The Caregiver Guide - Gut Health and Digestive Issues

Our bodies undergo gradual changes as we age, and the digestive system is no exception. A National Center for Biotechnology Information study in 2012 found that a little over 25% of Canadians over 65 exhibited issues with gut health. In extreme cases, the symptoms can be so severe that they affect the individual’s quality of life. In this article, we will look at the typical symptoms, their causes and some tips and strategies to prevent digestive issues or to mitigate their severity and impact on our overall health and well-being.

Digestive issues affect people of all ages, but they tend to become more common in seniors. As we age, our digestive organs may not function as effectively as they once did. The production of stomach acid may decrease over time, leading to difficulties in breaking down food properly. Muscle contractions within the gastrointestinal tract may slow down or weaken, resulting in slower transit time through the intestines.

Common Digestive Issues and Their Causes

Constipation is one of the most common gut health issues among older people. Several factors can cause this problem:

·           decreased physical activity - Regular physical activity helps stimulate bowel movements by increasing muscle contractions in the intestines. Inadequate exercise or a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to slower digestion and bowel irregularities.

·           inadequate fluid intake. Insufficient water intake can cause dehydration, which results in harder stools that are difficult to pass through the intestines smoothly.

·           a low-fiber diet. Insufficient intake of dietary fiber is one of the leading causes of constipation. Fiber adds bulk to the stool and helps its smooth passage through the digestive system.

·           certain medications. Certain medications, such as opioids, antidepressants, calcium channel blockers, and iron supplements, can slow down bowel activity and lead to constipation.

·           underlying health conditions like Parkinson's disease or hypothyroidism.

Diarrhea, characterized by loose and watery stools, is also common and can be caused by factors such as

·           infections or food poisoning that can be contracted through contaminated food or water.  

·           medication side effects. Certain medications may have side effects that disrupt the normal functioning of the digestive tract,

·           dietary changes or intolerances. Sudden dietary changes, such as consuming excessive amounts of fiber or introducing new foods into your diet too quickly.

·           inflammatory bowel diseases.

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation.

·           decreased muscle tone of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This prevents it from closing properly, allowing acid to escape into the esophagus.

·           hiatus hernia. This occurs when a portion of the stomach protrudes upward through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This can disrupt the normal functioning of the LES.

·           Obesity. Excess weight puts pressure on the abdomen, forcing stomach contents back up into the esophagus.

·           certain medications can increase acid levels and cause heartburn and reflux.

·           smoking. The chemicals in cigarettes weaken the LES and allow stomach contents to leak into the esophagus.

·           dietary triggers such as spicy or fatty foods.

Bloating and gas are common among people of all ages but a little more prevalent as we get older. Possible causes include:

·      poor digestion, which can occur due to various factors such as eating too quickly, not chewing food properly, or having an imbalanced diet.

·      food intolerances or allergies. Certain individuals may have difficulty digesting specific foods, such as lactose or gluten.

·      swallowing excess air. This can happen when consuming carbonated beverages, chewing gum, or even talking while eating.

As a caregiver, it is important to be well-informed about gut health issues in older people. Understanding the typical symptoms and causes facilitates an early diagnosis and timely treatment regimen. Many digestive problems are temporary, but if your patient has persistent symptoms lasting more than a day or two, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

The Role of Nutrition in Gut Health

Nutrition is one of the foundations of digestive health. As people age, their digestive system may become more sensitive to conditions such as constipation, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. Adopting a well-balanced diet can help prevent or alleviate these symptoms.

An important aspect of good gut health is incorporating sufficient dietary fiber into the daily meal plan. Fiber helps promote regular bowel movements by adding bulk to the stool and preventing constipation. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts are excellent sources of fiber that everyone should include in their diet.

The inclusion of probiotics is also an important element. These beneficial bacteria support gut health by promoting a balanced intestinal environment. Probiotics can be found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut or can be taken as supplements.

Try to identify and avoid trigger foods such as spicy or fatty foods, carbonated beverages, caffeine, alcohol (in excess), and artificial sweeteners. Identifying personal triggers through maintaining a food diary or consulting with a healthcare professional can be helpful in managing symptoms effectively.

Stay adequately hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration, which can lead to constipation. There is a consensus among healthcare professionals and dieticians that adults should aim to drink eight glasses of water per day. This includes tea and coffee.

Maintaining healthy nutrition can sometimes be difficult due to changes in appetite or the digestive system that affect the consumption or absorption of all the necessary vitamins and minerals. At LL Medico, we stock a wide range of nutritional supplements, vitamins and minerals and other senior care products, such as adult diapers, that help to make your caregiving duties just that little bit less stressful.

When to Seek Medical Help

With everything related to your health, paying attention to red flags or warning signs that you may need medical help is important. Here are some specific symptoms that you should not ignore:

·           Unexplained Weight Loss: If you're losing weight without trying or experiencing a significant decrease in appetite, it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Sudden and unexplained weight loss requires urgent medical attention, as it can sometimes point to serious conditions like diabetes or cancer.

·           Severe or Persistent Abdominal Pain: While occasional stomach discomfort is common, severe or persistent abdominal pain could indicate something more serious issue, such as appendicitis, gallstones, pancreatitis, or an intestinal obstruction.

·           Blood in Stool or Vomit: The presence of blood in your stool (bright red or dark) or vomit may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding caused by ulcers, hemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel disease or cancer.

·           Changes in Bowel Habits: Significant changes in your bowel movements, such as persistent diarrhea or constipation lasting for several weeks, accompanied by other symptoms like abdominal pain and rectal bleeding.

Remember that everyone's health situation is unique, and these symptoms may have different causes, ranging from minor issues to more serious conditions. It's always best to consult a healthcare professional who can evaluate your case and provide appropriate guidance and treatment if necessary.

Conclusion

The importance of gut health should never be underestimated, as it can have a knock-on effect on your general well-being and quality of life. In older people, it becomes even more important as they are also more susceptible to other health issues. Remember, too, that nutrition is key to good health.

In the words of Thomas Edison, "The doctor of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs, but rather will cure and prevent disease with nutrition." Although modern medicine continues the use of drugs, this does emphasize the importance of nutrition.