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Digestive Health Tips from
the American College of Gastroenterology
Table
of Contents
| 10 Tips on Belching, Bloating,
and Flatulence from the American College of Gastroenterology |
| 8 Tips on Peptic Ulcer Disease |
| 5 Tips on Swallowing and Heartburn from the
American College of Gastroenterology |
| 5 Tips on Nutrition and Aging from
the American College of Gastroenterology |
| 5 Tips on Gallstone Disease from the American
College of Gastroenterology |
| 6 Tips on Hepatitis from the American College
of Gastroenterology |
| 4 Tips on Circulatory Disorders of the
Digestive Tract from the American College of Gastroenterology |
| 5 Tips on Use of Medications from the American
College of Gastroenterology |
| 5 Tips on Irritable Bowel Syndrome from the
American College of Gastroenterology |
| 10 Tips on Hemorrhoids from the American
College of Gastroenterology |
| 5 Tips on Inflammatory Bowel Disease from the
American College of Gastroenterology |
| 10 Tips on Constipation and
Incontinence of Stool from the American College of
Gastroenterology |
| 9 Tips on Dietary Fiber from the American
College of Gastroenterology |
| 5 Tips on Diverticular Disease from the
American College of Gastroenterology |
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10 Tips on Belching, Bloating,
and Flatulence from the American College of Gastroenterology
1. Belching is caused by swallowed air from:
Eating or drinking too fast
Poorly fitting dentures; not chewing food completely
Carbonated beverages
Chewing gum or sucking on hard candies
Excessive swallowing due to nervous tension or postnasal drip
Forced belching to relieve abdominal discomfort
2. To prevent excessive belching, avoid:
Carbonated beverages
Chewing gum
Hard candies
Simethicone may be helpful
3. Abdominal bloating and discomfort may be
due to intestinal sensitivity or symptoms of irritable bowel
syndrome. To relieve symptoms, avoid:
Broccoli
Baked beans
Cabbage
Carbonated drinks
Cauliflower
Chewing gum
Hard candy
4. Abdominal distention resulting from weak
abdominal muscles:
Is better in the morning
Gets worse as the day progresses
Is relieved by lying down
5. To prevent Abdominal distention:
Tighten abdominal muscles by pulling in your stomach several
times during the day
Do sit-up exercises if possible
Wear an abdominal support garment if exercise is too difficult
6. Flatulence is gas created through bacterial
action in the bowel and passed rectally. Keep in mind that:
10-18 passages per day are normal
Primary gases are harmless and odorless
Noticeable smells are trace gases related to food intake
7. Foods that are likely to form gas include:
Milk, dairy products, and medications that contain lactose--If
your body doesn't produce the enzyme (lactase) to break it down.
Certain vegetables--baked beans, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage
Certain starches--wheat, oats, corn, potatoes. Rice is a good
substitute.
8. If flatulence is a concern, see your doctor
to determine if you are lactose intolerant.
9. Identify offending foods. Reduce or
eliminate these gas-forming foods from your diet.
10. Activated Charcoal may provide some
benefit. |
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8 Tips on Peptic Ulcer Disease
1. Ulcers are "sores" that frequently affect the stomach and the
first part of the small intestine (duodenum).
2. Bacterial infection is the most common cause of duodenal
ulcers.
3. Stomach ulcers are often a side effect of pain killers and
anti-inflammatory drugs used primarily to treat arthritis.
4. Alcohol ingestion, cigarette smoking, and emotional stress
may also influence the development of an ulcer or interfere with
its healing.
5. Upper abdominal pain is the most common symptom of ulcers,
but many ulcers cause no symptoms at all.
6. Ulcers may hemorrhage (bleeding) into the gastrointestinal
tract; this results in the passage of black ("tarry") stool.
Very serious ulcer disease may also cause a blockage between the
stomach and small intestine and this complication results in
persistent vomiting. Severe pain results from the most urgent
complication of ulcers - peritonitis caused by a tear through
the wall of the stomach or duodenum.
7. Almost all ulcers can be treated successfully, usually
without surgery. Many ulcers can be prevented.
8. Ulcer treatments include antibiotics, agents that neutralize
gastric acid or reduce its secretion, and drugs that strengthen
the resistance of the stomach and duodenum. |
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5 Tips on Swallowing and Heartburn from the
American College of Gastroenterology
1. Abnormal swallowing is commonly perceived as food
"sticking on the way down." If this complaint persists, it is
sometimes due to a serious condition and should always prompt
medical attention.
2. Swallowing difficulty may be caused by a number of
different problems including:
Poor or incomplete chewing (possibly the result of dental
problems, poorly fitted dentures, or eating too quickly)
Abnormal muscle contraction
Scar tissue from chronic inflammation
nfection
Cancer
3. Heartburn is a very common problem caused by regurgitation
or reflux of gastric acid into the esophagus, which connects the
mouth and the stomach.
