Achieving Healthy Stomach and Regular Bowel Movements in Older People

Introduction

The digestive tract is a complex system, and aging can affect any part of it. If a person has a gastrointestinal condition such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, celiac disease, or gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), then the symptoms of these diseases might change. They might get better or might get worse as the person grows older. There are also gastrointestinal conditions with a higher incidence in seniors. Differences result from decades of influencing factors such as diet, lifestyle, medication, diseases, overall health, and the aging process itself. For these reasons, it is crucial to understand that the functions of the gut might fluctuate, and a person can experience different symptoms.

What Are the Problems Associated With Digestion?

Some of these problems are normal, but others need to be addressed-

1. Dysphagia - It is the difficulty in swallowing and can occur due to a variety of reasons, including trouble with proper chewing because of dental changes or muscle weakness, inadequate saliva production, reduced strength in the upper esophageal sphincter, impaired coordination of the swallowing process, narrowing of the esophagus and degeneration of nerves and muscles which usually results from other conditions such as Parkinson's disease or a stroke.

2. GERD - A person might experience heartburn more often as they get older; this can be a result of gastroesophageal reflux disorder. In this condition, the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach, known as the esophageal sphincter, does not close properly, allowing stomach contents to splash up into the esophagus. This can cause pain and damage in the esophagus as it does not have a protective lining as the stomach does, and it is not supposed to have so much contact with the stomach acid. Aside from the gnawing pain of heartburn, GERD can also cause chest pain, a persistent sore throat, chronic cough, food regurgitation, and bad breath.

3. Dyspepsia - Upper abdominal pain, nausea, belching, bloating, early fullness, and indigestion are the signs of dyspepsia. It is very common and affects 20 to 45 percent of the population and becomes more frequent with age. The cause for this condition is unknown, although it has some influencing factors such as GERD, ulcer disease, hiatus hernia, inflammation, food allergies, diet, and lifestyle or the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and Naproxen.

4. Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) - It is common for older people to use more NSAIDs because they effectively reduce pain, especially inflammatory pain such as from arthritis and other injuries. They are non-narcotic, so they offer pain relief without any impact on our ability to live day-to-day lives. However, these medications can damage the gastrointestinal tract leading to ulcers, perforation, and bleeding of the stomach. The elderly are at risk of damage from NSAIDs and particularly who had prior gastrointestinal bleeds or cardiovascular diseases and use steroid medications or large doses of NSAIDs.

5. Diarrhea - It affects 7 to 14 percent of seniors, and there are many causes, such as infection, medication side effects, lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.

6. Constipation - A person can go many days without having a bowel movement, and the stool can be hard, firm, and difficult to pass. Rectal pressure or fullness, bloating, abdominal pain, and a sense of incomplete evacuation can be experienced. Constipation can also lead to poor appetite, back pain, and general malaise. The most common cause of constipation includes a low fiber or a low fluid diet, inadequate exercise, medication side effect, irritable bowel syndrome, or other conditions such as diabetes, stroke, hypothyroidism, and Parkinson's disease. Some individuals have chronic constipation with no identifiable cause.

How to Eat Right for a Healthy Stomach in Older Individuals?

Good nutrition and a balanced diet are important for older adults. There are four easy ways to achieve them, which are as follows-

• Diet - Eating a balanced diet. A meal should consist of carbohydrates such as brown rice and bread and wholegrain cereals, proteins such as fish, chicken, eggs, tofu, and beans, fibers from fresh fruits and vegetables, and proper fluids.

• Meal Supplement - If an older person is struggling with eating adequately, oral supplements can be used to improve the nutritional status and come in either liquid or powdered forms. It is important to consult a physician before starting any of these supplements.

• Eat With Family - Studies have shown that having someone accompany an older adult during their mealtime can increase their appetite, promote nutritional intake, and provides a healthy social bonding experience.

• Things to Consider - Eat warm and fresh meals, avoid caffeinated drinks, and maintain physical activity by exercising as tolerated. Yoga and meditation can also add benefits to improve digestive power.

What Are Normal and Abnormal Bowel Movements?

There is a lot of variation in what is normal for a bowel movement, for example, how often a person goes for defecation. What is normal for one person might not be normal for another person. The most frequently a person defecates is one to two times a day, but some people can have bowel movements three times a day. A change in the bowel pattern can be a sign of a disease or may be influenced by age, diet, lifestyle, medications, and other medical conditions. These changes include the size of the stool, increase or decrease in the number of bowel movements, bleeding while defecating, and changes in color such as red or black bowel movements. It is advisable to seek medical help if a person experiences any such symptoms.

How to Achieve Regular Bowel Movements in Older People?

Achieving a regular bowel movement involves various factors, one of which is physical activity. As we age, staying active becomes difficult, leading to weight gain and obesity, which can have further negative effects and increase the risk of developing many age-related conditions such as diabetes and heart conditions. Performing low-impact activities such as gardening, yoga, and slow walks can help. One of the most important factors for a regular bowel movement is diet; maintaining a healthy diet and proper eating habits can significantly influence bowel movements. Other methods involve addressing the underlying cause of the abnormal bowel movement and treating them, which includes-

• Dysphagia - If one experiences difficulty swallowing, it is advised to chew the food well and eat slowly. Maintaining good dental health, remaining seated in an upright position while eating, and wearing properly fitted dentures if applicable are helpful.

• GERD and Dyspepsia - Diet and lifestyle changes such as eliminating trigger foods, smoking cessation, losing weight if necessary, and medications to neutralize or suppress stomach acid.

• NSAIDs - Some types of NSAIDs are less damaging to the gut, and taking lower dosages or alternative medications, taking medications to reduce the production of stomach acids can help. Although any change in the medications prescribed should be done by the physician only.

• Diarrhea - There are two types of medication that can help reduce diarrhea. These include medications that soak up water in the bowel, such as fiber supplements and medications that alter muscle activity in the intestine to slow down transit time, such as Loperamide. However, most treatments for chronic diarrhea involve addressing the underlying cause.

• Constipation - There are many treatment options for constipation depending on the cause, but generally, eating enough fiber and drinking plenty of water, taking time in defecation, getting enough physical exercise, safe use of laxatives, and proper sitting position on the toilet can help.

Conclusion

Maintaining a well-balanced diet, drinking adequate fluids, and performing moderate exercise are important factors among the aging population that helps to promote healthy bowel movements. Difficulty in bowel movement can be a minor problem, but living with this condition is tough for elderly people and can impact their daily lifestyle. Addressing the issue and treating them with correct medications and a lifestyle modification approach are all needed to maintain a healthy stomach.