Gastroenterologists Link 60 Million U.S. Digestive Cases to Age-Related GI Changes
Updated
Updated · HuffPost · Jun 7
Gastroenterologists Link 60 Million U.S. Digestive Cases to Age-Related GI Changes
2 articles · Updated · HuffPost · Jun 7
Summary
60 million to 70 million Americans live with digestive diseases, and gastroenterologists say aging makes heartburn, bloating, abdominal pain and bowel changes more common as the GI tract slows and coordination weakens.
Age-related shifts in nerves, muscles and stomach lining can drive reflux, indigestion, bacterial overgrowth, constipation, diverticulosis, gastritis and ulcers, while chronic illness and medicines such as NSAIDs can worsen symptoms.
15 to 20 chews per bite, more plant-based high-fiber foods, hydration, exercise and 7 to 9 hours of sleep were among the steps doctors recommended to support digestion and reduce reflux or constipation.
Blood in stool, black tarry stool, unexplained weight loss, trouble swallowing, persistent bowel changes, nausea or vomiting should prompt a medical evaluation, with doctors potentially ordering bloodwork, endoscopy or colonoscopy.