Health -
Gastroenterology
What is Gastroenterology?
Gastroenterology is the study of the normal function and diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver.
Digestive Health in Adolescence
Ah, adolescence—the rollercoaster ride of hormones, emotions, and yes, digestive surprises. It’s a time of growth and change, both internally and externally. As your body adjusts to hormonal shifts, it’s not uncommon to experience digestive issues that may leave you feeling puzzled or uncomfortable.
A good example of digestive issues adolescent women can succumb to is bloating. You might notice that certain foods suddenly don’t sit well with you or that your stomach feels like a balloon after meals. Blame it on the hormonal dance happening inside, affecting how your digestive system processes food.
Then there’s the issue of irregularity. Your bowel habits might become a bit unpredictable, swinging from constipation to bouts of diarrhea. Again, hormones are the culprits here, influencing the speed and efficiency of digestion.
Luckily, there are steps you can take in your teenage years to support your digestive health. Eating a balanced diet rich in fiber, staying hydrated, and managing stress through activities like exercise or mindfulness can work wonders. Don’t be shy about discussing any concerns with your healthcare provider—they’re there to help guide you through this journey.
Digestive Health in Adolescence
Ah, adolescence—the rollercoaster ride of hormones, emotions, and yes, digestive surprises. It’s a time of growth and change, both internally and externally. As your body adjusts to hormonal shifts, it’s not uncommon to experience digestive issues that may leave you feeling puzzled or uncomfortable.
A good example of digestive issues adolescent women can succumb to is bloating. You might notice that certain foods suddenly don’t sit well with you or that your stomach feels like a balloon after meals. Blame it on the hormonal dance happening inside, affecting how your digestive system processes food.
Then there’s the issue of irregularity. Your bowel habits might become a bit unpredictable, swinging from constipation to bouts of diarrhea. Again, hormones are the culprits here, influencing the speed and efficiency of digestion.
Luckily, there are steps you can take in your teenage years to support your digestive health. Eating a balanced diet rich in fiber, staying hydrated, and managing stress through activities like exercise or mindfulness can work wonders. Don’t be shy about discussing any concerns with your healthcare provider—they’re there to help guide you through this journey.
Gastrointestinal Problems Most Common in Teens:
Gastrointestinal disorders are common in adolescents. Chronic abdominal pain, lactose intolerance, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome represent the most common gastrointestinal complaints, while inflammatory bowel disease is the major chronic disorder of concern to clinicians. Gallstones and pancreatitis may also be seen in this age group
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease): Frequent heartburn in children and infants can lead to a GERD diagnosis. General signs and symptoms are burping, lack of a desire to eat, throwing up, stomach pain, hiccups, and gagging or choking.
Lactose intolerance: A treatable condition, lactose intolerance is one of the gastrointestinal conditions that may affect children of all ages. It happens when the child’s body is unable to break down the sugar present in dairy, known as lactose. Loose or watery stools, gas, a stomach ache, or bloating experienced after consuming dairy are all indications of this condition. Ingesting lactase enzymes prior to ingesting dairy can enable the body to digest lactose properly.
Constipation: Constipation arises when stool becomes dry, large, and/or challenging to pass. In kids, this can cause them to avoid routine bathroom habits. Avoiding bowel movements can result in more constipation and additional discomfort.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): This digestive concern may arise in teenagers and children. It describes two individual GI conditions. Ulcerative colitis leads to inflammation in the colon (large intestine), and Crohn’s disease can impact all portions of the GI tract. Signs and symptoms of both disorders may include bloody or watery bowel movements and stomach pain.
Celiac disease: Celiac disease is a digestive health problem that develops when an adverse reaction occurs after consuming gluten. Gluten is a protein found in rye, barley, and wheat. If uncontrolled, it can cause serious damage to the small intestine and hinder your child’s body from taking in the necessary nutrients from the food they consume.
EoE (eosinophilic esophagitis): This condition is present in the esophagus. EoE can lead to chronic allergic inflammatory disease. Kids may have abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, regurgitation, and a burning sensation similar to acid reflux. Additionally, they may gag frequently and report trouble swallowing.
