Change is the only thing constant in the world, everybody ages, and that is a fact. No matter what kind of life you live, or how healthy you think you are right now, all of us eventually age, and what we do at this moment could determine how we live the rest of our lives. However, the aging process can be different for all of us. How we take the aging process largely depends on us.

The changes that come with the aging process affect a person’s body differently. Age is not the only factor which determines how well our body organs work; a large part of it is how we care for our bodies. How our body systems work as we age also depends on how well we understand the effects of aging on our body, and how we cope with these changes.

The Process of Digestion

Digestion is the mechanical and chemical process of breaking down food into smaller components that can be absorbed by the body.  This task is performed by the digestive system.  The digestive system is composed of the organs such as the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and the anus.  It also includes the liver and the pancreas.

The breakdown of food starts at the mouth with chewing.  Food is then swallowed and settles in the stomach for a while before final absorption in the intestines. The process of digestion is very important because without it, your body cannot get the nourishment it needs from what we drink and the foods we eat.

What happens to the digestive system as we age?

The digestive system is not spared from the aging process.  It eventually loses its efficiency as we get older.  When this happens, the body can experience both major and minor health problems.

The loss of teeth is very common to elderly people.  It can be the result of neglect more than anything else. However, the incidence of teeth loss and oral diseases increases with age.  Although much of  the water we use today are treated with fluoride, tooth degeneration or loss of teeth will still be experienced as the body looses the ability to utilize calcium for the bones or teeth. A poor appetite is a result of tooth loss as people find it much more difficult to chew and enjoy their food. If this is not addressed, a person might experience weight loss and poor nutrition.

The esophagus wears down with time, making the swallowing process difficult for older people. This could be the result of muscular or neurological disorders. The sphincter muscles in the stomach also weaken and can result in acid reflux and heartburn.

The stomach also decreases the production of hydrochloric acid and other digestive enzymes which are very important in the digestion process. This could lead to poor absorption of Vitamin B12, a deficiency which could result in anemia and nerve damage. This could also lead to increased levels of bacteria in the stomach, making the person susceptible to infections. The movement of waste becomes more difficult as we age. It can be the result of poor muscular functioning in the digestive tract. Digestive muscle also loses some of its flexibility with age, which leads to diarrhea, constipation and hemorrhoids. Incidents of colon cancer and polyps also increase when the intestine slows down. This is why doctors recommend people over 50 to a have a regular colonoscopy to detect polyps early in order to prevent colon cancer.

Aging, Nutrition and the digestive system

Nutrition is definitely affected by the aging process. Having a healthy diet and regular exercise can help cope with the changes brought about by time. Diets could easily be supplemented by taking vitamins and minerals to replace those which are lost through age. But time is not only the major culprit why people experience poor health with aging. It is also important to remember that unhealthy lifestyles caused by poor-eating habits and lack of exercise affect our digestive system regardless of age.

by Ronald Uy, RN

© 2009 H.I.C. Digestive Health

Sources:

Your Digestive System – How Aging Affects Your Digestion Process and What To Do About It. Retrieved November 1, 2009 from Longevity and anti-aging secrets.com: http://www.longevity-and-antiaging-secrets.com

The Surprising Reason You May Be Aging Prematurely: Improper Protein Digestion. Retrieved November 2, 2009 from Body Ecology: http://www.bodyecology.com

Anti-Aging & Digestion – Maintaining Optimal Health Through Enzymes. Retrieved November 2, 2009 from Shapefit.com: http://www.shapefit.com

Sleep is essential for our health and well being. It allows our body to rejuvenate and restore itself. It helps the body to create new cells. Sleep deprivation is one of the biggest causes of premature aging. Tiredness can significantly affect your mood and how you feel. Besides the usual brain fog and irritability that can come from lack of sleep, chronic tiredness can increase your risk of depression and anxiety. It can also affect the way that you respond and react to the people and situations around you. Nutrition and dietary supplements are inevitably linked to healthy sleep. The nutrients you give your body can directly affect the amount and quality of sleep you get.

