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Healthy Eating & Physical Activity for:
a healthy digestive system
This fact sheet aims to identify the main age-related changes and conditions affecting the digestive system; it will also outline healthy eating and physical activity that may helpprevent, or delay, onset of these changes/conditions.
Age-related changes and conditions
As we age, there is a natural decline in body composition, including the digestive system. The gastro-intestinal tract is altered with age at all levels: In the nose and mouth, there is a reduction of the sense of smell and taste, gum recession and sometimes difficulty in swallowing, which can alter our appetite and/or food intake. Our stomach, pancreas and gut become more rigid, and digestive enzymes become less active. This affects the breakdown and absorption of many vitamins and minerals, and slows down food transit, which can lead to
constipation and contribute to reduced appetite. As a consequence of change, other age-related issues may include: dry mouth, acid reflux, ulcers, reduced ability to process tough fibres, and issues from medication (e.g. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can increase risk of stomach bleeding and ulcers).
Digestive tract diseases can occur in people of all ages e.g. IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), however, symptoms can worsen with age. Age-related digestive tract diseases include a higher risk of digestive tract cancers (e.g. oesophageal, stomach, colon), and diverticulosis.
Diverticulosis
Diverticulosis is characterised by small pouches (diverticula) in the lining of the colon which bulge out along weak spots in the intestinal wall. Diverticulosis is common; by age 60 around half of the population have diverticulosis. Many people have no symptoms however, when the pouches become inflamed or infected, the condition is known as diverticulitis and can cause acute pain, nausea and vomiting, fever, abdominal tenderness, constipation or diarrhoea.
Mild diverticulitis can be treated with rest, antibiotics, and dietary changes however, surgery may be required for severe or recurring diverticulitis.
Did you know?
The stomach uses hydrochloric acid to digest food, which is highly corrosive with pH 3 (neutral is pH 7 e.g. water). The stomach protects itself with a thick layer of mucus; without that layer, the stomach itself would be digested by stomach acid. This is why a break in the mucus with e.g. ulcers, can be so painful.
Key nutrients
Key nutrients to maintain a healthy immune system include:
- Carbohydrates, particularly fibre
- Water
- Omega-3 PUFAs
- Vitamins A, D, E, B1, B2,
B3, B6, Folate, B12 - Calcium
- Iron
- Zinc
- Copper
- Iodine
Carbohydrates, particularly fibre, are essential to keep the digestive tract healthy and functioning, helping to prevent constipation and difficulty swallowing. Keeping hydrated combats reduced feelings of thirst; water aids swallowing and keeps food moving through the digestive tract. Water can also help reduce the effects of blunted taste and smell, as can zinc, fats and salt (salt and fats may make foods tastier however, keep these nutrients within guideline limits).Omega-3 PUFAs, vitamin B1 and zinc can all help with reduced appetite. Vitamins A, D, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, Folate, B12, C, calcium, iron, zinc, copper and iodine all help with absorption of key nutrients into the body.
Main factors increasing risk of digestive system related issues & conditions
- Smoking and excess alcohol
- Family history
- Gender/hormones– e.g. females are at higher risk of IBS, whereas males are at higher risk of ulcers.
- Age
- Physical inactivity
- Stress
- Late night eating
- Medications – some medications may adversely affect the digestive system – ask your GP.
- Uncontrolled diabetes
Foods to eat
The digestive system is complex with many nutrients contributing to its function. Maintaining a healthy weight and eating a balanced diet, based on the “Eatwell Guide”, will reduce risks of age-related digestive system conditions.
- Fruit and vegetables
- Wholegrains
- Oily fish
- Eggs
- Dairy products
- Nuts and seeds
- Lean red meat and poultry
Physical Activity
There are two types of physical activity: strength/resistance and cardiovascular. Both strength and cardiovascular exercise are essential to maintaining a healthy digestive system.
Tips
- Over 50? Medical condition? – consult a GP before starting an exercise programme.
- Engage a personal trainer; optimise YOUR needs, and YOUR health.
- Warm up before exercise and cool down after.
- Do exercises correctly to reduce risk of injury.
- Poor diet – particularly fatty foods and fizzy drinks.
- Too much salt – can cause bloating.
- Obesity – can cause acid reflux and gall stones.
- High blood pressure
This table provides a rough guide to foods containing key micronutrients with the approximate % of daily requirement (%DR); this is not a comprehensive list.
