5 Tips for Improving Gut Health in Older Adults

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5 Tips for Improving Gut Health in Older Adults

As you age, you are more likely to face gut health issues. This arises from the changes that happen to your gut microbiome, creating an imbalance that affects your digestive process and immune system. It is why older adults often complain about their digestion and bowel movement as the gastrointestinal tract ages with us.If you are already facing these problems as a senior or out to prevent them, more focus should be on your gut health. Here are five ways to maintain the optimum health of your gut.

Take probiotic supplements

Your gut is a sensitive ecosystem responsible for producing a wide range of bacteria and microorganisms that aid digestion and food absorption. Biological aging affects these functions, and you need to supplement the shortage of helpful bacteria to support digestive health. An effective way of doing this is by taking spore probiotic supplements that introduce live active bacteria to your digestive system. This will restore the balance required to keep your gut healthy and reduce chronic constipation.

Eat right

It is important to recognize that your digestive and immune system is no longer as strong as it used to be years ago. Watching your diet is critical to improving gut health and avoiding stomach problems by promoting the growth of healthy bacteria. You need to eliminate foods that trigger reflux and heartburn while taking lots of vegetables, fruits, and fiber. It is also recommended that you eat a variety of proteins and reduce salt consumption.

Hydrate and exercise

Staying hydrated is important for older adults as you have a higher loss of fluids and helps avoid constipation. Make it a priority to drink more water even on colder days while avoiding alcoholic and caffeinated drinks. You should complement this by having an active lifestyle and engaging in exercises, which also help reduce stress and anxiety. The impacts of proper hydration and exercising are a healthier gut and fitter body.

Double-check your medication

It is not unusual to have many medications that you need to take as an older adult. Some of these drugs significantly affect your gut health, and it is critical to discuss these issues with your doctor. The biggest culprits are often antibiotics that greatly affect gut health despite being good for curing bacterial infections. To avoid these negative impacts, avoid overusing these drugs and always double-check with your doctor before taking any medicine.

Limit consumption of sugar and artificial sweeteners

Sugar and artificial sweeteners are dangerous for your digestive system and when thinking about the diet changes you need, strive to eliminate them. An overabundance of sugar and fat in your digestive tract leads to a critical imbalance of gut bacteria that triggers a wide range of digestive and metabolic issues. Make it your goal to steer clear of sugar and artificial sweeteners, and your digestive system will appreciate you.

Endnote

The older we get, the more we need to nurture our gut to support digestion and food absorption. Failure to take care of your gut health will only lead to a long list of digestive troubles that will be harder to manage.

5 Tips for Improving Gut Health in Older Adults

Last updated by Nicolas Desjardins on 26 July 2021