Why are the elderly prone to indigestion?
As age increases, the digestive system of the human body gradually weakens and the absorption capacity of nutrients decreases. Especially after entering old age, the physiological functions of the digestive organs significantly decline, and both digestion and absorption functions are weakened, which can easily lead to indigestion. On average, 1 out of every 4 elderly people suffers from indigestion.
Firstly, the gums of the elderly shrink. Due to long-term wear and tear, teeth fall out, making chewing difficult and causing food to be swallowed into the stomach without being fully chewed and crushed, thus increasing the burden on the stomach.
Secondly, the mucous membranes and glands of the elderly's digestive tract atrophy. The atrophy of the oral mucosa dulls the sense of taste, leading to the elderly's preference for heavily flavored foods that are difficult to digest. The atrophy of salivary glands reduces daily saliva secretion to one-third of that of young people, and gastric acid secretion decreases to one-fifth of that in youth. Not only does the digestive enzyme content in the digestive fluids of the elderly decrease, but their activity also significantly decreases. Liver and gallbladder functions decline, pancreatic enzyme secretion and activity decrease, and bile secretion decreases. Pancreatic enzymes can help digest and absorb proteins, fats, and starches, while bile can help emulsify the most difficult-to-digest and absorb fats, promoting the breakdown and utilization of food by pancreatic lipase. The decrease in pancreatic enzymes and bile greatly reduces the ability of the intestines and stomach to digest food, thus causing indigestion.
Furthermore, the smooth muscle fibers of the gastrointestinal tract in the elderly atrophy, reducing elasticity and causing slow and weak gastric and intestinal motility, thus weakening the mechanical digestion capacity of the elderly. Studies have shown that more than half of elderly patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia have delayed or obstructed gastric emptying.
Frequent indigestion significantly affects the quality of life of the elderly and requires timely treatment and care.
Diet should be light
For the indigestion of the elderly, corresponding measures are also needed in their diet. Daily diet should consist of light, easily digestible, and nutritious foods:
1. Light foods: The diet of the elderly should be light, with a focus on vegetarian dishes. Fish should be the main meat dish. It is not advisable for the elderly with dulled taste to eat heavily flavored foods.
2. Foods that are not easily digestible: Avoid long-term consumption of sticky rice, hard and greasy foods, and foods that cause bloating and are not easily digested, such as dried beans, onions, potatoes, and sweets. They should be appropriately controlled to avoid affecting gastric motility.
3. Foods with high nutritional value: Supplement high-quality proteins and also consume animal proteins such as eggs, milk, fish, and chicken.
Since most indigestion in the elderly is a chronic condition and their spleen and stomach are relatively weak, deliberate tonics are not advocated. Excessive tonics can burden the stomach and spleen, leading to increased burden. Therefore, diet control is particularly important when entering old age.
Indigestion can affect the elderly's absorption of nutrients, thereby affecting their health and reducing their quality of life. Therefore, the intestines and stomach of the elderly need more meticulous care. If there are any discomfort symptoms, timely medical treatment is necessary to avoid delaying the condition and allowing the elderly to enjoy a high-quality later life!
