The gastrointestinal system begins with the mouth and ends with the anus. In between, there is the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and rectum. The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food into nutrients that are absorbed into the bloodstream and for eliminating waste from the body. The liver, gallbladder and pancreas are also part of the digestive process. As we age, the probability of losing teeth increases and the esophagus decreases its motility function causing less efficient swallowing of solid foods, pills and the increasing the probability of esophageal reflux.
As the stomach ages, it becomes less elastic resulting in an earlier feeling of fullness. It can also develop an increased susceptibility to medication side effects from drugs such as aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen and naproxen.
Within the small intestine there is an increased intolerance to dairy products due to lactase insufficiency - the enzyme responsible for lactose (milk sugar) metabolism. The overgrowth of certain bacteria in this area can lead to bloating, abdominal pain and weight loss.
The large intestine does not alter much with age, however, it can have an enhanced susceptibility to constipation due to the slower movement of digested food, decrease in contractions, less exercise or physical activity and effects of certain medications. Constipation can lead to medical conditions such as diverticular disease, anal fissures, hemorrhoids and rectal prolapse and is related to an increase in water reabsorption because of slower transit time.
The liver metabolizes substances less efficiently with age causing some drugs to remain active in the body for longer periods of time. Gallstones are also more commonly experienced in the elderly population. There are no significant aging changes in the pancreas.
The Gut Microbiota
Over recent years the significance of microorganisms in the digestive system has been increasingly recognized. There are an estimated 39 trillion cells of bacteria, viruses and fungi compared to 30 trillion human cells in the body. These microorganisms contribute to overall health by assisting with immune function, hormone regulation and neurochemical balance. There is a lot of research and discovery being conducted in this important area of health and wellness and how the composition of the gut microbiota changes as we advance in age.
What You Can Do to Prevent Unhealthy Aging of the Digestive System
Eat more high-fiber foods such as unprocessed vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains and seeds. Eat more home cooked meals and less dining out.
Stay hydrated by drinking adequate amounts of fluids throughout the day. Water is best but any unsweetened liquid is helpful.
Get plenty of exercise/physical activity to lower your chances of getting colon cancer and many other diseases associated with advancing age.
Visit your primary care physician for any unusual symptoms such as changes in appetite, bowel movements, unusual weight loss and abdominal pain.
Manage stress (distress) by finding and developing activities that heighten your sense of well-being without the use of drugs.
As I have mentioned repeatedly in previous blogs, getting older does not have to be aligned with poorer health and disease if we take the time and effort to improve our diet and lifestyle behavior. This is the mission of AHAD Health & Wellness - to educate, motivate and help sustain healthy behavior change that adds years to life and life to years. Nearly everyone can be healthy if they choose to be.
Sources:
Gut Microbe v.8(2) 2017
Artenodoro P. Ruiz MD, Canan Institute, The Medical City of Philippines
Aging Neuroscience, 25 June 2021
Gastroenterology 2005;129:1305-1338
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