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

Heartburn during pregnancy is a common occurrence, especially in the last trimester. According to major studies, more than one half of pregnant women do experience heartburn, and for many women it is a first-time introduction to the digestive upset. Heartburn is usually harmless, having no lasting effects, and will disappear after giving birth, but that doesn’t make it any less miserable if you are dealing with it. In order to cope with the discomfort, you may need to make some changes in your diet to eliminate acidic foods. Other simple lifestyle changes can help relieve symptoms of heartburn, making this time of anticipation of your new baby more enjoyable.

Why is heartburn so prevalent while you’re pregnant?

It has nothing to do with your heart, but because the burning usually takes place in the chest, it has been named after that vital organ, and other names for the condition are acid indigestion and acid reflux.  In medical terminology, it is called GER, which stands for gastroesophageal reflux, or in other words, the acids in the stomach splash up into the esophagus. Because these gastric acids have a corrosive effect on the lining of the esophagus, they cause a burning sensation which can extend from the bottom of the breastbone to the lower throat. These acids escape the stomach because the valve (called the esophageal sphincter that is between the stomach and esophagus) is not working properly. During pregnancy, the hormone progesterone is produced by the placenta to relax the uterus, and it also relaxes this muscular valve. This hormone explains the overall sluggishness of the digestive tract during this time and the common complaint of constipation. Later in pregnancy, the growing baby puts additional pressure on the stomach and causes gastric acids to back up into the esophagus.

Foods and drinks that cause heartburn while you’re pregnant

• Caffeine and carbonated drinks
• Coffee
• Alcohol which is not appropriate anytime during pregnancy
• Chocolate
• Citrus fruits and juices
• Spicy, fried, fatty or highly-seasoned foods
• Tomatoes, mustard and vinegar
• Processed meats
• Mint products

Steps to reduce the symptoms of heartburn when pregnant:

• Eat several smaller meals during the day instead of three large ones.
• Chew your food well and don’t rush through meals.
• Drink only small amounts of fluids with your meals to avoid stomach distention. It is important to drink eight to ten glasses of water daily, but drink this between meals.
• Chew gum after eating. Enzymes from your salivary glands can be stimulated by chewing gum, and this can help neutralize the acids in your stomach.
• Don’t lie down after eating.
• Don’t eat two to three hours before you go to bed. Allow your stomach to empty of its contents.
• Elevate the head of your bed by six inches or sleep with several pillows to raise your upper body. This will help keep the stomach acids contained in the appropriate place.
• Wear comfortable clothing that doesn’t increase pressure to the stomach and abdomen.
• Control your weight according to your healthcare provider’s advice, so it is the baby gaining weight not you.
• Bend at the knees instead of the waist when doing daily routines.
• No smoking—it is harmful to you and your baby, and it creates more acid in the stomach.

If these measures fail to control your heartburn, the next step is to consult your healthcare providers about taking over-the-counter antacids, or a stronger prescription drug. Follow their recommendations, because some antacids contain aluminum, aspirin or are high in sodium, and should not be consumed during pregnancy. Some women have found that liquid antacids work better because they coat the esophagus and stomach. Prescription drugs can be taken during pregnancy under your doctor’s guidance if your heartburn is severe.

by Joy Seeman

© 2009  H.I.C. Digestive Health

Sources:

Heartburn During Pregnancy. (2006, June). Retrieved August 10, 2009, from babycenter:

http://www.babycenter.com

Heartburn During Pregnancy. (2008, September 1). Retrieved August 10, 2009, from WebMD:

http://www.webmd.com

Heartburn During Pregnancy. (2009). Retrieved August 10, 2009, from Cleveland Clinic:

http://myclinic.org

Richter, J. E. (n.d.). Heartburn, Nausea, Vomiting During Pregnancy. Retrieved August 10, 2009, A.C. of Gastroenterology:

http://www.acg.org

Pregnancy and diarrhea are two terms that are often entered together into a search engine on the internet. Obviously, many pregnant women must be experiencing diarrhea, but prefer to search for information anonymously rather than discuss their complaints with their healthcare provider. This is understandable since our culture has communicated to us so many unspoken restrictions about bodily functions. But pregnant women have a right to be concerned about diarrhea, and they need to know if what they are experiencing is only mild and will go away shortly, or if they have a more severe form and need to make a trip to their healthcare provider. Expectant mothers are in need of good medical advice on how to deal with diarrhea during pregnancy.

