As we age, various surprising changes occur in our bodies, from the peculiar sounds of creaky joints to the unexpected hangovers that follow just a couple of drinks. However, one of the most disheartening changes can be the decline in our digestive health.
“Intestinal issues can arise at any age and can become more prevalent as we age,” explained Dr. Sara Attalla, a gastroenterologist at Inspira Health in New Jersey, in an interview with HuffPost.
According to the National Institutes of Health, between 60 million and 70 million Americans suffer from digestive diseases. Common symptoms include heartburn, bloating, abdominal discomfort, and alterations in bowel habits, which can manifest as constipation, diarrhea, or a combination of both.
Identifying the root cause of digestive problems can be complex, often resulting from a unique interplay of aging and lifestyle factors.
How Aging Impacts Digestion
The aging process can create issues with the nerves and muscles in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, causing disruptions in how digestive organs function individually and as a unit. This often results in a slower digestion process and erratic communication between the organs involved.
Consequences of Aging on the Digestive System
- Esophageal Function: Coordination and efficacy of swallowing may deteriorate, leading to increased instances of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach contents re-enter the esophagus.
- Stomach Functionality: Slowed movement in the stomach can lead to delayed digestion and a higher incidence of indigestion.
- Stomach Lining Changes: Dr. Attalla notes that the stomach lining may thin with age, heightening the risk of injury due to inflammation.
In addition to these physical changes, decreased production of prostaglandins—a hormone-like substance essential for stomach acid secretion and GI muscle function—can weaken the protective stomach lining, increasing the risk for gastritis and ulcers.
The food we consume then continues into the small bowel, where sluggish motility may promote bacterial overgrowth, a condition linked to bloating and diarrhea, as highlighted by Dr. Sunana Sohi, a board-certified gastroenterologist at Gastroenterology Health Partners in Louisville, Kentucky.
If movement in the colon slows significantly, it may lead to constipation and diverticulosis, a condition characterized by the formation of small pouches that exert pressure on weak spots in the colon wall, potentially resulting in bleeding and inflammation.
Impact of Chronic Health Conditions
As individuals age, they often face various chronic health conditions—such as arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders—that may restrict mobility. This can further aggravate gut motility issues. “If you don’t move, neither does your gut,” stated Dr. Pritesh Mutha, an associate professor at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.
Additionally, many medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, particularly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen, are known to induce gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and ulcers.