Scientific studies demonstrate that lack of quality sleep can affect cognitive ability. This decrease in brain function can cause us to be less constructive and creative. It can limit your productivity due to lack of focus. It can also decrease the ability to think quickly which may impair the ability to drive or complete daily tasks. Studies conclude that sleep deprived people have significantly lower levels of performance in all areas than those that sleep well consistently.

The amount of sleep needed per night can vary from person to person. Studies indicate that people are generally most effective when they sleep an average of 7 hours, but people find anywhere between 5 and 8 hours okay for them. However, it’s important to get at least 4  hours of continuous sleep in order to reach the deep level of sleep that your body needs to replenish itself.

Some people find that they are too stimulated at night and are unable to fall asleep. In this case caffeine or too much sugar in the diet may be the culprit. If work and other life stresses are keeping you awake, meditation, relaxation techniques or calming herbal teas or supplements may help. Passion Flower, Valerian root, magnesium and skullcap are some of the natural supplements that may help you to relax and calm the mind and body.

Many people are able to fall asleep easily, but awake often after falling asleep. This happens often between the hours of 3am and 4am. This can be caused by a blood sugar imbalance during the night and a resulting adrenal gland dysfunction, and can usually be remedied by adjusting your food intake prior to bedtime. If this happens to you more than once a week or on a regular basis, try eating a blood sugar balancing snack before bed. Eat something with 10 to 20 grams of lean protein and about the same amount of complex carbohydrates. For example, half of a turkey sandwich on whole grain bread, or a few ounces of lean meat with a quarter to half cup of brown rice. Including some healthy fats like avocado or olive oil in small amounts. This can help keep your blood sugar balance  also. The worst thing to do would be to eat a sugary or carbohydrate laden snack before bed, like a sugary cereal with milk. This will increase your blood sugar and the resulting drop 2-4 hours later will wake you up – sometimes with your heart pounding.

If diet is not the cause or is only part of the cause of your sleep problems, digestion may be part of the problem. If you have gas, bloating, constipation, hemorrhoids or other digestive issues this may be contributing to your poor sleep. The proper nutritional testing could show anything from imbalanced gut flora, lack of digestive enzymes, food sensitivities, lack of vitamins, minerals or amino acids or a lack of water and fiber in the diet. These can all be contributing to sleep problems.

Recent science shows us that our digestive systems are home to many of the same receptors that accept the brain chemicals that govern our moods. An imbalance in these neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) like serotonin, epinephrine and dopamine can cause irritability and insomnia. We now know that an imbalance in our gut lining can have an effect on our brain chemistry and change our moods. The old sayings a gut feeling and nervous stomach seem to ring true here.  So if your digestive system is chronically inflamed with irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhea, colitis or any other gut issues these may be the cause of insomnia and mood problems. Clear up the gut issues and the moods and sleep may become normalized.

Some of the more common supplements effective for supporting healthy sleep are valerian, 5 HTP, L-theanine, omega 3 like fish oil capsules, inositol, adrenal glandular, skullcap, glycine and magnesium. The trick is having a nutrition science expert to help you figure out what exactly your body needs to restore balance. This is where a proper health history, symptom and mood assessments come in. Targeted nutrition means getting the supplements and foods you need at the right times and in the correct amounts. Many of my clients clear up chronic sleep problems and lose weight in the process! Studies show that sleep problems and the associated stress and secretion of the adrenal hormone cortisol can cause weight gain and an inability to lose weight.

Even those dependent on sleeping pills like Ambien, alcohol or other sedatives are sleeping soundly now using natural methods. It’s a matter of figuring out where your body is out of balance and than using the correct foods and supplements to get it back into balance. This is what we have always done at Nutrition Solutions and it works!  Feel free to visit my website for even more information. Questions are welcomed.

- Juli

CLICK HERE for Juli Keene's Website

Juli Keene, CN Nutrition Solutions

1603 Aviation Blvd. Suite B

Redondo Beach, CA  90278

julikeene@earthlink.net

(310) 376-5400

Hospital and/or healthcare acquired infections (HAI) are happening more frequently throughout the United States. Virtually unheard of years ago, infections have increased in hospital settings in recent years. If a patient acquires a new infection 48 hours or more after being admitted or within 30 days after leaving the hospital, these infections are labeled HAI. One reason for the increase is that only the sickest people are admitted to the hospital today, and the less ill are cared for through outpatient facilities. This situation provides a breeding ground for microbes from seriously ill patients to spread through healthcare workers and other means. The compromised immune systems of sick patients are fertile grounds for microbes proliferating.

