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Digestive Health
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Health & Wellness
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Allergies |
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Alternative Medicine |
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Asthma |
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Diabetes |
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Diet / Weight Loss |
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Health & Fitness |
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Nutrition |
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Specialized Medicine |
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10 Tips on Belching, Bloating, and Flatulence
8 Tips on Peptic Ulcer Disease
5 Tips on Swallowing and Heartburn
5 Tips on Nutrition and Aging
5 Tips on Gallstone Disease
6 Tips on Hepatitis
4 Tips on Circulatory Disorders of the GI Tract
5 Tips on Use of Medications
5 Tips on Irritable Bowel Syndrome
10 Tips on Hemorrhoids
5 Tips on Inflammatory Bowel Disease
10 Tips on Constipation and Incontinence of
Stool
10 Tips on Dietary Fiber
5 Tips on Diverticular Disease |
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10 Tips on
Belching, Bloating, and
Flatulence
Belching is caused by swallowed air from:
Eating or drinking too fast
Poorly fitting dentures; not chewing food
completely
Carbonated beverages
Chewing gum or sucking on hard candies
Excessive swallowing due to nervous tension or
postnasal drip
Forced belching to relieve abdominal discomfort
To prevent excessive belching, avoid:
Carbonated beverages
Chewing gum
Hard candies
Simethicone may be helpful
Abdominal bloating and discomfort may be due to
intestinal sensitivity or symptoms of irritable
bowel syndrome. To relieve symptoms, avoid:
Broccoli
Baked beans
Cabbage
Carbonated drinks
Cauliflower
Chewing gum
Hard candy
Abdominal distention resulting from weak
abdominal muscles:
Is better in the morning
Gets worse as the day progresses
Is relieved by lying down
To prevent Abdominal distention:
Tighten abdominal muscles by pulling in your
stomach several times during the day
So sit-up exercises if possible
Wear an abdominal support garment if exercise is
too difficult
Flatulence is gas created through bacterial
action in the bowel and passed rectally. Keep in
mind that:
10-18 passages per day are normal
Primary gases are harmless and odorless
Noticeable smells are trace gases related to
food intake
Foods that are likely to form gas include:
Milk, dairy products, and medications that
contain lactose--If your body doesn't produce
the enzyme (lactase) to break it down.
Certain vegetables--baked beans, cauliflower,
broccoli, cabbage
Certain starches--wheat, oats, corn, potatoes.
Rice is a good substitute.
If flatulence is a concern, see your doctor to
determine if you are lactose intolerant.
Identify offending foods. Reduce or eliminate
these gas-forming foods from your diet.
Activated Charcoal may provide some benefit.
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8 Tips on Peptic Ulcer Disease
Ulcers are "sores" that frequently affect the
stomach and the first part of the small
intestine (duodenum).
Bacterial infection is the most common cause of
duodenal ulcers.
Stomach ulcers are often a side effect of pain
killers and anti-inflammatory drugs used
primarily to treat arthritis.
Alcohol ingestion, cigarette smoking, and
emotional stress may also influence the
development of an ulcer or interfere with its
healing.
Upper abdominal pain is the most common symptom
of ulcers, but many ulcers cause no symptoms at
all.
Ulcers may hemorrhage (bleeding) into the
gastrointestinal tract; this results in the
passage of black ("tarry") stool. Very serious
ulcer disease may also cause a blockage between
the stomach and small intestine and this
complication results in persistent vomiting.
Severe pain results from the most urgent
complication of ulcers - peritonitis caused by a
tear through the wall of the stomach or
duodenum.
Almost all ulcers can be treated successfully,
usually without surgery. Many ulcers can be
prevented.
Ulcer treatments include antibiotics, agents
that neutralize gastric acid or reduce its
secretion, and drugs that strengthen the
resistance of the stomach and duodenum.
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5 Tips on Swallowing and Heartburn
Abnormal swallowing is commonly perceived as
food "sticking on the way down." If this
complaint persists, it is sometimes due to a
serious condition and should always prompt
medical attention.
Swallowing difficulty may be caused by a number
of different problems including:
Poor or incomplete chewing (possibly the result
of dental problems, poorly fitted dentures, or
eating too quickly)
Abnormal muscle contraction
Scar tissue from chronic inflammation
Infection
Cancer
Heartburn is a very common problem caused by
regurgitation or reflux of gastric acid into the
esophagus, which connects the mouth and the
stomach.
