Combat Digestive Disorders

1. Constipation
2. Hemorrhoids
3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
4. Diverticulosis

Constipation

Having difficulty or pain during bowel movements or feeling that you are straining to pass a stool are signs of constipation.

While some people are more prone than others to be constipated, a sudden change in diet, pregnancy, changes in daily routine, insufficient exercise, medications, or travel can bring on the condition. The overuse of laxatives can also affect the normal workings of the bowel and cause constipation.

Constipation can be more than just uncomfortable. It can be a symptom of more serious disorders, such as diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, or even cancer. If your constipation lasts more than three weeks, consult your doctor to determine whether your constipation is a symptom of something more serious. Eating more fiber is the most effective way to relieve and prevent constipation. Fiber keeps the colon functioning normally by softening and adding bulk to the stool. As a result, waste passes through the bowels easily and quickly. By preventing constipation and straining, fiber can help you avoid, halt and even reverse hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis.

For your digestive health, along with eating enough fiber, it’s important to drink adequate fluids and get regular exercise.

Additional Resources

• National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
• WebMD
• KidsHealth: Constipation in Kids
• MedicineNet: Fiber

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Hemorrhoids

According to the National Institutes of Health, about 50% of the population over 50 will get hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids occur when the veins around the anus or the lower rectum become swelled and inflamed due to excessive pressure in the abdomen. If you suffer from hemorrhoids, it can be an indication for changes to your diet and lifestyle, such as exercising more and eating more fiber-rich foods.

There are two kinds of hemorrhoids: internal, which usually cause minor discomfort, and external, which are closer to the anus. External hemorrhoids can flare up suddenly and painfully. If you notice blood on your toilet paper or in your stool, these can be symptoms of hemorrhoids or a more serious condition, and you should consult your doctor.

While pregnancy, aging and other factors can contribute to hemorrhoids, the main cause is excessive straining during bowel movements due to frequent constipation. To prevent and relieve hemorrhoids, the Harvard School of Medicine recommends increasing the fiber you eat, getting 20-30 minutes a day of moderate exercise and drinking adequate fluids.

Dietary fiber prevents and eases hemorrhoids by softening the stool and making it easier to pass. For people who suffer from hemorrhoids, a softer stool causes less irritation to the inflamed tissues. For everyone, less time spent sitting on the toilet means less pressure and less straining.

Additional Resources

• WebMD: Hemorrhoids
• National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
• WebMD: Treating IBS & Constipation
• MedicineNet: Fiber

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome typically include cramps, bloating, gas, and constipation or diarrhea–or sometimes both. Although research has not uncovered any organic cause for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, two likely culprits are emotional stress and diet. If you have these symptoms, you should consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Often, people with IBS can learn to manage their condition by avoiding foods and situations that trigger symptoms, and by developing habits that are more soothing to their digestive systems. Smaller meals, a healthy low-fat diet, drinking plenty of water and managing stress can help with IBS. Your doctors may prescribe medication.

Many IBS sufferers have reported that eating fiber soothes their symptoms. Dietary fiber helps regulate bowel movements and create softer stools, resulting in less strain and discomfort on the sensitive colons of IBS sufferers. Increasing dietary fiber gradually can help avoid excessive gas or bloating. If you have IBS, consult your doctor about the best way for you to add high fiber foods to your diet.

Additional Resources

• National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
• WebMD: Treating IBS & Constipation
• MedicineNet: Natural Alternatives for IBS
• Dr. Andrew Weil: Gastrointestinal Health

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Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis occurs when pouches develop in the walls of the colon. When these pouches get infected, this is called diverticulitis. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 10 % of Americans over the age 40 and about half of all people over the age of 60 have diverticulosis.

The cause of both of these conditions is believed to be strain put on the colon by constipation. Hard stools strain the muscles of the colon, causing the pouches to form. Infection occurs when stools or bacteria get trapped in the pouches.

High-fiber foods can help prevent the constipation that causes diverticulosis and diverticulitis. A study by the Harvard School of Public Health showed that dietary fiber, particularly insoluble fiber, was associated with about a 40 percent lower risk of diverticular disease. A high-fiber diet creates softer stools so food moves through the bowels more easily. Along with diet, doctors advise drinking plenty of water, getting regular exercise and establishing regular bowel habits.

You may not even be aware you have diverticulosis. However, it can attack without warning. Symptoms of diverticulitis include abdominal pain, and in cases of infection, fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, cramping, and constipation. See your doctor immediately if you have these symptoms, since this can be a serious disease.

Additional Resources

• National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
• WebMD
• MedicineNet: Fiber

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