Vim & Vigor - Winter 2010 - Parrish Medical Center - (Page 25)

D photography by photolibrary o digestive problems cause you to plot out your bathroom breaks? Have you ever carried an extra pair of trousers with you—just in case? Do you know where every restroom is in a three-county radius? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, about one in five Americans has symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, a condition characterized by abdominal pain and constipation or diarrhea, or both. “It’s pretty common for most people to experience digestive problems from time to time,” says David A. Greenwald, M.D., a spokesman for the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. “But about 10 to 20 percent of the population have serious symptoms.” If uncomfortable digestive symptoms are disrupting your daily activities (or are just a pain in the you-know-what), read on to learn what they may indicate and how you can find relief. Constipation What it is: Infrequent or difficult-to-pass bowel movements, often accompanied by the feeling of a full and bloated abdomen. What it could mean: Constipation has many causes, including not eating enough fiber, lack of exercise, certain medications, pregnancy, dehydration, and certain diseases and conditions such as stroke. What you should do: “To have regular bowel movements, it’s important to exercise regularly, drink enough water and eat a diet with enough fiber,” Greenwald says. Gradually incorporate more fiber into your diet by eating whole grains, fruits and veggies, and amp up the exercise. Ask your doctor if constipation could be a side effect of medications you are taking. If you discover blood in your stool, see a physician immediately. Gas and BloatinG What it is: Totally normal. “Everyone passes gas,” Greenwald says. “But it shouldn’t cause pain and it should pass normally.” When gas doesn’t pass through the system normally, it gets caught in the stomach and intestines and causes bloating. What it could mean: Gas often results from eating certain foods, but smoking, stress, irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease (a gluten intolerance), lactose intolerance, and gastrointestinal blockage or infection are also contributors. What you should do: If you experience regular discomfort, talk with your physician to rule out lactose intolerance, food sensitivities or celiac disease. Reduce or eliminate foods that continually cause excess gas, such as beans, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, soda, cauliflower and gum. Vim & Vigor • WI NTER 2010 25

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2010 - Parrish Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2010 - Parrish Medical Center
Contents
Opening Thoughts
Community Calendar
Much More than a Gift Shop
A Gift of Light, a Gift of Love
May I Help You?
Smart Moves
Miss Information
Stroke Sense
Gut Feelings
The Scoop on Stress
The Faces of Skin Cancer
Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark
A Natural Dilemma
17 Reasons to Work in Healthcare
Helping You Be Your Best
Special: Chronic Wellness
Reflections of Success
Foundation Focus
Ask the Expert

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2010 - Parrish Medical Center