4. Heartburn can often be eliminated by avoiding:
Smoking
Fatty food in the diet
Caffeine
Chocolate
Peppermint
Overeating
Bed-time snacks
Tight-fitting clothes that constrict the abdomen
Certain medications
Heavy lifting, straining
5. It is important to consider the possibility of heart
disease before attributing any kind of chest pain to
gastroesophageal reflux.
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5 Tips on Nutrition and Aging from the
American College of Gastroenterology
1. Nutrition plays a role in cardiovascular disease, some
malignancies, adult-onset diabetes, osteoporosis, alcoholism,
and recovery from major injury.
2. Malnutrition can weaken the immune system, impair healing
following surgery or injury, lessen mobility, and reduce mental
capabilities and function. It is common in older adults.
3. To maintain good health, total fat intake should be reduced
to 30% or less of calories. Saturated fat intake should only
account for 10% (one third of fat calories). Salt and alcohol
intake also should be limited.
4. Dietary fat content composed primarily of monounsaturated fat
(eg, olive oil) and polyunsaturated fat (eg, canola, corn and
fish oils) may be associated with a lower incidence of
cardiovascular disease.
5. Foods to be avoided include whole milk and dairy products
(ice cream, cheese, butter); commercially baked goods (cookies
and crackers); hot dogs, ham, and cold cuts; and oils, gravies,
and salad dressing. |
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5 Tips on Gallstone Disease from the American
College of Gastroenterology
1. Gallstones typically develop over many years, although they
can form in months. Gallstones are present in about 20% of women
and 10% of men over the age of 55.
2. There are two basic types of gallstones: cholesterol and
pigment. Cholesterol gallstones are the most common type in the
United States.
3. About 75% of gallstones do not cause symptoms. The most
common symptom caused by gallbladder stones is episodic upper
abdominal pain.
4. For healthy patients who have no symptoms, no therapy or
change in diet is needed. Patients with uncomplicated
symptomatic gallbladder stones should reduce dietary fat and
consider surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy).
An alternate approach is oral bile acid therapy. For complicated
disease, gallbladder removal is warranted.
5. Patients who undergo rapid weight loss are at risk for the
development of small cholesterol gallstones and may benefit from
bile acid therapy. Gallstones can seldom be prevented, although
a low-fat diet may provide some protective benefit. |
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6 Tips on Hepatitis from the American College
of Gastroenterology
1. Five different hepatitis viruses have been identified: type
A; type B; type C; type D, or delta virus; and type E. Type A is
probably the most prevalent type of viral hepatitis worldwide,
followed by types B, E, C, and D.
2. Hepatitis A and E are transmitted through fecally
contaminated food or water. Other modes of transmission include
needle sharing among intravenous drug abusers; sexual contact;
maternal transmission; and transmission by blood transfusion.
3. A simple blood test is used to determine that a person has
one or more of the different types of hepatitis.
4. Acute hepatitis is typically characterized by flu-like
symptoms (including fever, headaches, fatigue, nausea and
vomiting) and jaundice. Chronic hepatitis is often asymptomatic.
5. Vaccines are available to protect against hepatitis A and B.
Additionally, immune globulin for hepatitis A or hepatitis B is
recommended when someone has been exposed to an infected person.
6. Among the ways to care for your liver are: limiting alcohol
consumption; avoiding liver- damaging drugs; practicing safe
sex; avoiding use of illegal drugs; avoiding high doses of
vitamins unless prescribed; avoiding tattoos and the sharing of
razors; not eating raw shellfish from questionable sources; and
carefully following directions for use of toxic substances
(e.g., cleaning products). |
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4 Tips on Circulatory Disorders of the
Digestive Tract from the American College of Gastroenterology
1. The small intestine and the colon have a relatively
restricted blood supply and are frequently affected by
circulatory disorders, whereas the esophagus, stomach, and
rectum are well supplied with blood and are only occasionally
involved in circulatory disturbances.
2. The colon is commonly affected by ischemia (reduction of
blood flow to a level not permitting normal function). In most
cases, symptoms subside within days and healing is seen within 2
weeks. Antibiotics and bowel rest usually suffice. In
complicated disease, damaged parts of the colon must be removed
surgically.
3. Acute mesenteric ischemia results from inadequate circulation
of blood to the small intestine. Treatment is aimed at dilating
(opening) the blood vessels with drugs and/or surgery to restore
intestinal blood flow and to remove any irreversibly damaged
bowel.