In the United States, it is estimated that five to ten percent of patients admitted to hospitals acquire a new infection during their stay, a figure close to two million people a year. Deaths related to HAI are substantial. In 2002, the Center for Disease Control reported that 98,987 people died from HAIs. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states that around 36 percent of the infections are preventable if health care workers would strictly follow guidelines. The infections can be caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites, or viruses. Hospital workers need to closely follow protocol for sterilizing equipment, hand washing, and other preventative measures before and after patient contact.

Risk factors associated with acquiring hospital associated infections are the following:

• An extended hospital stay
• Compromised immunity system
• Severity of primary illness
• Use of catheters
• Health care workers failure to wash or inadequately wash hands before procedures
• Growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria from the overuse of antibiotics.

Whenever an invasive procedure is used to enter the patient’s body, the risk of an infection increases. New infections often develop from these procedures:

• Urinary bladder catheterizations cause the most HAIs.
• Respiratory ventilators or intubation can allow microbes to enter the lungs, with pneumonia causing the second most prevalent type of infection.
• Gastric drainage tubes through the mouth or nose.
• Surgery and dressings or drainage from the incision.
• Intravenous (IV) tubes for medication, transfusions, or nutrition.

People who enter hospitals for treatment should be aware of HAIs and the seriousness of acquiring new infections. Kimberly-Clark has created a HAI Watch Web site to be a resource center for information on hospital-acquired infections. They offer guidelines on hand hygiene in healthcare settings and other important tips to follow to reduce the number of infections. Free educational resources on HAIs are offered to healthcare workers in the form of courses and training through the Kimberly-Clark Knowledge Network. More information on this important subject can be found at their Web address: http://www.haiwatchnews.com/

written by, Joy Seeman H.I.C senior writer and editor

© 2009 Hemorrhoid Information Center

Sources:

Estimating Health Care-Associated Infections and Deaths. (2007, March). Retrieved October 20, 2009, from Centers for Disease Control-Research Articles-Public Health Reports: http://www.cdc.gov/

Nosocomial infection. (2009, October 15). Retrieved October 20, 2009, from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org

Rizzo, T., & Culvert, L. Lee. (n.d.). Hospital acquired infections. Retrieved October 20, 2009, from Encyclopedia of Surgery: http://www.surgeryencyclopedia.com/

You are quietly sitting at the dinner table after a big meal, sipping your favorite soda when all of a sudden you feel this sudden rush of air flowing into your mouth. You pass out the air through your mouth and everyone hears that familiar sound, you just “burped.”

Burping or belching is a natural reaction of the body when gas builds up in the stomach. Everyone burps, and that’s a fact of life. Burping is as natural as sleeping or eating, and it begins as soon as babies take their first feeding.

What is a burp?

A burp is produced when gas that has built up in the stomach is expelled through the mouth. Gas build up in the stomach may be due to two major factors, eating and swallowing air. It might come as a surprise to some of us, but along with food, air enters the stomach. It is a common misconception that air is automatically passed on to the lungs. When food is swallowed, it passes through the throat and into the esophagus which exits to the stomach. The passageways for food are all hollow tubes, and this allows certain amounts of air to enter the stomach. When too much gas is contained in the stomach, air is released through the mouth (belching) or through the anus (flatulence).

Why do we burp?

Eating certain types of food can cause unusual gas buildups in the stomach. Gas is a natural byproduct of food digestion in the stomach. Certain types of food produce more than the usual gasses and give the stomach a sensation of fullness (bloating).

Some types of vegetables produce large amounts of gasses when being digested. Here are some examples of these vegetables–cabbage, beans, broccoli, cauliflower and lettuce. Fruits such as apples, pears and peaches are also known to cause gas.

Eating large amounts of fatty foods does not only predispose you to dangerous medical conditions but they also cause burping. Fats are the slowest nutritional component of food to be digested; fatty foods tend to stay longer in the stomach and cause gas to build up.

