How to prevent indigestion in the elderly?

1. Repair your teeth and develop the habit of chewing slowly and thoroughly.

Many elderly people have loose or missing teeth, which leads to incomplete chewing of food in the mouth. By repairing your teeth, you can chew at a comfortable pace and swallow slowly. This enhances the mechanical processing of food, which can not only reduce the burden on the gastrointestinal tract but also avoid the adverse stimulation of rough and hard foods on the digestive tract mucosa.

2. Avoid eating indigestible foods.

Fried and pan-fried foods, as well as undercooked meats, fish, and eggs, are difficult to digest. High-fat foods can delay gastric emptying and should be consumed as little as possible.

3. Appropriately increase the intake of foods rich in fiber.

Fiber can promote gastrointestinal motility, increase muscle tone, and reduce the formation of gastrointestinal diverticula. Various fresh green vegetables, as well as kelp and seaweed, are high in fiber. In addition to its high fiber content, oatmeal is also rich in various trace elements and has the function of lowering blood lipids, so it is a good idea to eat more of it regularly.

Lemon Salmon Oatmeal

4. Engage in regular physical exercise.

This is especially important for strengthening abdominal muscles, which can enhance gastrointestinal motility and improve appetite. Strong abdominal muscles can make bowel movements easier and more effortless.

5. Maintain good lifestyle habits and a stable, optimistic mood.

Practices such as not overeating, eating at regular times and in fixed amounts, and engaging in light activity after meals can help automate and regulate gastrointestinal function, thereby reducing its burden. Regular bowel movements are an important method for preventing constipation. Emotions have a significant impact on gastrointestinal digestive function; anger, depression, and other negative emotions not only affect gastrointestinal motility but also the secretion of digestive fluids. Over time, this can lead to indigestion.

6. Avoid or minimize the use of drugs that inhibit gastrointestinal function.

Drugs such as diazepam and theophylline can inhibit gastrointestinal function. Certain laxatives, such as phenolphthalein, bisacodyl (Dulcolax), and sodium picosulfate, may provide temporary relief for constipation, but long-term use can cause the intestines to lose their ability to move on their own, thus causing or worsening constipation.

7. Get regular check-ups.

If you experience abnormal symptoms of the digestive tract, you should seek medical attention promptly. Even if you feel fine, it is advisable to undergo regular gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and ultrasound examinations. It is now widely recognized that the fecal occult blood test is an effective method for the early detection of gastrointestinal tumors. It is painless and inexpensive, and can be submitted for regular testing. For those who already have gastrointestinal polyps, it is advisable to have them removed promptly and completely to prevent future problems.