Gut or Digestive issues are some of the most common ailments faced by people today. A healthy and balanced gut is essential for proper digestion, immunity, and well-being. But when things don’t go as planned, you can struggle with uncomfortable or downright painful symptoms caused by inflammatory conditions, infections and other health-related issues.
In this article, we will discuss 7 of the most common digestive problems and how they can be managed.
Bloating and Gas
Bloating and gas are common digestive issues that can cause discomfort and pain. Bloating is a feeling of fullness in the stomach, while gas is the accumulation of air or other gases in the digestive tract [1]. It is normal to experience bloating and gas occasionally, but if it becomes a regular, it could indicate a more serious health issue.
Fortunately, with a combination of lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments, it is possible to manage bloating. Furthermore, keeping a food diary can help identify what foods are causing the issues, so these can be avoided in future. Eating smaller meals spread out throughout the day can also help as this reduces the amount of air swallowed during meals.
Some other treatment options for bloating are:
- Diet
- Exercise
- Probiotics
- OTC drugs
- Osmotic laxatives
- Tricyclic antidepressants
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and is a condition in which acid from the stomach flows back up into the esophagus. This can cause a range of symptoms, including heartburn [2], chest pain, a sour taste in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing.
Treatment for GERD usually begins with lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding foods that may trigger symptoms, eating smaller meals, and quitting smoking. In cases where lifestyle modifications do not help, medications such as proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, and antacids can be used to reduce stomach acid. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary [3]. Other procedures, such as endoscopy and pH monitoring, can also be used to diagnose GERD.
Constipation
Constipation is a common digestive issue that occurs when a person experiences difficulty passing stools. It can cause a person to have infrequent bowel movements, hard stools, or a feeling of being blocked up. Constipation is caused by a variety of factors, including dietary choices, medications, physical activity, age, and underlying medical conditions.
Dietary choices that are low in fiber or high in fat can contribute to constipation. Certain medications, such as opioid painkillers, iron supplements, and calcium channel blockers, can also cause constipation.
In many cases, it is treated with lifestyle modifications, such as increasing fluids and fiber intake, as well as exercising more regularly. Other treatments may include bulk laxatives, probiotics, and enemas [4]. In more serious cases, prescription medications may be necessary.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a condition where a person experiences frequent and often watery bowel movements. It can be caused by several factors, such as a viral or bacterial infection, the ingestion of contaminated food or water, a food intolerance or allergy, certain medications, or a medical condition such as Crohn’s Disease.
Treatment for diarrhea will typically depend on the cause but generally includes rest, plenty of fluids, and avoiding certain foods. In the case of a viral or bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.
Dietary changes can also help with symptom management, such as limiting dairy products, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and increasing fiber intake. In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe medications to reduce diarrhea and prevent dehydration.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins located near the lower end of the rectum and anus. They can be inside the rectum (internal hemorrhoids) or outside the anus (external hemorrhoids). Causes of hemorrhoids can include straining during bowel movements, pregnancy, ageing, chronic constipation, and diarrhea.
Symptoms of hemorrhoids may include pain, itching, and bleeding during bowel movements. Treatment options for hemorrhoids may include over-the-counter creams, ointments, soothing pads, ice and wet heat, dietary changes, fiber supplements, stool softeners, exercise, sitz baths, and surgery.
In some cases, laser therapy or rubber band ligation may be used to treat more severe cases of hemorrhoids. However, for serious cases of hemorrhoids, band ligation, sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, and surgery may be suggested [5].
Dietary and lifestyle changes can be effective ways to manage hemorrhoids. Eating a high-fiber diet and drinking plenty of water can help to soften stools and reduce straining during bowel movements. Regular exercise can also help to prevent constipation and straining.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose Intolerance is a condition where the body is unable to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. People with lactose intolerance may experience symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, and diarrhea after consuming dairy products.
This is because their bodies are unable to produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose. Treatment for lactose intolerance includes avoiding dairy products, ingesting lactase enzyme supplements, and consuming dairy products in smaller amounts.
Some people might be able to tolerate some dairy products with no problem; for instance, they may be able to have yoghurt or cheese but not milk. Other treatments may include substituting other proteins for milk-based proteins, such as soy-based products, and fermented dairy products like yoghurt and kefir.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine (or colon). It is characterized by abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea [6], and constipation. IBS is a chronic condition, meaning it can last for months or even years. The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but some experts believe it is a combination of factors such as genetics, diet, stress, an imbalance in gut bacteria, or an abnormality in the immune system.
IBS can be effectively managed through lifestyle changes, such as eating high-fiber foods, avoiding foods that cause symptoms, drinking plenty of fluids, getting regular exercise, and reducing stress. Additionally, medications such as antispasmodic, antidepressants, and probiotics [7] may be prescribed to help alleviate symptoms. For more severe cases, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be effective for managing IBS.
Conclusion
At some point in our lives, we all have suffered from one gut issue or another. From dietary modifications to OTC medications and lifestyle changes, the management of common gut-related issues can be both effective and simple. The key is to understand which treatments will have the biggest impact on your condition. However, if you are simply suffering from poor digestion, there is a wide range of Rucir’s products that can be of help. The turmeric with ginger capsules help with healthy digestion along with improving cognitive performance while probiotics help in restoring the balance between good and bad bacteria and digestive enzymes ensure proper release of the enzymes at the correct digestive interval.
References
- Lacy BE, Gabbard SL, Crowell MD. Pathophysiology, Evaluation, and Treatment of Bloating. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y) 2011;7:729–39 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22298969/.
- Clarrett DM, Hachem C. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Mo Med 2018;115:214–8 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30228725/.
- Antunes C, Aleem A, Curtis SA. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. StatPearls, Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441938/.
- Diaz S, Bittar K, Mendez MD. Constipation. StatPearls, Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513291/.
- Lohsiriwat V. Hemorrhoids: From basic pathophysiology to clinical management. World J Gastroenterol 2012;18:2009–17. https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v18.i17.2009.
- Patel N, Shackelford K. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. StatPearls, Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534810/.
- Saha L. Irritable bowel syndrome: Pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and evidence-based medicine. World J Gastroenterol 2014;20:6759–73 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24944467/.