Nov. 16, 2020, 11:20 a.m.
Digestion is amongst the most vital functions that a human body performs; it refers to assimilating and absorbing nutrients from food to sustain and lead a healthy life. Our digestive tract is the most extensive system that involves numerous organs and glands to remain functional. Apart from nourishing, it is also responsible for getting rid of the waste material, which is why it is of utmost importance to look after one’s digestive system.
Problems in the digestive system can arise due to various reasons; some of the common factors include:
- Reduced fibre intake
- Dehydration
- Unhealthy food habits
If not identified and treated soon, these causes can lead to various digestive issues, such as:
Discomfort or pain in the stomach accompanied by irregular motions can be a sign of IBS. It is amongst the more common problems, and the cure usually comes down to altering one’s diet. High-fibre, low-fat and components like caffeine, sugar etc. should be cut-out from the diet.
It is caused when a person finds it difficult to excrete waste, moving stools are challenging, and one may also suffer through abdominal pain, bloating etc. Painful bowel movements are a critical factor in identifying constipation. This too can be treated by getting enough fibre, water and exercise. In some cases, medication is required.
A burning sensation near the throat caused by acid reflux, more commonly known as ‘heartburn’ is mostly detected in adults. If such episodes are frequent, one might be suffering from GERD. The treatment for this includes avoiding food that can trigger such reactions, ingesting antacids that help with calming the burn, and lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and not wearing clothes that might be tight fitting.
IBD refers to the chronic swelling of one’s digestive tract. Common symptoms include fatigue, incomplete bowel movements, loss of appetite, and rectal bleeding. There are two types of IBD, namely:
Crohn’s Disease – Which affects the gastrointestinal tract, more commonly small intestine and the colon
Ulcerative Colitis – Which is said to affect the colon alone
The curative measures for these conditions depend primarily on the symptoms, but immunosuppressants and surgery are extreme cases.
Quite evidently, it is observed that most gastrointestinal issues arise from an unhealthy diet or lifestyle, which many of us lead today. Hence, the most crucial aspect of keeping these issues at bay is maintaining a healthy, fibrous diet, lots of hydration, and body movement. Intake of probiotics that work on keeping the gut healthy is also a good habit to have.
Despite this, if one notices any symptoms that feel out of the ordinary, or abdominal pain that lasts longer than average due to reasons one can’t understand, they should approach their general physician as soon as possible and avoid the situation from escalating.
Yours in self-care,
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