There are a lot of health problems associated with getting older. Heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, and diabetes are just a few of the issues people face as they add more candles to their birthday cake. However, there is one age-related health concern that is often overlooked—digestive health.

While it’s true that problems with digestion can occur at any age, it’s sobering to note that nearly 40% of older adults have one or more age-related digestive symptoms each year. The good news is there are several natural treatments that can address the tummy troubles that come with advanced age. Here are the top three digestive health issues older adults face as well as the best ways to relieve them naturally.

Constipation
An increase in prescription and over-the-counter medication use contributes to infrequent bowel movements.

How To Treat It:

  • Drink More Water
  • Take Cascara Sagrada: This ingredient has a long history of use by the Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest as a laxative. It was used by doctors and pharmacies in the US and Europe for over a hundred years in the treatment of constipation. It helps ensure timely evacuation of waste materials from the colon.

Heartburn
As we age, the muscles in the digestive tract become stiffer, weaker, and less efficient and heartburn is the result.

How To Treat It:

  • Reduce intake of fast food and fried foods
  • Add 2 tsp. of apple cider vinegar to ¼ cup of water and drink. Repeat every 5 minutes until heartburn subsides.
  • Try Betaine HCL: This is a type of hydrochloric acid (HCl) similar to the HCl the stomach naturally produces. HCl is essential for proteins and the absorption minerals like calcium and zinc. HCl also destroys harmful microbes and parasites to prevent infections. As we age we produce less HCl, so it’s important to replace it.

Diarrhea
People can get diarrhea at any age, but like all digestive health concerns, it’s more prevalent in older adults.

How To Treat It:

  • Avoid milk for 3 days after symptoms disappear. You can eat cheese or yogurt with probiotics
  • Consider Apple Pectin: This soluble fiber is used in many anti-diarrhea products. It is an intestinal regulator helping control absorption of cholesterol as well as aiding toxin elimination.