Food is one of life’s basic necessities. It’s how we obtain the nutrients we need to stay in good health and the energy we need to accomplish anything we do in life. Unfortunately, the nature of being human means that sometimes things just don’t quite work the way they’re supposed to. If you’re experiencing digestive issues, there are some common signs that you might find yourself experiencing.
Constipation
According to the AAFP, constipation is defined as having fewer than three stools per week. Because of the infrequency, they tend to be quite dry and hard, which makes them difficult to pass. It’s usually a sign that the food you’ve consumed isn’t moving through your intestinal tract, specifically your colon, in a timely manner. This can aggravate things like hemorrhoids or even be a factor in their formation. Constipation can be caused by a number of factors. Lack of adequate fiber, irritable bowel syndrome, certain medications, and developing a habit of repressing the urge to eliminate your stool can all result in constipation.
Heartburn
At the bottom of your esophagus, right at the entrance to your stomach, is a sphincter. Its default position is to be closed, opening when food or liquids make their way down your throat to allow them to enter your stomach. Sometimes, however, that sphincter doesn’t remain closed properly, allowing stomach acid to travel up into your esophagus, resulting in heartburn, or acid reflux. According to Granite Peaks Gastroenterology, fatty, spicy, and acidic foods can all contribute to heartburn. If you experience heartburn more than twice in a week, you could have GERD.
Bloating and Gas
There are a ton of different reasons why you might experience bloating and gas. Even something as simple as the hormonal changes that women experience in conjunction with their periods can cause bloating. While that isn’t exactly a digestive issue, according to the Cleveland Clinic, bloating and gas could be a sign of disorders like irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis. Food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance, can also cause bloating and gas.
It’s important to pay attention to your body, especially when you experience signs that indicate that there are issues with your digestive system. Things like constipation, heartburn, and bloating and gas can have a number of triggers. Even something as simple as what you’ve eaten could cause them. If you’re experiencing these or other symptoms on a regular basis, or if they become worse over time, go see your doctor so you can address the problem.
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