4. Chronic mesenteric ischemia results when blood flow to the
small intestine is reduced to an insufficient level. It causes
pain associated with eating. Surgery is often warranted to
correct the problem. |
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5 Tips on Use of Medications from the
American College of Gastroenterology
1. Use of medications increases with age: 80% of older
Americans who live independently receive 20 or more
prescriptions per year Residents of nursing homes receive an
average of 8-10 drugs per day
2. It is important to take medications as prescribed. Reasons
for not following directions include:
Too many drugs
Error due to visual or mental impairment
Sharing drugs
Changing doctors
Use of over-the-counter drugs
Sparing expense
Drug side effects
Symptoms not improving
3. See your doctor regularly to check on medications and
their effect (bring your medications with you for an office
visit or to an emergency room): Drug effect changes with aging
There is decreased absorption of drugs through the intestinal
tract Decreased kidney function slows drug elimination
Metabolism of drugs changes with age
4. The effect medications have on your body will change with
aging. For example: Drug action may last longer Drugs may
produce toxicity at a lower dose in mature adults than in
younger adults
5. Remember that all changes you experience are not
necessarily due to aging. For example, decrease in salivary flow
is: Due to disease or medication not due to aging |
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5 Tips on Irritable Bowel Syndrome from the
American College of Gastroenterology
1. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive problem also
known as "spastic colon" or "irritable colon."
2. IBS symptoms include:
Abdominal pain (colicky, periodic or continuous dull pain)
Erratic bowel activity; frequent constipation or diarrhea
Accompanying symptoms of bloating, nausea, headache, fatigue
Sensitivity to intestinal gas (cramping, flatulence)
3. The cause of IBS is unknown:
No evidence of specific disease
May be triggered by psychological factors or ingestion of food
4. IBS is a condition that:
Is more common in women
Usually starts at an early age (20s and 30s) and recurs from
time to time
Rarely starts past age 55
5. Treatment of IBS includes:
Careful explanation of the syndrome, including what it is not
Better management of key triggers: stress and diet
Modification of diet to reduce or exclude foods that promote gas
Drug therapy to relieve symptoms (bulk fiber products,
antispasmodics, antidiarrheals)
Occasionally, psychiatric therapy and medication |
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10 Tips on Hemorrhoids from the American
College of Gastroenterology
1. Hemorrhoids are masses of swollen veins in the lower
rectum (internal hemorrhoids) or at the anus (external
hemorrhoids).
2. Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids include:
Bright red rectal bleeding
Staining of undergarments with mucus
3. Symptoms of external hemorrhoids include:
Pain and itching when irritated by constipation or diarrhea
Difficulty with hygiene
4. Hemorrhoids are caused by:
Straining
Work strain (lifting, etc.)
Straining while defecating
Chronic constipation
Passing hard, dry, small stools
Laxative abuse
5. Do not assume rectal bleeding is from hemorrhoids. See
your doctor to rule out cancer or other disease.
6. To prevent or manage hemorrhoids, increase your fiber and
fluid intake. Consider adding a fiber supplement.
7. Avoid straining at stool or sitting on the toilet for a long
time.
8. Clean the external rectal area gently with soap and water
following stool evacuation.
9. Try a topical cream or sitz baths to reduce inflammation.
10. See your doctor if you don't improve.
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5 Tips on Inflammatory Bowel Disease from
the American College of Gastroenterology
1. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an inflammation of the
small or large intestine that may cause these symptoms:
Diarrhea
Rectal bleeding
Sharp abdominal pain or cramping
Intestinal obstruction
Fever
See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms
2. There are two types of IBD:
Ulcerative Colitis
Starts in rectum and spreas upward
Affects men more tham women
Crohn's Disease
More patchy inflammation
Can start anywhere in the digestive tract
Affects women more than men
3. The cause of IBD is unknown. What is known about IBD
includes the following:
IBD is not Contagious.
IBD is not caused by diet.
IBD is not a form of cancer.
IBD affects young and old alike.
IBD can usually be treated with medicine but sometimes requires
surgery.
4. Diagnosis of IBD is based on:
Family history, travel history, current medications
Stool sample to rule out infection
Flexible sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy and biopsy to rule out cancer
and to identify
IBD
X-ray studies
5. Treatment of IBD may include:
Medications to reduce or eliminate inflammation
Special diet or elemental formula diet
Surgery
Time is critical. If you suspect IBD, call your doctor.
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10 Tips on Constipation and Incontinence of
Stool from the American College of Gastroenterology
1. Despite widespread belief, constipation is not necessarily
a part of growing older.
2. Bowel habits are similar in both younger and older healthy
people.