Heartburn can often be eliminated by avoiding:
Smoking
Fatty food in the diet
Caffeine
Chocolate
Peppermint
Overeating
Bed-time snacks
Tight-fitting clothes that constrict the abdomen
Certain medications
Heavy lifting, straining
It is important to consider the possibility of
heart disease before attributing any kind of
chest pain to gastroesophageal reflux.
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5 Tips on Nutrition and Aging
Nutrition plays a role in cardiovascular
disease, some malignancies, adult-onset
diabetes, osteoporosis, alcoholism, and recovery
from major injury.
Malnutrition can weaken the immune system,
impair healing following surgery or injury,
lessen mobility, and reduce mental capabilities
and function. It is common in older adults.
To maintain good health, total fat intake should
be reduced to 30% or less of calories. Saturated
fat intake should only account for 10% (one
third of fat calories). Salt and alcohol intake
also should be limited.
Dietary fat content composed primarily of
monounsaturated fat (eg, olive oil) and
polyunsaturated fat (eg, canola, corn and fish
oils) may be associated with a lower incidence
of cardiovascular disease.
Foods to be avoided include whole milk and dairy
products (ice cream, cheese, butter);
commercially baked goods (cookies and crackers);
hot dogs, ham, and cold cuts; and oils, gravies,
and salad dressing.
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5 Tips on Gallstone Disease
Gallstones typically develop over many years,
although they can form in months. Gallstones are
present in about 20% of women and 10% of men
over the age of 55.
There are two basic types of gallstones:
cholesterol and pigment. Cholesterol gallstones
are the most common type in the United States.
About 75% of gallstones do not cause symptoms.
The most common symptom caused by gallbladder
stones is episodic upper abdominal pain.
For healthy patients who have no symptoms, no
therapy or change in diet is needed. Patients
with uncomplicated symptomatic gallbladder
stones should reduce dietary fat and consider
surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy).
An alternate approach is oral bile acid therapy.
For complicated disease, gallbladder removal is
warranted.
Patients who undergo rapid weight loss are at
risk for the development of small cholesterol
gallstones and may benefit from bile acid
therapy. Gallstones can seldom be prevented,
although a low-fat diet may provide some
protective benefit.
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6 Tips on Hepatitis
Five different hepatitis viruses have been
identified: type A; type B; type C; type D, or
delta virus; and type E. Type A is probably the
most prevalent type of viral hepatitis
worldwide, followed by types B, E, C, and D.
Hepatitis A and E are transmitted through
fecally contaminated food or water. Other modes
of transmission include needle sharing among
intravenous drug abusers; sexual contact;
maternal transmission; and transmission by blood
transfusion.
A simple blood test is used to determine that a
person has one or more of the different types of
hepatitis.
Acute hepatitis is typically characterized by
flu-like symptoms (including fever, headaches,
fatigue, nausea and vomiting) and jaundice.
Chronic hepatitis is often asymptomatic.
Vaccines are available to protect against
hepatitis A and B. Additionally, immune globulin
for hepatitis A or hepatitis B is recommended
when someone has been exposed to an infected
person.
Among the ways to care for your liver are:
limiting alcohol consumption; avoiding liver-
damaging drugs; practicing safe sex; avoiding
use of illegal drugs; avoiding high doses of
vitamins unless prescribed; avoiding tattoos and
the sharing of razors; not eating raw shellfish
from questionable sources; and carefully
following directions for use of toxic substances
(e.g., cleaning products).
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4 Tips on Circulatory Disorders of the GI Tract
The small intestine and the colon have a
relatively restricted blood supply and are
frequently affected by circulatory disorders,
whereas the esophagus, stomach, and rectum are
well supplied with blood and are only
occasionally involved in circulatory
disturbances.
The colon is commonly affected by ischemia
(reduction of blood flow to a level not
permitting normal function). In most cases,
symptoms subside within days and healing is seen
within 2 weeks. Antibiotics and bowel rest
usually suffice. In complicated disease, damaged
parts of the colon must be removed surgically.
Acute mesenteric ischemia results from
inadequate circulation of blood to the small
intestine. Treatment is aimed at dilating
(opening) the blood vessels with drugs and/or
surgery to restore intestinal blood flow and to
remove any irreversibly damaged bowel.
