Digestive diseases or gastric issues are related to the digestive tract, also known as the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). During digestion, consumed food and drink are further broken down into smaller parts that are easy to absorb. The human body’s digestive tract comprises the esophagus, stomach, large and small intestines, liver, pancreas, and gall bladder.
Gastric issues or gastritis are the problems that generally happen with people over 40. Many reasons are responsible for gastric problems, such as indigestion or an empty stomach. Gastric issues are inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the stomach lining. It initiates with acute pain and then converts into a malignant condition.
In other words, it is a condition in which the stomach membrane gets affected, which causes the secretion of acids. After contact between these acids and the stomach wall, colossal pain and discomfort occur. Gradually this state of the body is called gastric. Some examples are GERD, diarrhoea, and colorectal cancer. Health may vary from mild to severe.
Some signs and symptoms of gastric issues are mentioned below;
- Bleeding
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Heartburn
- Incontinence
- Nausea and vomiting
- Belly pain
- Swallowing issues
- Weight gain or loss
We have covered some common causes of gastrointestinal problems in this article;
- Stress and anxiety: There is a direct connection between mental health and the digestive system. These two are always in bi-directional communication- sending and receiving messages via neurons. Regardless of healthy diets, stress and anxiety lead to various digestive issues, including appetite loss, inflammation, bloating, cramping, and microbiota alteration.
- Not having enough water: An essential element, water helps clean the whole GI tract. Specifically, water support in softening the stools and preventing constipation. Most importantly, water is crucial in breaking down food and aids the GI tract in absorbing nutrients faster and more efficiently. If you are not taking an adequate amount of water, then you are inviting many digestive issues.
- Consumption of dairy products: Dairy products are new to the human diet and are generally filled with huge amounts of fats and proteins that are difficult to digest. According to some research, these may cause some pro-inflammatory effects in the body. Hence, consuming large amounts of dairy products can lead to bloating, gas, constipation, and abdominal cramps.
- Inactive lifestyle: Nowadays, every individual is adopting a sedentary lifestyle with no or fewer physical activities that directly affect the overall health and digestive system. That’s why doctors prefer a combination of exercise and diet changes eliminating food items that cause inflammation and increasing the intake of food suitable for the GI tract.
- Ageing: Ageing phenomenon cannot be avoided and come with other GI-related issues. Through ageing, the activity of digestive glands reduces, influences gut motility, and generates other digestive problems. The risk of cancer in the digestive tract also increases with age.
- Genetic factors: Sometimes, people have digestive issues because of genetic changes in the genetic material. For instance, predisposed genetic situations are ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and some liver-related issues.
Some common gastric issues are;
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This is defined as emerging of acid reflux in the body twice or thrice a week. Stomach components cause acid reflux, or heartburn and acids are thrown into the oesophagus, leading to a burning sensation and chest pain. This situation is known as acid regurgitation. Dry cough, chest pain, sore throat, swallowing difficulties, and a sour taste in the mouth are some issues that occur in the body.
- Constipation is a digestive condition in which an individual experiences hard, dry and painful bowel movements generally thrice a week. It is the most common digestive disorder symptom. It is due to a low-fibre diet, no or less physical activity, dehydration, and some sedatives.
- Chronic Diarrhea: It is a gastrointestinal situation in which an individual passes watery, mushy, or loose stools for more than four weeks. Any individual who consumes high sugar content, is overweight (obese), has depression & anxiety, and is older may seek to have this condition.
- Lactose intolerance: Lactose is a simple carbohydrate present in the milk of mammals and its derivatives. Lactose intolerance is a condition in which anyone cannot digest lactose fully. It is a prevalent condition.
Conclusion
The gastrointestinal tract is the most extensive organ system responsible for numerous activities comprising the breakdown of food, absorption of nutrients and fluids, and removal of waste. Gastric issues are the conditions that influence the digestive system that leads to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, weight loss, and excess gas.
