10 Tips to Relieve Digestive Complaints

Indigestion, bloating, constipation and reflux-like symptoms persisting for extended periods are referred to as 'functional digestive system disorder'. Seen in one in three people, these problems negatively affect quality of life, cause concern among patients and have implications for work performance, but can be reduced through changes in eating habits. Memorial Antalya Hospital Gastroenterology Department Associate Professor Selman Çelebi provided information on the treatment of functional digestive disorders.

Patient history is decisive in diagnosis

Digestive-related problems, which significantly affect human life, productivity and happiness, stem from abnormalities in the function of the digestive system. In other words, the complaints are not due to tumors, masses, ulcers, infections or any other structural problem. Functional disorder of the digestive system is a medical condition that impairs normal bodily function despite no abnormality being detected on examination of the area where pain originates, imaging or microscopic examination of tissue samples taken. For this reason, diagnosis of functional problems is determined based on whether the patient history conforms to certain diseases. In some cases, results are confirmed with multiple tests.

Modern lifestyle affects the digestive system

Functional digestive disorders can affect the esophagus, stomach, bile ducts and intestines in the digestive system. Numerous functional digestive disorders have been defined. The most common functional digestive disorders in the population are "irritable bowel syndrome" (IBS), constipation and indigestion. In addition, fecal incontinence, stomach burning/acidity, difficulty swallowing, lump sensation in the throat, vomiting and anal region disorders frequently occur. Although the cause and manner of formation are not fully understood, they are thought to stem from processed foods, incorrect eating habits, modern and sedentary living conditions, food allergies, and psychological and behavioral factors.

Functional disorders

Functional digestive disorders are divided into three categories. An irregularity in the movements of the digestive tract is a 'motility disorder' and can cause painful muscle spasms or cramp-like abdominal pain. Sensitivity disorders, or hypersensitivity, cause the digestive system to overreact to minor events, leading to pain that another person with the same conditions would not experience. In brain-gut dysfunction disorder, there are abnormalities in communication between the brain and digestive tract. This disorder results in incorrect signals being sent from the nervous system to the digestive tract or vice versa, causing functional disorders or abnormally felt mild pain signals.

Watch out for these symptoms!

Abdominal pain, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, bloating after eating, early satiety, weight loss, changes in stool color, bleeding, nausea or vomiting, changes in bowel habits, burning in the chest are general symptoms of a digestive system disease. Among the complaints, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, blood in stool, abdominal pain that wakes you at night, and these symptoms appearing in recent days or weeks may indicate serious diseases.

Anxiety should be addressed first

When patients consult a specialist with complaints, diseases such as ulcers, tumors, gallstones, infections or digestive tract narrowing are investigated. If it is decided that the complaints are 'functional', certain medications such as spasm reducers, acid controllers or bowel regulators and dietary recommendations are given. In any case, addressing anxiety related to symptoms is one of the most important stages of treatment.

To reduce digestive complaints…

• Choose natural foods over processed foods.
• Pay attention to purchasing foods produced in places near where you live.
• Follow general hygiene rules to reduce the risk of infection or parasites.
• If you are over middle age, use digestive enzyme supplements as recommended by your doctor.
• Benefit from probiotic support products to rebuild your intestinal flora with beneficial bacteria.
• Purchase and use only oils you are certain are natural.
• Eat meals in small bites and chew thoroughly until completely ground in your mouth.
• Reduce meal portions and extend meal duration.
• Test whether lactose-rich foods such as milk and broccoli increase your symptoms.
• Adopt an active lifestyle to keep body functions continuously working.