Chronic mesenteric ischemia results when blood
flow to the small intestine is reduced to an
insufficient level. It causes pain associated
with eating. Surgery is often warranted to
correct the problem.
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5 Tips on Use of Medications
Use of medications increases with age: 80% of
older Americans who live independently receive
20 or more prescriptions per year Residents of
nursing homes receive an average of 8-10 drugs
per day
It is important to take medications as
prescribed. Reasons for not following directions
include:
Too many drugs
Error due to visual or mental impairment
Sharing drugs
Changing doctors
Use of over-the-counter drugs
Sparing expense
Drug side effects
Symptoms not improving
See your doctor regularly to check on
medications and their effect (bring your
medications with you for an office visit or to
an emergency room): Drug effect changes with
aging There is decreased absorption of drugs
through the intestinal tract Decreased kidney
function slows drug elimination Metabolism of
drugs changes with age
The effect medications have on your body will
change with aging. For example: Drug action may
last longer Drugs may produce toxicity at a
lower dose in mature adults than in younger
adults
Remember that all changes you experience are not
necessarily due to aging. For example, decrease
in salivary flow is: Due to disease or
medication not due to aging
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5 Tips on Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive
problem also known as "spastic colon" or
"irritable colon."
IBS symptoms include:
Abdominal pain (colicky, periodic or continuous
dull pain)
Erratic bowel activity; frequent constipation or
diarrhea
Accompanying symptoms of bloating, nausea,
headache, fatigue
Sensitivity to intestinal gas (cramping,
flatulence)
The cause of IBS is unknown:
No evidence of specific disease
May be triggered by psychological factors or
ingestion of food
IBS is a condition that:
Is more common in women
Usually starts at an early age (20s and 30s) and
recurs from time to time
Rarely starts past age 55
Treatment of IBS includes:
Careful explanation of the syndrome, including
what it is not
Better management of key triggers: stress and
diet
Modification of diet to reduce or exclude foods
that promote gas
Drug therapy to relieve symptoms (bulk fiber
products, antispasmodics, antidiarrheals)
Occasionally, psychiatric therapy and medication
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10 Tips on Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are masses of swollen veins in the
lower rectum (internal hemorrhoids) or at the
anus (external hemorrhoids).
Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids include:
Bright red rectal bleeding
Staining of undergarments with mucus
Symptoms of external hemorrhoids include:
Pain and itching when irritated by constipation
or diarrhea
Difficulty with hygiene
Hemorrhoids are caused by:
Straining
Work strain (lifting, etc.)
Straining while defecating
Chronic constipation
Passing hard, dry, small stools
Laxative abuse
Do not assume rectal bleeding is from
hemorrhoids. See your doctor to rule out cancer
or other disease.
To prevent or manage hemorrhoids, increase your
fiber and fluid intake. Consider adding a fiber
supplement.
Avoid straining at stool or sitting on the
toilet for a long time.
Clean the external rectal area gently with soap
and water following stool evacuation.
Try a topical cream or sitz baths to reduce
inflammation.
See your doctor if you don't improve.
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5 Tips on Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an
inflammation of the small or large intestine
that may cause these symptoms:
Diarrhea
Rectal bleeding
Sharp abdominal pain or cramping
Intestinal obstruction
Fever
See your doctor if you have any of these
symptoms
There are two types of IBD:
Ulcerative Colitis
Starts in rectum and spreas upward
Affects men more tham women
Crohn's Disease
More patchy inflammation
Can start anywhere in the digestive tract
Affects women more than men
The cause of IBD is unknown. What is known about
IBD includes the following:
IBD is not Contagious.
IBD is not caused by diet.
IBD is not a form of cancer.
IBD affects young and old alike.
IBD can usually be treated with medicine but
sometimes requires surgery.
Diagnosis of IBD is based on:
Family history, travel history, current
medications
Stool sample to rule out infection
Flexible sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy and biopsy to
rule out cancer and to identify
IBD
X-ray studies
Treatment of IBD may include:
Medications to reduce or eliminate inflammation
Special diet or elemental formula diet
Surgery
Time is critical. If you suspect IBD, call your
doctor.
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10 Tips on Constipation and Incontinence of
Stool
Despite widespread belief, constipation is not
necessarily a part of growing older.
Bowel habits are similar in both younger and
older healthy people.