Lifestyle and Burping

Like some diseases a poor lifestyle can cause more frequent bouts of burping. Smoking and drinking cause gas buildups in the stomach. This is why we find ourselves burping more often after downing a few drinks or smoking. Lack of exercise and a sedimentary lifestyle also cause burping. When we do nothing for long periods of time our body adjusts, and it takes more than the usual time for normal body processes like digestion to happen. Living a stressful life also causes burping. Stress causes acid production, and this builds up the gasses in the stomach. In addition, wearing tight clothes, especially, those which put additional pressure on the stomach area can cause burping.

Beer goes hand in hand with burping

By just looking at your favorite carbonated soda, you can easily determine that it contains large amounts of air. These gasses cause the fizzle and hiss we find so amusing. Beer also contains fair amounts of gasses; this is why we find ourselves burping after drinking our favorite six pack. Drinking large amounts of liquid also causes burping. Water along with air passes to the stomach when we are drinking, the longer we have this tract open, the more air is introduced to the stomach.

Burping in infants

Babies are fed by breastfeeding or milk formulas. When liquids are taken in, large amounts of air are also passed to the infant’s stomach. It is not uncommon that babies sometimes cry after being fed. Babies cry because it is their only means of expressing hunger or discomfort. When babies cry after being fed, this may be due to the fact that they are feeling fullness in their stomach. Babies are then induced to burp to release the gas buildup in their stomachs.

Medical conditions associated with burping and belching

Burping or belching is also known as eructation. Burping signals more than the usual gas formation in the stomach. Burps are also symptoms of medical conditions of the digestive system. Some of the diseases associated with gas formation are gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, GERD (acid reflux disease), lactose intolerance and ulcers.

Gas buildup may also be due to a blockage in the digestive tract. Polyps or inflamed tissues can block the normal passage of air to the lower digestive tract causing a bloated feeling and gas to be passed out through the mouth.

What can I do about it?

Belching or burping is the body’s natural response to gas buildup in the stomach. This is a natural process, and thus should not be prevented. It is best to let the process happen to relieve the symptoms produced by bloating.

Belching and burping is a natural process and what we can do is to minimize its occurrence. Totally eliminating the incidents of burping is impossible. It is best to understand what causes burping and how to best avoid them. Relief from stomach pains due to gas buildup is only done through flatulence or burping. Gas cannot be dissolved or eliminated by any type of medicine. When you feel that bloated feeling in your stomach and need to pass some air, the best thing to do is to excuse yourself and let the natural process happen in privacy. If you feel you are belching excessively, see your doctor for a further evaluation to rule out more serious digestive disorders.

Written by, Ronald Uy, RN

© Hemorrhoid Information Center 2009

Sources:

Belching, Bloating and Flatulence. Retrieved October 10, 2009 from The American College of Gastroenterology: http://www.gi.org

Intestinal Gas (Belching, Bloating, Flatulence). Retrieved October 10, 2009 from MedicineNet.com: http://www.medicinenet.com

Belching. Retrieved October 11, 2009 from Health Encyclopedia – Diseases and Conditions:  http://www.healthscout.com

Constipation, at one time or another everyone gets it. Constipation might be a symptom of a more serious medical disease. It is very important to understand that constipation is not a disease but a symptom.  Suffering from constipation is not a cause for serious alarm as it is often caused by a poor diet or elimination habits. Constipation is easily relieved by using laxatives and increasing amount of water intake.

Constipation is a common medical condition wherein a person suffers from decreased and irregular bowel movements.  In this condition, bowel movement is described as occurring less than 3 times a week.  Passing out feces maybe accompanied by pain and stool is described as dry and hard.

Why Causes Constipation

Constipation pain and discomfort are caused by passing hard stools.  Water is mainly absorbed in the large intestines. The large intestine also plays a major role in stool formation. The main cause of hardened stools is decreased water intake. Liquids are not only taken up by drinking water but are also contained in food. Water acts as a natural laxative making stools softer and making it easier to pass out.

Stools also harden when they stay abnormally long in the rectum. Stool is normally stored in the rectum before they are passed out through defecation. Establishing normal patterns of elimination is needed for regular bowel movements.

