As people get older, the bodily functions start to experience the effects of aging. One of the most common areas that get affected is the digestive system.
Dr. Edwin Fortuno, geriatrician, says to Radyo Klinika at dwIZ 882 AM, that elderly people usually complain of indigestion, gas and hyperacidity.
“Some older people have difficulty in swallowing their food and others would complain of indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome.”
Some medical conditions can also cause these digestive problems.
“Diabetes can be a cause of bowel movement problems. Medications for hypertension and arthritis could also be the culprits. Blockages in the arteries can also affect the flow of blood to the bowels,” says Dr. Fortuno.
Stress can also be a factor in the inflammation, irritation and the erosion of the lining of the stomach, which is also known as gastritis.
Gastritis can be caused by alcohol drinking, chronic or severe vomiting and medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen which are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Chemotherapy drugs can also cause this problem.
Bacteria can also be a factor. Helicobacter pylori bacteria can break the lining of the person’s stomach and can cause stomach ulcer or gastritis.
Non-absorption of vitamin B12 can also cause gastritis. People with Crohn’s disease, celiac disease or thyroid disease are most likely to experience gastritis.
Acidic and spicy food and drinks can also induce gastric problems. Coffee, soda, juices with citric acids, energy drinks, and spicy food can contribute to this. Dairy products, soy, grains, gluten, corn, potatoes, starchy and sweet foods, processed foods and foods with trans fats also promote gastritis.
Among the symptoms of gastritis, according to Dr. Fortuno, are as follows: abdominal pain and bloating, indigestion, heartburn, nausea or vomiting, colic, hiccups, loss of appetite and black stool.
Antacids can help in alleviating the pain by reducing stomach acid. But these drugs can also lead to osteoporosis (brittle bones) and hypochlorhydria or low stomach acid.
There are natural alternatives to these medications such as eating broccoli, which has sulphoraphane, to help kill the H. pylori bacteria. Garlic is another antibacterial food. But be careful when taking too much of this because some who have chronic heartburn can have a bad reaction to garlic.
Probiotics can help the gut absorb vitamin B12 and other nutrients necessary for its health. Foods that have probiotics are yogurt, sourdough bread and kefir leaves. Ginger, oregano, cranberry, pineapple, beets and carrots are among the foods which have probiotics, as well.
Radyo Klinika is a recipient of the 2016 KBP Golden Dove Award for Best Radio Magazine Program. It airs every Tuesday to Friday, 7 to 8 p.m., on dwIZ 882 KHZ AM. Its host, Marou Pahati Sarne, has been awarded Best Radio Magazine Program Host by the KBP in 2016 and 2017.
Image credits: www.freepik.com