Constipation is defined as stools that are:
Too small
Too hard
Too difficult to pass
Infrequent (less than 3 per week)
Constipation is caused by:
Not enough dietary fiber or fluids
Medication side effects
Emotional or physical stress
Misconception about normal bowel habits
Lack of activity
Medical problems
How to manage mild-to-moderate constipation:
Gradually add dietary fiber from variou sources
Increase fluids (water, soup, broth, juices)
Eat meals on a regular schedule
Chew your food well
Gradually increase daily exercise
Respond to urges to move your bowels
Avoid straining
See your doctor if these measures don't work
Dietary therapy (increased fiber and fluids) and
fiber supplements are the preferred treatment
for chronic constipation.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend the use
of stool softeners.
Use of mineral oil or stimulant laxatives
regularly, consult your doctor to make sure what
you are using is right for you.
Incontinence of stool or fecal soiling is most
often due to leakage around a fecal impaction.
Removing the impaction will usually restore
continence.
Incontinence of stool in healthy older people
deserves full education and treatment. Treatment
options include:
Adjustment in dietary fiber to reduce amount of
stool
Medications to decrease stool frequency
Prescribed use of enemas (not soap enemas)
Biofeedback training
Surgery to restore anal function
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10 Tips on Dietary Fiber
Keep in mind that a high-fiber diet may tend to
improve:
Chronic constipation
Coronary heart disease
Hemorrhoids
Diabetes mellitus
Diverticular disease
Elevated cholesterol
Irritable bowel syndrome
Colorectal cancer
Try to double your daily fiber intake.
Average American intake: 10-15 grams per day
Recommended intake: 20-35 grams per day
Understand what fiber is, where it comes from:
Insoluble fiber
Cereals
Wheat/wheat bran
Whole grains
Soluble fiber
Brans
Fruit
Oatmeal/oat bran
Psyllium
Vegetables
Substitute high-fiber foods for high-fat and
low-fiber foods.
Keep your daily fiber intake stable. Consider a
fiber supplement if you:
Travel
Eat away from home often
Find it difficult to get enough fiber through
food choices alone
Don't shock your system: Increase fiber levels
in your diet gradually.
Always increase fluids (water, soup, broth,
juices) when you increase fiber.
Add both soluble and insoluble fiber, from a
variety of sources.
Compare fiber content of foods: Grams of Fiber
1 cup of Rice Krispies® 1
1/3 cup of 100% Bran® 9
1 slice of white bread 0.5
1 slice of whole wheat bread 1.4
1/2 cup white rice 0.5
1/2cup brown rice 1.5
Bowl of chicken broth 0
Bowl of thick vegetable (minestrone) soup 1
Choose foods high in fiber content.
Fruits and Vegetables
Highest in Fiber Per Serving
Fruits
Artichokes
Apples, pears (with skin)
Berries (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Dates
Figs
Prunes Vegetables
Beans (baked, black, lima, pinto)
Broccoli
Chick-peas
Lentils
Parsnips Peas
Pumpkin
Rutabaga
Squash (winter)
Other Good Fiber Choices
Barley
Bread, Muffins (whole wheat, bran)
Cereals (branflakes, bran, oatmeal, shredded
wheat)
Coconut
Crackers (rye, whole wheat)
Nuts (almonds, Brazil, peanuts, pecans, walnuts)
Rice (brown)
Seeds (pumpkin, sunflower)
Eating high-fiber foods is a healthy choice for
most people. If you have ever received medical
treatment for a digestive problem, however, it
is very important that you check with your
doctor to find out if a high-fiber diet is the
right choice for you.
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5 Tips on Diverticular Disease
Diverticulosis is a condition with pouch-like
protrusions in the colon:
Rare before age 30
Common after age 60
Usually no symptoms
Complications of diverticulosis include:
Bright red rectal bleeding with clots
Diverticulitis
Ways to prevent and manage diverticular disease
include:
Increasing dietary fiber to keep bowel movements
soft
Avoiding stimulant laxatives
Diverticulitis is a serious complication in
which pouches become inflamed or infected.
Symptoms of diverticulitis include:
Pain in left lower abdomen
Fever
Sudden change in bowel habit
See your doctor immediately if you have any of
these symptoms.
Treatment of diverticulitis may include:
Antibiotics
Special feeding
Surgery
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