Are chronic conditions jeopardizing your digestive health?
Have you ever wondered if you should ask your health care provider about your digestive health issues, especially if you have a chronic condition?
Jenna Spude, a nurse practitioner specializing in gastroenterology at Aurora BayCare Medical Center, says, “I recommend routine checkups or screenings for your digestive health if you have consistent abdominal pain, cramps, nausea or vomiting, blood in your stool, heartburn or persistent constipation or diarrhea.”
Regular checkups with a primary care provider are recommended annually. At these visits, digestive concerns or symptoms can be discussed to see if they warrant further investigation.
People at average risk for colon cancer should begin colonoscopy screenings at age 45. If you have a family history of digestive cancers or other conditions like celiac disease, your provider may recommend an earlier screening schedule. And if you have a chronic condition like diabetes or obesity, you may need more frequent digestive health monitoring due to an increased risk of various gastrointestinal issues.
Spude shares that certain lifestyle changes can help manage digestive issues. These include:
- Eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins
- Avoid foods that may worsen your symptoms, such as spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol and high-fat meals
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals to ease digestion and prevent heartburn
- Drink lots of water and limit sugary drinks
- Exercise regularly
- Get seven to nine hours of sleep each night
“When they say a healthy outside starts from the inside, it’s true,” Spude adds. “What you eat and physical activity are very important to your overall health and wellbeing. That’s why you should take good care of yourself and stay in contact with your health care provider for better digestive health.”
Do you want to learn more about your risk for colorectal cancer? Take this free online quiz.
I have a daughter who has PWS Fredo Willie syndrome and I would like to know if this team of people can help my daughter with her digestive system she stays in pain and her stomach all the time and I keep giving her mineral legs and she just only do a liquidly bowel movement it’s not firm and when x-rays was taken they can see that it was something that was stuck in her track so how can a PWS kid young adult get help.?
Hi Deena, we recommend scheduling an appointment with a health care provider near you: Illinois | Wisconsin