3. Constipation is defined as stools that are:
Too small
Too hard
Too difficult to pass
Infrequent (less than 3 per week)
4. Constipation is caused by:
Not enough dietary fiber or fluids
Medication side effects
Emotional or physical stress
Misconception about normal bowel habits
Lack of activity
Medical problems
5. How to manage mild-to-moderate constipation:
Gradually add dietary fiber from variou sources
Increase fluids (water, soup, broth, juices)
Eat meals on a regular schedule
Chew your food well
Gradually increase daily exercise
Respond to urges to move your bowels
Avoid straining
See your doctor if these measures don't work
6. Dietary therapy (increased fiber and fluids) and fiber
supplements are the preferred treatment for chronic
constipation.
7. In some cases, your doctor may recommend the use of stool
softeners.
8. Use of mineral oil or stimulant laxatives regularly, consult
your doctor to make sure what you are using is right for you.
9. Incontinence of stool or fecal soiling is most often due to
leakage around a fecal impaction. Removing the impaction will
usually restore continence.
10. Incontinence of stool in healthy older people deserves full
education and treatment. Treatment options include:
Adjustment in dietary fiber to reduce amount of stool
Medications to decrease stool frequency
Prescribed use of enemas (not soap enemas)
Biofeedback training
Surgery to restore anal function |
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9 Tips on Dietary Fiber from the American
College of Gastroenterology
1. Keep in mind that a high-fiber diet may tend to improve:
Chronic constipation
Coronary heart disease
Hemorrhoids
Diabetes mellitus
Diverticular disease
Elevated cholesterol
Irritable bowel syndrome
Colorectal cancer
2. Try to double your daily fiber intake.
Average American intake: 10-15 grams per day
Recommended intake: 20-35 grams per day
3. Understand what fiber is, where it comes from:
Insoluble fiber
Cereals
Wheat/wheat bran
Whole grains
Soluble fiber
Brans
Fruit
Oatmeal/oat bran
Psyllium
Vegetables
Substitute high-fiber foods for high-fat and low-fiber foods. .
***Eating high-fiber foods is a healthy choice for most people.
If you have ever received medical treatment for a digestive
problem, however, it is very important that you check with your
doctor to find out if a high-fiber diet is the right choice for
you.
4. Keep your daily fiber intake stable. Consider a fiber
supplement if you:
Travel
Eat away from home often
Find it difficult to get enough fiber through food choices alone
5. Don't shock your system: Increase fiber levels in your
diet gradually.
6. Always increase fluids (water, soup, broth, juices) when you
increase fiber.
7. Add both soluble and insoluble fiber, from a variety of
sources.
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Compare fiber content of foods: from the American College of
Gastroenterology
Choose foods high in fiber content. ***Eating high-fiber foods
is a healthy choice for most people. If you have ever received
medical treatment for a digestive problem, however, it is very
important that you check with your doctor to find out if a
high-fiber diet is the right choice for you.
Grams of Fiber
1 cup of Rice Krispies® 1
1/3 cup of 100% Bran® 9
1 slice of white bread 0.5
1 slice of whole wheat bread 1.4
1/2 cup white rice 0.5
1/2cup brown rice 1.5
Bowl of chicken broth 0
Bowl of thick vegetable (minestrone) soup 1
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Compare fiber content of foods: from the American College of
Gastroenterology
Choose foods high in fiber content. ***Eating high-fiber foods
is a healthy choice for most people. If you have ever received
medical treatment for a digestive problem, however, it is very
important that you check with your doctor to find out if a
high-fiber diet is the right choice for you.
Fruits and Vegetables
Highest in Fiber Per Serving
Fruits
Artichokes
Apples, pears (with skin)
Berries (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Dates
Figs
Prunes Vegetables
Beans (baked, black, lima, pinto)
Broccoli
Chick-peas
Lentils
Parsnips Peas
Pumpkin
Rutabaga
Squash (winter)
Other Good Fiber Choices
Barley
Bread, Muffins (whole wheat, bran)
Cereals (branflakes, bran, oatmeal, shredded wheat)
Coconut
Crackers (rye, whole wheat)
Nuts (almonds, Brazil, peanuts, pecans, walnuts)
Rice (brown)
Seeds (pumpkin, sunflower) |
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5 Tips on Diverticular Disease from the
American College of Gastroenterology
1. Diverticulosis is a condition with pouch-like protrusions
in the colon:
Rare before age 30
Common after age 60
Usually no symptoms
2. Complications of diverticulosis include:
Bright red rectal bleeding with clots
Diverticulitis
3. Ways to prevent and manage diverticular disease include:
Increasing dietary fiber to keep bowel movements soft
Avoiding stimulant laxatives
4. Diverticulitis is a serious complication in which pouches
become inflamed or infected. Symptoms of diverticulitis include:
Pain in left lower abdomen
Fever
Sudden change in bowel habit
See your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms.
5. Treatment of diverticulitis may include:
Antibiotics
Special feeding
Surgery |
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