Food Allergies and Intolerances
Although allergies and intolerances might sound similar, they’re a bit different. Allergies make the body react strongly to some foods, while intolerances just give you a stomach upset. Lots of kids have intolerances and allergies to various substances. Food allergies occur when the body’s immune system has a reaction when certain foods are consumed. Common troublemakers are milk, eggs, nuts, and gluten.
When kids ingest something they’re allergic to, they might get hives, feel sick, throw up, or have tummy problems. Intolerances might make the tummy hurt, make kids gassy, or give them diarrhea. The trick is knowing what’s causing the problem. Doctors can help figure that out. They might suggest avoiding certain foods for a while to see if things get better. It’s essential to get medical help for proper guidance.
What steps can be taken to maintain good GI health?
We know that as a parent, you want the best for your family, from planning doctor appointments to ensuring they eat a well-rounded and healthy diet. Some ways to help your child achieve digestive health are to infuse these suggestions into their day-to-day life:
Eat at a slower pace: We know that between after-school activities and spending time with friends, it is easy for teens to quickly grab a snack from the pantry while on the go. Urge them to take time to enjoy the food they eat to help prevent stomach upset.
Eat meals together as a family: Try to make mealtime pleasant for everyone in the family and incorporate a family mealtime. Doing so allows for consistency and stability, helping to ensure time spent sharing a meal is enjoyable for everyone. Allowing your toddlers to feed themselves during family meals is also a good way to help them create a healthy association with food.
Watch portion sizes: Portion sizes can affect how food is processed and digested. If your child eats excessively, it may cause digestion difficulties and result in an upset stomach.
Fiber-Rich Foods: Fiber helps prevent constipation by adding bulk to stool and promoting regular bowel movements. Include sources of soluble fiber, such as oats, legumes, and fruits, as well as insoluble fiber from whole grains, vegetables, and nuts, to support a healthy digestive tract.
Probiotics and Fermented Foods: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that promote a balanced gut microbiome. Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi are examples of fermented foods rich in probiotics. Incorporating these foods into your diet can improve digestion, reduce bloating, and enhance overall gut health.
Hydration: Water helps soften stool, making it easier to pass, and supports the functioning of digestive enzymes and processes. Aim to drink at least 8–10 glasses of water daily and consume hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables to boost your fluid intake.
Healthy Fats: Include sources of healthy fats in your diet, such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, to support digestive function. These fats help lubricate the digestive tract, promote nutrient absorption, and reduce inflammation, contributing to overall digestive wellness.
Limit Trigger Foods: Identify and limit foods that trigger digestive discomfort, such as spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and high-fat meals. Pay attention to how your body responds to different foods and adjust your diet accordingly to minimize digestive symptoms.
Lifestyle Factors and Digestive Health
By incorporating healthy habits and making conscious choices, you can support your digestive system and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort. Here are some lifestyle factors to consider when aiming for better digestive wellness:
Stress Management: Chronic stress can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or engaging in hobbies that bring joy and relaxation.
Regular Exercise: Regular exercise helps stimulate intestinal contractions, promote regular bowel movements, and reduce the risk of constipation. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week to support a healthy digestive system.
Adequate Sleep: A lack of sleep can disrupt digestive processes, leading to digestive issues like indigestion and bloating. Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and prioritize a comfortable sleep environment to support digestive wellness.
Limiting Alcohol and Tobacco Use: Alcohol irritates the digestive tract and can lead to acid reflux while smoking increases the risk of gastrointestinal disorders and digestive cancers. Limit alcohol intake, avoid smoking, and seek support if you need help quitting these habits.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Try to maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise to support digestive function and reduce the risk of obesity-related digestive complications.
Regular Health Screenings: Stay proactive about your digestive health by scheduling regular check-ups and screenings with your healthcare provider. Screenings such as colonoscopies, mammograms, and abdominal ultrasounds can detect potential digestive issues early, allowing for prompt intervention and treatment.