Defining Diarrhea:

You have diarrhea if you experience loose stools over a period of time from several hours to ten days. Most cases are mild and not a cause for concern and will clear up in 24 hours, but severe diarrhea is characterized by at least three loose or watery stools a day. If your diarrhea lasts longer than two days, you should call your doctor, or if your stools contain blood, have mucous or are watery. Additional concerns, which should be evaluated by a doctor, would be nausea and severe vomiting.

How Diarrhea Effects Pregnancy

Diarrhea usually will not harm the developing baby because whatever is causing the loose stool in the digestive tract is separate from the reproductive system. Remember most cases are mild and will improve on their own. However, there is the risk of severe dehydration from the diarrhea which can affect the baby. When there is not enough fluid in the body, internal organs are deprived of blood, and this can led to rapidly-developing shock. So seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms along with the diarrhea:

• Excessive thirst
• Dry mouth
• Little or no urine (or dark yellow urine)
• Decreased tears
• Severe weakness or lethargy
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.

If you have experienced loose stools and it suddenly becomes watery as you start to feel better, it may actually be a sign that you are getting better, and it is nature’s way of clearing out the digestive system. In late pregnancy, diarrhea can be a sign that labor is about to start. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances secreted in the body which bring on the loose stools to clear out the digestive tract for the birth.

Causes of Diarrhea in Pregnancy:

Usually the causes of diarrhea originate externally with the food and drinks that you are putting into your body. Maybe, you have overloaded on fiber and overcome your constipation only to find out that it has been replaced by diarrhea. Perhaps, you have completely changed your diet to eat healthier for your baby and your system isn’t used to this new food. Prenatal vitamins can also be the culprit, and you might need to change brands even though prenatal vitamins are mostly infamous for causing constipation. If it is food poisoning, you might be in misery for twenty-four hours, but it usually clears up quickly, or it could be an intestinal parasite or stomach flu. Pregnant women are more prone to infections because their immune systems become more lax during this time.

Home Remedies for Pregnancy and Diarrhea:

• Drink more fluids to prevent dehydration. If you have lost electrolytes (minerals and salts) in the fluids, you can replace them by drinking oral rehydration fluids (ORF) which can be purchased at most pharmacies or grocery stores without a prescription. Do not rely on sports drinks which may not necessarily replace electrolytes.
• Stop eating and allow your digestive system to rest for a few hours.
• Slowly reintroduce bland, easy-to-digest foods to your system. The BRAT diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast, has been around for a long time to help diarrhea sufferers cope.
• Try eating yogurts with live, active cultures. Probiotics are loaded with the good bacteria needed by the digestive tract, and they may help subdue the bad bacteria which may be causing the diarrhea. They have proven safe and beneficial for everyone in studies.
• Avoid caffeine and dairy products.
• Avoid fatty and spicy foods.
• Avoid drinks high in sugars such as apple and grape juices, and soft drinks which can draw water into the stomach and prolong the diarrhea.

Always be in contact with your healthcare provider for your unique situation and for medical expertise to handle more than mild episodes of diarrhea. Remember that your baby is relying on you for a healthy start in life.

Sources:

Diarrhea in Pregnancy. (2009). Retrieved August 7, 2009, from Women’s Healthcare Topics.

Diarrhea in Pregnancy. (2009). Retrieved August 6, 2009, from Whattoexpect: http://www.whattoexpect.com

Murkoff, H. (2009). Diarrhea in Pregnancy. Retrieved August 6, 2009, from Pampers Village: http://www.pampers.com

Rose, M. S., & Christie, M. J. (n.d.). Pregnancy in Gastrointestinal Disorders. Retrieved August 6, 2009, from American College of Gastroenterology: http://www.acg.gi.org

written by Joy Seeman

© Hemorrhoid Information Center