Navigating digestive health through ageing
KUALA LUMPUR - Increasing protein intake to 1.5 grammes per kilogramme of body weight and incorporating more fresh fruits, vegetables, fibre and lean meat to your diet can improve overall health.
According to Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC) Consultant in Gastroenterology and Hepatology Dr. Lim Sim Yee and Consultant General and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon Dr Soon Yuen, the human body undergoes several natural changes that affect the digestive system as our age increases.
"While these changes are inevitable, there are steps we can take to maintain good digestive health and minimise any discomfort or challenges that may arise," SMC said in a statement today.
According to both medical experts, the digestive system, also known as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, breaks down food, absorbs nutrients and eliminates waste.
"As we age, several factors contribute to changes in the digestive system, including decreased production of digestive enzymes, slower muscle contractions, changes in gut bacteria and side effects from medications,” they said.
Nearly 40 per cent of older adults have one or more age-related digestive symptoms each year.
"It is important to encourage individuals to pay attention to digestive issues and not dismiss them as inevitable components of growing older as they may show underlying health issues, such as colon cancer,” said the medical experts.
Both experts noted that the elderly are more likely to experience digestive problems like constipation, heartburn, diverticulosis and lactose intolerance due to age-related changes.
In addition, chronic conditions such as diabetes can significantly affect the digestive system, altering gut movements as high blood sugar, which is commonly caused by diabetes, can lead to gastroparesis, a condition that affects how you digest your food.
Dr Lim and Dr Soon elaborated on the significance of geriatricians in managing complex health issues as thay are more adept at balancing medications and navigating the intricacies of ageing-related diseases.
Dr Lim said prescribed medications that are often a crucial aspect of managing health in old age can have side effects that can cause constipation and other digestive issues.
Meanwhile Dr Soon shared that geriatricians are excellent coordinators of care and very good at complex care.
"They can speak to the patient, prescribe medications and provide comprehensive treatment to treat them properly with minimal side effects,” he said.
Dr Soon also highlighted the increased susceptibility of gastric ulcers and gastritis in older individuals due to the waning of protective mechanisms with age.
"One of the causes is Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), the only bacterium classified as a Class I (definite) carcinogen by the World Health Organisation (WHO),” he said.
He emphasised the crucial role of interdisciplinary collaboration between geriatric specialists and other experts in addressing interconnected health challenges, including cardiovascular complications and dementia, emphasising the necessity for holistic treatment. - BERNAMA
