health centersdigestion center

Does Your Digestive System Change With Age?

Disease and Condition: Diverticulosis
Does Your Digestive System Change With Age
As you age, your digestive system can slow down and become less efficient, leading to constipation, heartburn, and other digestive problems

As you age, your digestive system can slow down and become less efficient, leading to constipation, heartburn, and other digestive problems. It is estimated that approximately 40% of adults over 45 suffer from at least one age-related digestive disorder.

Your digestive system works by moving food along the digestive tract through a series of muscle contractions. With age, this process can slow down. Moreover, a decrease in the number of nerve cells of the myenteric plexus can cause degeneration of the villi, impacting nutrient absorption in the intestines.

How does aging affect the digestive system?

Factors that make older individuals more susceptible to health conditions include the following:

  • Slower digestion: As food moves more slowly in the digestive tract, water absorption increases and can cause constipation.
  • Physical inactivity: Most people become less active as they get older. Health conditions and other factors can also contribute to decreased activity levels.
  • Decreased fluid intake: In some cases, older people may not drink enough fluids or be taking diuretics and other medications that can cause excessive fluid loss.
  • Diverticular diseases: Almost 50% of people over 60 suffer from diverticulosis (small pouches in the colon) that can become inflamed, causing diverticulitis.
  • Hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis: Chronic conditions become more common as people age. Medications used to manage these diseases can negatively affect the digestive system.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Regular use of NSAIDs to control pain and chronic conditions can increase the risk of stomach bleeding and ulcers.
  • Overuse of medications: Certain medications can directly affect the digestive tract, such as calcium channel blockers (used for high blood pressure) and narcotic pain relievers (used for knee or hip replacement surgery).

What digestive issues are associated with aging?

Your digestive system consists of:

  • Salivary glands
  • Pharynx
  • Esophagus
  • Stomach
  • Small Intestine
  • Large Intestine
  • Rectum
  • Organs such as the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas

As you age, the muscles in your digestive system tend to become stiffer, weaker, and less efficient, which can result in digestive problems such as:

How to protect your digestive system as you age

You can protect your digestive system from age-related issues through changes in your diet, lifestyle, and medications:

  • Stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids to prevent constipation
  • Take prebiotics and probiotics
  • Eat a well-balanced and nutritious diet
  • Increase your fiber intake with green leafy vegetables, whole grains, and beans
  • Limit high-fat, processed foods
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day  5 days a week
  • Avoid overeating and a sedentary lifestyle
  • Control diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure
  • Avoid overusing over-the-counter pain relievers
  • Get regular health screenings

QUESTION

Pancreatitis is inflammation of an organ in the abdomen called the pancreas. See Answer
References
Image Source: iStock Images

Conaway B. Aging and Digestive Health. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/features/digestive-health-aging

GI Society. Aging Digestive Tract. https://badgut.org/information-centre/a-z-digestive-topics/aging-digestive-tract/

Top Does Your Digestive System Change With Age Related Articles

  • What Are 13 Common Diseases of the Digestive System?
    Here are 13 of the most common diseases of the digestive system, which range from constipation to gastrointestinal (GI) cancer.
  • attapulgite
    Attapulgite is a medication prescribed for the short-term treatment of diarrhea. Constipation is the main side effect of attapulgite. It can also cause bloating, flatulence, stomach upset, and...
  • Boost Digestive Health
    Upset stomach? Some foods may be the culprits, and bad habits may be to blame. Treat your body right with these simple nutrition tips on how to deal with with diarrhea, gas, reflux, and more...
  • Constipation: Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid Quiz
    Take this quiz to find out what foods to eat, and what foods to avoid to prevent or relieve constipation.
  • Diarrhea
    Diarrhea is a change in the frequency and looseness of bowel movements. Symptoms associated with diarrhea are cramping, abdominal pain, and the sensation of rectal urgency. Causes of diarrhea include...
  • Digestive Disorders: Worst Foods for Digestion
    Discover which foods to avoid in order to prevent diarrhea and digestive problems. Find out which foods can trigger diarrhea and other digestive problems such as gas, bloating, indigestion,...
  • Digestive Disorders: Reasons Your Stomach Hurts
    A belly ache can be a sign of so many things -- some serious, some not-so-serious. Check out a few possibilities.
  • digestive enzymes
    Digestive enzymes are natural substances that help the digestive system break down food. Taken as a supplement, digestive enzymes may be used to treat adults and children with pancreatic...
  • Digestive Enzymes Oral
    Oral digestive enzymes are found in the digestive tract, are naturally produced by the body, and help breakdown the foods we eat. The pancreas makes and secretes digestive enzymes. Prescription and...
  • Diverticulosis
    Most people with diverticulosis have few if any symptoms at all. When people do experience signs and symptoms of diverticulosis (diverticular disease) they may include abdominal pain, abdominal...
  • GERD Quiz
    Who is at risk for developing GERD? Are you? Take this quiz to learn what GERD is, if you're at risk, and what you can do about it.
  • Healthy Aging: Best Foods as You Age
    Getting older is a part of life. These foods will help you do so gracefully -- and in great health!
  • How Do I Know if My Baby Is Having Digestive Problems?
    Digestive problems are common in babies, especially when they are newborns. Learn about signs your baby may have a digestive problem.
  • Intestinal Gas
    Intestinal gas and painful bloating are common. Learn about what causes gas pain and how eliminating certain foods from your diet can help relieve symptoms.
  • Lactobacillus
    Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of the most common species of bacteria used as a probiotic supplement. Lactobacillus supplements help restore normal bowel flora, inhibit the growth of...
  • lidocaine rectal
    Lidocaine rectal is a local anesthetic applied on the anal area to relieve pain, itching, and burning from hemorrhoids. Common side effects of lidocaine rectal include rash, itching, swelling...
  • peppermint oil
    Peppermint oil is the essential oil that has been historically used orally and topically to treat a variety of conditions such as digestive disorders, cough, and other upper respiratory symptoms. Do...
  • simethicone
    Simethicone is an antiflatulent medication used to relieve gas retention in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Common side effects of simethicone include mild diarrhea and nausea. Simethicone has no...
  • sodium citrate/dextrose/fructose
    Sodium citrate/dextrose/fructose is a combination medication used for the temporary relief of nausea associated with an upset or sour stomach, including that due to overindulgence in food or drinks....
  • What Are the Five Common Causes of Constipation?
    Here are five causes of constipation, which include poor diet and lifestyle habits, medical conditions, and medications.
  • What Can Heartburn Be a Sign of?
    Heartburn symptoms may indicate a bigger health concern. Learn more about heartburn, heartburn symptoms, heartburn related to other health conditions, how it's diagnosed, and your treatment options...