Digestive Health is Crucial for Overall Quality of Life at Any Age

3/14/2024

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month – a great time to start prioritizing your digestive system, especially if you are in your senior years. This system will likely undergo changes as the years go by, but fortunately, many small, practical habits can help you feel, and function, better.

When your digestive system is working well, you are better able to absorb essential nutrients from the food you eat, prevent gastrointestinal discomfort, and support your overall immune function. Conversely, poor digestive health can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and a decreased ability to fight off infections.

Common digestive issues for older people include:

• Constipation. Reduced physical activity, inadequate fluid intake, and certain medications can contribute to this condition.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Seniors are at a higher risk of developing this condition, which can cause heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.
• Diverticulosis. The risk of diverticulosis, which involves the development of small pouches in the colon, increases with age.
• Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). Trouble swallowing can affect which foods and liquids you consume, or don’t. This issue can lead to constipation or aggravate the symptoms of GERD.

To help avoid these problems, try to:

• Stay hydrated. Adequate hydration is essential for healthy digestion, so drink plenty of water and eat hydrating foods like and vegetables.
• Strive for a fiber-rich diet. A diet high in fiber can help prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movements. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes are excellent sources of fiber.
• Eat mindfully. Eating slowly, chewing thoroughly, and savoring your meals and snacks can aid in the digestive process and alleviate, or even prevent, discomfort.
• Get regular physical activity. Gentle exercise, such as walking or yoga, can support regular bowel function and overall digestive health.
• Manage your meds. Work with your healthcare providers to survey all the medications you are taking. Determine which of them may affect digestion, and explore alternatives if needed.
• Search out probiotics. Probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt and kefir, or probiotic supplements (discuss with your healthcare provider first) can support a healthy gut microbiome – the microorganisms that live in your digestive tract).
• Schedule regular health check-ups. The earlier you know there is a problem, the better your outcome is likely to be. Routine medical exams often help identify digestive issues early on, so you can work alongside your provider to intervene and manage them in time.
• Pay attention to your mental and emotional health. There tends to be an important connection between digestive health and mental well-being in seniors. Digestive discomfort and other issues can significantly impact your quality of life and lead to decreased appetite, feelings of distress, and social withdrawal. By prioritizing digestive health, you can maintain your overall sense of well-being and continue to do the things you love to do.
• Seek professional guidance when necessary. If you experience persistent digestive issues, unexplained weight loss, or significant changes in bowel habits, you should seek prompt medical attention. Physicians and other healthcare providers can evaluate you thoroughly, provide personalized recommendations, and offer tailored support to address your specific digestive concerns.

By adopting healthy, sensible lifestyle practices; seeking appropriate medical guidance; and paying attention to the signals your body sends, you can support and maintain good digestive health – and therefore a higher quality of life – at any age.

For more information about how Northwest Healthcare can help with digestive issues, visit https://www.healthiertucson.com/digestive-health.

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