The stomach is a hard-working organ that most people ignore...
...until they suffer a painful bout of that uncomfortable, unpleasant condition known as heartburn – also called gastro-esophageal reflux disease or GERD for short. It is one of the most common – and unpleasant – digestive disorders of older people.
Symptoms of GERD typically include a burning feeling in the lower part of the chest often along with a sour or bitter taste in the mouth. GERD sometimes causes so much pain that its sufferers sometimes think that they are having a heart attack However GERD has nothing to do with the heart – it's all about digestion.
CAUSES OF GERD
Most of the time, your stomach goes about its business – digesting a variety of foods like pepperoni pizza, raw and cooked vegetables, ice cream, hot dogs, hamburgers, oatmeal – with only occasional symptoms. As people grow older however they often discover that certain foods don't digest as well as they used to.
If your elderly parent or loved one complains of heartburn, intestinal gas or “that burning sensation” he or she may be experiencing GERD, one of the most common digestive complaints of older adults.
GERD frequently occurs after large, rich meals, lying down soon after eating, or snacking just before bedtime. Being overweight also makes it harder for the stomach to digest foods.
Other lifestyle factors that can irritate a sensitive digestive system include:
- Smoking
- Aspirin, ibuprofen, blood pressure medications, muscle relaxers
- Certain prescription medicines
- Eating too fast
CREATING A LIFE WITHOUT GERD
Certain foods and beverages may aggravate GERD too. Keep track of the foods and beverages your loved one eats for a week or two to help identify the “culprit” foods that are irritating to her sensitive digestive system and which foods are do not cause any unpleasant side effects. What you discover will help you and your loved one plan healthy meals that won't irritate her sensitive stomach.
Some of the most common irritating dietary “offenders” include:
- Chocolate, cheese, fatty or fried foods
- Foods with lots of fiber: celery, oranges, lemons, pineapple, strawberries
- Hot spices like chili powder, black pepper, creamy sauces, spicy salad dressings
- Vegetables like tomatoes, onions, broccoli, cabbage, corn, cucumber, garlic
- Beans, oatmeal, rich pastries, tofu in large amounts
- Coffee, tea, citrus fruits, carbonated drinks, alcoholic drinks.
To identify other GERD “culprits” that upset your loved one's digestive system suggest that he or she keep a list of foods and beverages eaten during one week, and how they affect his acid reflux.
MANAGING GERD SYMPTOMS: TIPS FOR FAMILIES AND OLDER PEOPLE
Families and spouses can be especially helpful for older relatives with GERD.
Tips for making your older relative's meals both healthy and delicious:
- Encourage your loved one to eat slowly and savor her meal.
- Avoid serving foods that are very hot or very cold.
- If your parent smokes help him learn to quit. Encourage him to ask his doctor about the best way to stop smoking for good.
- Substitute lactose-free products – milk, cheeses, ice cream, and sour cream – for regular dairy products. Lactose-free foods are easier to digest and do not cause bloating or diarrhea that milk does. Visit a health food store for other lactose-free products.
- Suggest that your parent eat smaller meals and nutritious snacks throughout the day.
- Recommend that your parent drink liquids 2-3 hours after a meal – not during it.
- Encourage your relative to relax before a meal and enjoy the pleasure of a tasty meal eaten slowly.
- If your parent is overweight work with him to set up plans with menus to lose weight. His doctor can help him find the best weight for his body and show both of you how reach his weight loss goals.
- Visit a dietitian with your parent to help you both learn to choose healthy foods that will be easy on her digestive system.
AT LAST! A HEALTH CONDITION FAMILIES CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT!
Like so many disorders of later life heartburn is a painful condition. It is also an ailment that you as a caregiver for an older family member can actually do something positive yourself to help your relative feel better and manage digestive health. With information and patience you can help improve your older parent's health.
Need help? Family First's accredited Care Experts are standing by to offer you and your family personalized support and caregiving solutions.
Our Care Experts are licensed and accredited with years of specialized training and real-world experience solving complex caregiving challenges.
Get started online or by calling 1 (877) 585-7090.