Page 32 - Seniors Today - May21 Issue
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gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), of the small intestines. This can develop
hiatal hernia, mouth cancer… this is caused at any age. It can also be passed down
due to excessive inflammation, long- genetically. There is no cure but can be
term medicine usage, bacterial infections managed by eating gluten free food.
and excessive secretion of digestive acid.
Smoking and alcohol consumption could 4. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) –
also cause these diseases. People with overtly sensitive intestine can
suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. It can
2. Lactose intolerance – When one is be easily cured but it may last for some time
unable to process diary products. This – it varies from person to person. There are
happens when your body is unable to many causes for IBS to occur – change in
digest sugar found in milk. This can be food, not eating regular meals, long gaps
genetic or can occur at any point in life. The between meals and stress.
sudden trigger could be caused by another
underlying GI condition or it can develop A happy gut is a sign of a healthy body.
without a specific underlying cause. The It is important that you take care of what
symptoms occur half an hour – two hours you eat, how you eat and when you eat. All
after the diary product is consumed. It can these factors together work on strengthen
vary from diarrhea, excessive flatulence, your gut. If you are facing excessive
indigestion and abdominal pain. amount of foul-smelling flatulence there
is nothing to be embarrassed about, it is
3. Celiac disease – It is an autoimmune a sign that your gut needs help. So, if you
disorder that is triggered when one eats are facing stomach discomfort that doesn’t
foods with gluten. The protein present in seem to calm down do get yourself checked.
wheat, rye, barley… damages the lining The sooner, the better for you and your gut.
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