Many people have problems with their digestive system. These issues can make you feel very uncomfortable. This guide will help you understand these problems and what you can do about them.
What are Digestive Problems?
Your digestive system is the part of your body that processes food. It starts at your mouth and ends at your bottom. It includes:
Your digestive system is the part of your body that processes food. It starts at your mouth and ends at your bottom. It includes:
- Mouth
- Food pipe (esophagus)
- Stomach
- When any of these parts are not working properly, you can have digestive problems.
Signs of Digestive Issues
Here are common signs that you might have a digestive problem:Stomach pain
Feeling sick to your stomach
Throwing up
Burning feeling in your chest
Loose, watery stools
If you have any of these signs, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor.
Here are common signs that you might have a digestive problem:
Food and Your Digestive System
What you eat can affect how you feel. Some foods might cause problems for you but not for others. Everyone is different. Foods that might cause trouble for some people include:
What you eat can affect how you feel. Some foods might cause problems for you but not for others. Everyone is different. Foods that might cause trouble for some people include:
- Spicy Foods
- Greasy Foods
- Milk & Cheese
- Some Fruits
- Some vegetables like cabbage or onions
- If you notice that certain foods make you feel bad, try not eating them for a while.
- This is an easy way to feel better.
Digestive Changes as You Get Older
As you age, your body might react differently to some foods. For example:
As you age, your body might react differently to some foods. For example:
- You might have trouble with milk products.
- Spicy foods might bother your stomach more. *These changes are normal, but if they bother you, talk to a doctor.
When to See a Doctor Digestive Issues
Sometimes, digestive problems can be serious. See a doctor if you have:
- 1. Trouble swallowing
- 2. Blood in your vomit
- 3. Blood in your stool
- 4. Weight loss you can’t explain
- 5. Feeling very tired all the time
- 6. Unusual liver test results
How Doctors Can Help
Doctors who specialize in digestive problems are called gastroenterologists. They can:
- Ask about your symptoms
- Look at your health history
- Do a physical exam
- Order tests to see what’s wrong
Some tests they might do include:
- Colonoscopy: A camera looks inside your large intestine
- Endoscopy: A camera looks at your stomach
- Blood tests: To check for health issues
- Breath tests: To see if certain foods cause problems
Doctors have many ways to help you feel better. They might suggest:
- Changing what you eat
- Taking medicine
- Doing procedures to fix digestive problems
Taking Care of Your Digestive Health
Here are some tips for better digestive health:
- 1. Eat slowly and chew well
- 2. Drink plenty of water
- 3. Exercise regularly
- 4. Get enough sleep
- 5. Try to reduce stress
- 6. Avoid foods that upset your stomach
