthening exercises with your regular cardio exercises. It doesn’t have to be strenuous. Really, getting moving on a regular basis is the key.

Just like the rest of your body, your digestive system is sure to change as you grow older. In addition to the causes we already mentioned, gravity itself can lead to a hiatal hernia and several issues can lead to hemorrhoids. But taking a look at the five changes listed above and thoughtfully considering making even one or two to your lifestyle could have a positive effect on your digestive system.

To discuss your digestive health with a gastroenterologist, schedule an appointment today.

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