By Dr. Ghe Rosales-Vong, guest columnist
As we age, maintaining a good diet becomes more and more vital to overall health and well-being.
As a primary care provider, I understand the importance of healthy habits and a nutritious diet, especially for my patients ages 50 and older. But it’s critical to recognize that aging often brings unique challenges, including managing common illnesses like irritable bowel syndrome.
Irritable bowel syndrome is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects individuals of all ages, but older adults may experience additional difficulties in managing this condition due to age-related factors and coexisting health conditions. . Older adults often have a higher prevalence of gastrointestinal problems and may experience changes in their bowel habits due to age-related changes in digestion and metabolism.
This common gastrointestinal disorder is characterized by a combination of symptoms that can vary in severity and duration. Symptoms include:
Diagnosing IBS can be difficult because symptoms can overlap with other gastrointestinal conditions and there is no specific test to confirm the diagnosis. But I often use criteria known as the “Rome criteria,” which include the presence of recurring abdominal pain or discomfort on at least three days per month over the past three months, associated with at least two of the elements following: improvement with defecation, onset associated with a change in the frequency of stools, or an onset associated with a change in the shape or appearance of stools.
For older adults with IBS, dietary modifications play a crucial role in managing symptoms. Here are some dietary strategies that can help relieve symptoms:
Older adults with irritable bowel syndrome may benefit from other lifestyle changes to effectively manage their symptoms. Stress management techniques play a crucial role in reducing the frequency and severity of symptoms. Older adults can incorporate mindfulness practices, relaxation exercises, and stress-reducing activities, such as deep breathing exercises and meditation, into their daily routine.
Engaging in gentle physical activity can also have important benefits for older adults. Regular exercise helps regulate bowel function, reduces bloating and gas, and promotes overall digestive health. Activities like walking, yoga, tai chi, and swimming are low-impact exercises that can be particularly beneficial for older adults.
By adopting healthy eating habits, practicing stress management techniques, and seeking support from your healthcare provider, you can effectively manage your IBS symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life.
Dr. Ghe Rosales-Vong specializes in family medicine and works with a variety of patients on a variety of medical issues. By working together, he helps his patients achieve their goals and improve their health. By reviewing the test results, he reminds patients that any improvement in their health reflects the difficulties encountered. work they did at home. At MemorialCare Medical Group Westminster, Rosales-Vong helps treat a variety of non-life-threatening adult and pediatric emergencies, in addition to primary care services such as family medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics.
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