Diarrhea and other digestive issues are never fun, particularly if you struggle with them often.
These problems can be caused by numerous factors. Some of the most common ones are bacteria, stress, infection, meds, and chronic conditions like IBS.
If you also schedule activities around bathroom breaks or avoid public activities because you feat an accident, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with it as well.
You can consult your physician about meds and diet tips to better your digestive struggles. Between checkups, you can also take the necessary steps to ensure your daily routine is more comfortable and easier.
Why Are You Having Digestive Struggles?
Our digestive system is a complex and extensive part of our bodies. It goes from the mouth to the rectum. It’s essential for the absorption of nutrients and the removal of toxins and waste.
Digestive issues may mean more than unwanted symptoms. Even if smaller issues are left untreated, they can contribute to more severe diseases.
Here are several reasons why you may be having digestive problems:
- Chronic constipation
If you’re continuously constipated, your body is having a hard time removing waste.
This happens when the colon can’t pass stool through the rest of the digestive tract. Constipation causes abdominal aches and bloating and fewer bowel movements than usual.
This is a common digestive problem in the US. Proper intake of fiber and water and regular exercise are two pivotal ways to relieve constipation.
In more serious cases, meds may be required.
- Food intolerance
Intolerance to food happens when our digestive system can’t tolerate some foods.
Unlike food allergies that trigger hives and respiratory issues, intolerances affect digestion only.
Some of the most common signs are headache, bloating, cramps, diarrhea, irritability, vomiting, and gas.
Leading a food diary is important to get a proper diagnosis. And, this may help you pinpoint the foods causing your symptoms.
One type of food intolerance is Celiac. This autoimmune disorder triggers digestive problems when consuming gluten, a protein present in rye, barley, and wheat.
These people need to follow a gluten-free diet to alleviate the symptoms and further damage to the small intestine.
- GERD
Heartburn is a common problem for many adults. It occurs when the stomach acids return to the esophagus and results in a chest ache and a burning sensation.
Frequent heartburn may be due to GERD. These episodes can make daily life a struggle and damage the esophagus.
Other symptoms of GERD are discomfort in the chest, a dry cough, a sour taste in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, a sore throat, etc.
In some cases, meds may be necessary to manage heartburn.
- IBS
Inflammatory bowel disease or IBS is a chronic swelling that happens to one or several parts of the digestive tract.
The two types of IBS are Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. The former affects the GI tract, but mostly the colon and the small intestine.
The latter affects the colon only. This condition may cause other symptoms like belly ache and diarrhea, as well as tiredness, unfinished bowel movements, night sweating, rectal bleeding, poor appetite, weight loss, etc.
The sooner the disease is diagnosed, the sooner will it be addressed. This will help you feel more comfortable and lower further damage to the GI tract.
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