Digestive issues are a concern that can face every member of our family, turning a pleasant family outing or simple dessert into a miserable affair. While most people try to keep gastrointestinal problems quiet, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t common in most families. Often this results in people keeping these concerns to themselves, afraid to even mention them to their doctor. Thankfully there are ways to treat some of the most common digestive concerns in every member of our family. Below we’re going to address some of the most common digestive issues to face our family at all ages, and what you can do to help.
Infants Are Particularly Susceptible To Digestive Concerns
Our youngest family members tend to have the most delicate digestive systems and require some additional care. While vomiting and ‘burping up’ is common in infants, this usually has more to do with the muscle that keeps food in the stomach, not being strong enough to prevent it. Babies that are fed formula can experience issues with over-feeding or may be intolerant of the brand. Sometimes babies experience gagging or choking during feeding due to reflux when the contents of the stomach back up into the esophagus and lungs. To address reflux issues, feed your baby smaller meals, burp them after feedings, and be especially gentle with them after they’ve eaten.
Young Children Are Resilient, But Tummy Aches Are Frequent
Once they’re no longer infants, children can have some of the most resilient digestive systems of anyone. While this is undoubtedly true, tummy aches are still a common complaint. If your child is experiencing any issues with upset tummies or diarrhea, it may be a good idea to take a look at their diet. Lactose intolerance and food allergies are a common cause of digestive issues in children and may require adjusting your lifestyle or your child’s diet to accommodate.
Digestive Concerns Can Appear In Adults As We Age
As we get older, our bodies can begin to develop digestive issues that we didn’t experience when we were younger. Reflux concerns are relatively common in adults, including problems like simple heartburn and the more serious gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. If you’re experiencing with indigestion, be sure to see your doctor immediately, as untreated GERD can lead to esophageal cancer. Reflux is commonly addressed using medication and diet changes, though probiotics have been shown to help some patients. Other digestive issues that adults can face include gas, stomach pain, and cramping, bloating, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Common problems with these concerns may necessitate a visit to your physician.
Doggy Digestive Concerns
While we’re talking about digestive issues experienced by members of our family, we can’t leave out our best friends, can we? Some dog species are more prone to digestive concerns than others, but any family pet can experience them. To get the jump on your puppy’s digestive health, your vet may suggest dog probiotics for better digestion. Probiotics contain strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus that have been determined to be a great way to treat issues like diarrhea and indigestion in dogs. Dogs that get regular doses of probiotics have been shown to have less digestive problems and have healthier, more frequent bowel movements.
Hopefully, these tips and tricks have helped you to start taking control of your digestive concerns. If you’ve taken these steps and are your family is still experiencing digestive issues, it may be time to talk to your physician or veterinarian. Most digestive problems are relatively easy to control with medication and simple lifestyle changes. Don’t let digestive concerns impact your love of life and ability to enjoy food. It’s time for you to take control of your digestive health!
