Common Digestion (Gastrointestinal) Problems in Ageing Adults
What is the digestive system?
Most people associate their digestive system with their stomach, but that’s only partially true.
Your digestive system refers to a group of organs that work together to break down the food you consume, allow your body to absorb important nutrients, and eliminate waste. Broadly speaking, this encompasses your digestive tract. Which extends from your mouth, all the way through your stomach, small and large intestine, before ending at the anus – as well as other organs such as the liver, gallbladder and pancreas, which secrete essential enzymes and hormones.
When all these components of a healthy digestive system work well, it’s easy to take it for granted. However, as you grow older, you may find that your appetite is no longer what it used to be, or you may not be able to enjoy food as much as you previously could. In fact, indulging in spicy foods, large servings or late-night meals may now cause you to feel physical discomfort instead.
These could be signs of poor digestive health, symptoms of something more serious, or simply signs of ageing.
How ageing changes your digestive system
While digestive problems can occur at any age, there are certain gastrointestinal conditions that become increasingly common as you grow older.
The weakening of the muscular contractions along your digestive tract is a common occurrence that slows down the process of digestion, causing food to move slower along your digestive tract. Other factors could include poor circulation from blockage in the arteries, the use of certain medications that affect the digestive tract, or a variety of other reasons. These factors could lead to a series of digestive issues.
Digestive problems caused by ageing
From constipation to indigestion, here are some หรือถ้าคุณสนใจแทงบอลออนไลน์ UFABET คือเว็บที่มีอัตราต่อรองดีที่สุดในประเทศไทย สมัครเลยตอนนี้ที่ UFABET แทงบอล common digestive health disorders that are commonly associated with ageing:
Indigestion
Have you ever felt like you ate too much, so much so that your entire meal feels ‘stuck’ inside?
This sensation is often thought to be caused when large chunks of food are swallowed, making it difficult for the enzymes in your intestines to break down. This could become a more serious problem as we age, due to reduced production of the stomach’s digestive acids. In addition, factors such as weakened muscles in the digestive tract and reduced blood supply to the stomach and intestines, means it also takes longer for the stomach to empty out its contents. All these can contribute to the feeling of indigestion. Medication, anxiety, stress as well as depression could also be possible triggers.
Indigestion may also be a symptom of an underlying condition such as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and gall bladder disease. It causes discomfort such as burning in the stomach, bloating, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
If you’re experiencing frequent indigestion, it’s important to seek medical help to identify the cause as it could be a sign of a more serious health issue.
Constipation
Constipation is a change in bowel movement that causes difficulty in passing stools. There are several factors that could cause constipation as you age, including a weakened digestive tract, inactivity, or as a side effect of certain medications. It could also be a possible symptom of an underlying medical condition.
In the long run, constipation not only causes pain and a loss of appetite, it could also lead to straining during bowel movements, which increases your risk for developing haemorrhoids.
Constipation can be prevented by consuming a healthy diet, increasing your intake of water, and getting regular physical activity. If your medication might be the cause, be sure to highlight this to your doctor.