Common and Rare Digestive Disorders
We can take our digestive system for granted, yet sometimes things can go wrong resulting in constipation diarrhoea or sickness. The following disorders and how to relieve them will help you to keep your digestive tract in tip top condition.
Indigestion
Pain that usually comes on after eating. If you suffer from this frequently try to avoid citrus fruits as the acid can trigger an attack, spicy food can also contribute to indigestion, instead try small low fat meals frequently rather than huge meals a couple of times a day.
Constipation
Difficulty passing stools. To combat this drink a lot of fluid, mainly water. Stick to your healthy diet and eat lots of fibre, brans, oatmeal, nuts and green leafy vegetables will all help.
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Diarrhoea
Frequent passing of loose stools. This could be a warning of an infection, or it could just be a food you’ve eaten that doesn’t agree with you. In the short term avoid fibre and citrus but drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. If symptoms persist see your doctor.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Pain, bloating, changes in bowel habits. Although embarrassing, this is a lot more common than you might think. It’s easily diagnosed by a doctor and easily treated by following a low fat high fibre that’s free of caffeine.
There are other problems that can be related to digestive disorders such as:
Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease – which is the reflux of stomach acid into the throat causing discomfort.
Peptic Ulcer – Where there is damage to the small intestine.
Gall Stones – Inflammations of the gall bladder.
Lactose Intolerance – The inability to digest the natural sugars found in dairy products.
Coeliac Disease – Inability to absorb gluten causing damage to the small intestine.
Crohn’s Disease – An inflammatory Disorder that affects the colon and large intestine.
Ulcerative colitis – Inflammation and ulcers that affect the rectum and large intestine
Diverticular Disease – Pockets within the colon that can become inflamed and painful.
The chances are the digestive disorder you are experiencing will soon pass and be only short term, but if symptoms persist see your doctor to have any or all of these ruled out.
