Gastrointestinal diseases
Gastrointestinal conditions are digestive system disorders that can be extensive and complex system which breaks down food to extract vitamins, minerals and other nutrients for our body’s use and remove unabsorbed excess. Also, popular as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the digestive system includes a range of vital digestive organs, comprising the mouth, small and large bowels, liver, oesophagus, gallbladder, pancreas, stomach, rectum, and anus. Unfortunately, there are plenty of different gastrointestinal issues, that it is easy to neglect them mistakenly. Some GI conditions are mild and generally go away on its own, but some conditions are severe enough that you have to see a doctor or gastroenterologist.
Causes of Gastrointestinal Conditions
Common causes of GI problems include:
A low fibre diet
It helps you feel full and helps to digest certain foods. The total recommended daily intake of fibre for women and men under the age of 50 is 25 grams and 38 grams. If you’re older than 50, you’ll need to consume about 21 grams (woman) and 30 grams (man).
Food intolerances
Some people cannot tolerate certain foods due to genetic predisposition or environmental factors. However, it should be noted that food allergies are not the same as food intolerances.
Being stressed
Anxiety and stress do not only affect your mental health; they can also affect digestive health, especially the gut microbiome.
Not drinking enough water.
Water is essential to your digestive health because it helps to clean up the entire gastrointestinal tract. In particular, water softens the stool, assisting prevent constipation.
Eating a lot of dairy foods.
They are usually packed with fats and proteins that are difficult to digest. That’s why consuming large quantities of dairy products can cause bloating, gas, constipation, and abdominal cramping.
Infections
Also known as stomach flu, gastroenteritis occurs when your intestine has a viral, parasitic or bacterial infection.
Genetic factors
Most autoimmune and immune, gastrointestinal disorders have a genetic component, which means that they are hereditary.
Inactive lifestyle
Not getting adequate exercise is not suitable for your digestive health. That’s why doctors recommend a combination of exercise, dietary changes, and medication to correct certain GI conditions.
Ageing
Age is another risk factor for gastrointestinal disorder.
As we age, the digestive glands decrease in activity, the intestinal motility is affected, the reflux worsens, and certain digestive conditions develop.
General Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Conditions
Symptoms of digestive disorders usually vary from a
condition to another, and from person to person.
However, some symptoms are present
in almost all gastrointestinal problems.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a group of gastrointestinal conditions in which the muscles of the large intestine contract more frequently than usual, sometimes referred to as nervous stomach, irritable colon, mucous colitis or spastic colon.
Treatment for IBS include:
- Avoiding stress, or learning ways to deal with stress
- Eating a diet with more fibre
- Staying away from coffee and other caffeine sources
- Working with a gastroenterologist or a dietician to figure out which foods trigger your IBS so that you can avoid them.
Constipation
Constipation is a digestive condition in which a
person experiences severe, dry and often painful bowel movements. Constipation is one of the most prevailing symptoms of digestive disorder. In numerous cases, constipation may be treated by:
- Frequent exercise
- Not ignoring urges of bowel movements
- Increased fibre and water intake
If constipation persists, laxatives may be used as temporary relief. It is worth bearing in mind that excessive use of laxatives can do more harm than good to your constipation.
Chronic Diarrhoea
Chronic diarrhoea is a gastrointestinal condition wherein an individual passes watery, mushy or loose stools that lasts for weeks on end.