Sedentary lifestyles or lack of exercise may also cause constipation. Peristalsis is the movement of food in the body. General body weakness may cause decreased peristalsis, making stool to stay longer in the rectum before being passed out. Patients recovering after a major surgery often find themselves suffering from constipation. Anesthesia causes decreased peristaltic movements and laxatives are introduced to promote easier defecation.

Another cause for hard stools is the lack of fiber in the diet. A daily intake of fruits, vegetables and grains is recommended. These types of food are not only good for promoting normal stool consistency but are also excellent for preventing many types of diseases such as cancer.

Medicines such as diuretics, or those containing calcium and iron can cause constipation. Diuretics increase water elimination through urination making little water available for the formation of stools making them harder. Calcium is a mineral that causes the body to absorb more water; it is needed for maintaining normal levels of fluid in the body. Medicines containing large amounts of calcium may increase fluid retention decreasing water available for stool formation.

Abnormal growths in the lower digestive tract such as the large intestines or rectum can block the passages making stools to stay longer than normal. Polyp formation or cancers can produce abnormal tissue growth decreasing the surface and diameter of the lower passages.

Managing and treating constipation

Laxatives are used as immediate treatment for people suffering from constipation. Laxatives or stool softeners maybe directly introduced through the anus to instantly induce defecation. Increasing water intake can also be done to improve stool content and act as a lubricant for passing out stool.

Constipation can be easily avoided by lifestyle changes, below are simple ways on how you could maintain a normal bowel elimination pattern.

• Drinking plenty of water and liquids
• Developing regular bowel habits
• Avoiding medicines which may cause constipation
• Regular exercise
• Maintaining a diet rich in fiber  (read H.I.C. article Fruit and Fiber)

Assessment and diagnostic methods

Diagnosis is based on history, physical examination and visualization through different laboratory tests and techniques. A medical history is taken to assess how long the patient has been suffering from constipation. A patient is also asked to describe the consistency of the stool and asked if there is any blood or any abnormal content in the stool. A quick interview is also made by asking for any recent medications or changes in diet.

For patients found to be exhibiting severe symptoms associated with constipations a laboratory test is done to visualize the anatomy and determine if the digestive tract is functioning normally.

• Sigmoidoscopy
• Barium Enema X ray
• Colorectal Transit Study
• Anorectal Function Test
• Defecography

Constipation should not be taken lightly. Constipation might be an early symptom of a serious disease such as cancer. Constipation can cause hemorrhoids. Harder stools require a greater effort during defecation. Straining causes tissue trauma to the anus or linings of the anus and rectum which may result to bleeding. Treatment for hemorrhoids includes warm tub baths, applying creams and placing an ice pack over the affected area.

Constipation is a very common problem; development of the condition is usually related to insufficient water intake and an improper diet. Laxatives are only prescribed when the symptoms of constipation are severe. It is always important to maintain and restore normal bowel movements through natural means and medications are only a last resort.  Constipation is usually not a cause of great concern, it is easily treated with a proper diet and a healthy lifestyle.

written by,

Ronald Uy , RN

© 2009  Hemorrhoid Information Center

Ileostomy is the surgical removal of the large intestine from the ileum (the lowest portion of the small instestine) and an opening is created in the abdomen. The ileum is brought into the abdomen to make a stoma which is commonly at the lower right side.  The stoma is the lining of the intestine which is more likely the same as the lining in the cheek. It is pink to red, moist and shiny.  In time, it will shrink after surgery. It may be round or oval. The large instestine and the rectum is surgically removed and because it is not functioning normally.  This means that the person who has undergone ileostomy no longer passes bowel through the rectum but through the stoma and drained in a pouch which is emptied 5-8 times a day.

When you have undergone an ileostomy procedure, you can either have this as a permanent or only on a temporary basis. This depend on what caused your surgery in the first place. If you had a permanent ileostomy, the large instestines and rectum are either removed or bypassed.  If you  had a temporary ileostomy, the large intestine or the colon is either partially or entirely removed but not the rectum.

Who needs an Ileostomy?

This kind of surgery is done when you have been afflicted with diseases in the colon wherein other methods of medication is no longer working. It is necessary to perform this surgery to protect and rest the intestine.  Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the common reasons in performing ileostomy.  Sometimes, they are created due to defects from birth, polyposis, and cancer.

How do you manage your Ileostomy?

In managing ileostomies, choosing a pouching system is a must. The pouch should be leakproof that could last for at least a week, odor resistant, inconspicuos, easy to remove and apply and it must protect the skin.  Changing the pouch may be best after breakfast or an hour after a meal.

The skin should be protected at all times most especially the skin around the stoma.  The output from the stoma can irritate the skin.  The skin around the stoma should look the same as the rest of the skin in the abdomen.  By using the right size pouch and skin barrier, you can avoid skin irritation.  If is is too small, it can injure the stoma.  When it is too large, it can irritate the skin.  When there is itching or burning sensations, the pouch must be changed.  Regularly changing will avoid leakage.  Clean the skin surface with water and a mild soap.  It should be rinsed thoroughly and dried well.  Sensitivity to the tapes, skin barriers, or from the materials from the pouch can occur so it is best to monitor the skin all the time.

A gas or flatulence will pass through the stoma.  It is normal but it can be embarassing.  A regular  eating habit will avoid excessive gas.  This means that meals should not be skipped and should always be on time.  Eating small frequent meals, about 4-6 times a day would be best.  Foods as eggs, cabbage, onions, fish, beans, dairy products, and alcohol causes the formation of gas in the intestines.  Doctors will order the patient to avoid foods that are difficult to digest such as raw foods and vegetables during the first week after the surgery.  All kinds of foods can be eaten unless told by the doctor.  Plenty of fluids is recommended to avoid dehydration and increased fluid intake is advised in hot climates.

The odor of the gas caused by foods and normal bacteria in the intestine are normal.  The odor between those with ileostomies will vary.  To control the odor, the person with ileostomy must use an odor resistant pouch.  The skin barrier should be sealed securely to the skin.  The pouch must be emptied frequently. There are special deodorants in the form of liquids and tablets available.  Never used talc powders because this may destroy the normal mucosa or the lining of the stoma. There are also oral products available for eliminating odor such as chlorophyll tablets, bismuth subgallate and bismuth subcarbonate. There are also air deodorizers that is used when pouch is emptied.

Medications

Medications that are in coated tablets will be of no use to the patient.  The tablet will come out whole in the pouch.  The physician will order you take liquid or liquid gel medications for a faster and effective absorption of the medication.

When to call the doctor?

When cramps occurs and last for more than 2 to 3 hours without an output for about 5 hours, it is time to call the doctor or your healthcare provvider.  Other symptoms that requires calling the health care provider are nausea and vomiting, an infection indicated by an odor lasting for more than 7 days, skin irritation, continous bleeding in the stoma opening, and a change in the color and size of the stoma.

How do you go on with life after an Ileostomy?

Living with an ileostomy may seem to be very difficult at first.  Because there is a change in the normal appearance and function in the body, it does not mean that a person who underwent an ileostomy can no longer live normally the way they used to be.  Social events, travelling, and sports are not to be avoided most especially if this are done before.  By letting others know that the person has underwent an ileostomy will be easier to be understood by those taking care of them.

In terms of clothing, there are no such thing as clothes exclusively for those with stomas.  The pouches are flat and can hardly be seen.  However, using cotton and stretchable underpants provides support.  For women, using a pantyhose will also be comfortable.

Participating in sports is not something to be avoided when the person underwent an ostomy.  However, weight lifting and contact sports should be avoided to refrain from protrusion and injury to the stoma.  Some of these sports are basketball, football, boxing, or soccer.  If these sports cannot be avoided, a consult with the doctor is needed.  There may be special protection gears available to eliminate injury problems.

Written by,

Ronald Uy, RN

© 2009 Hemorhoid Information Center

Sources:

Ileostomy. Retrieved Sept 4, 2009 from Wikepedia: http://en.wikipedia.org

Bowel Diversion Surgeries. Retrieved Sept 4, 2009 from NDDIC:  http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov

Ileostomy. Retrieved Sept 5, 2009 from NHS Choices: http://www.nhs.uk

Ileostomy. Retrieved Sept 5, 2009 from Medline Plus: http://www.nlm.nih.gov