Common gastrointestinal symptoms and current remedies

Most common gastrointestinal symptoms you should know

The gastrointestinal tract is a complex network with various organs, so when these organs face issues, they can manifest in different ways. However, there are some common signs that you can easily recognize to assess the health of your digestive system and make a timely plan to seek medical attention.

Stomach pain

Stomach pain is a common sign that something may be wrong with your digestive system. The pain can be mild or severe, and it may spread throughout your abdomen or even to your back.

Pain above your belly button with acid reflux could be a sign of some stomach diseases, while pain with diarrhea may indicate a digestive issue. If you also have a fever with stomach pain, it could be appendicitis. In some cases, stomach pain may even be a sign of cancer.

Changes in bowel movements

If you notice changes in your bowel movements, like going to the bathroom more often, having bad-smelling stool, blood in your stool, or dark, coffee-like stools, it could be a sign of a digestive condition such as colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or colon cancer.

Bloating and fullness

Bloating happens when there is too much gas in your digestive system. This GI upset could be a sign of problems like stomach ulcers or even stomach or esophageal cancer.

Nausea or vomiting

Feeling nauseous or throwing up after eating can be caused by food poisoning or a bacterial infection. If it happens often, it might be a sign of something more serious, like appendicitis, a blocked intestine, or digestive system cancers.

Bad breath

If your breath smells bad and brushing your teeth doesn’t help, it could be linked to digestive issues. According to Dr. Mercola, bad breath may be a sign of problems like acid reflux (GERD), where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.

Body odor

When digestion isn’t working properly, it can create smelly chemicals in the intestines. These chemicals are absorbed into the body and released through sweat. Foods like red meat are harder to digest and can cause stronger body odor. Typically, people who don’t eat meat tend to have more pleasant body odor than those who eat a lot of meat.

Feeling tired after eating

If you feel very sleepy or need to rest after a meal, it could mean your digestive system is working slower than usual. When your body is digesting food, it requires extra energy, and this can make you feel tired or drowsy.

Iron deficiency or anemia

If you’re experiencing fatigue or pale skin, it may be linked to digestive issues. For example, digestive bleeding can lead to iron deficiency, which is a common cause of anemia, especially in men or postmenopausal women. Also, low stomach acid can affect digestion, making it harder for your body to absorb iron.

Certain digestive diseases, like celiac disease, can make it harder to absorb nutrients, leading to anemia and fatigue. More serious conditions, such as stomach or colon cancer, can cause digestive bleeding, which can also lead to iron deficiency.

Skin problems

If you notice that your skin is dry or uneven, it could be a sign that your body is having trouble breaking down fats because it lacks the enzymes needed for digestion. If your body isn’t properly digesting food, it won’t absorb important vitamins like A, K, and E, which are essential for healthy, smooth skin.

Weight loss, difficulty gaining weight

Losing weight could be a sign of digestive issues, as your body might not be able to absorb enough nutrients from food. However, if you suddenly lose weight for no obvious reason, it’s important to be cautious of possible cancers, as they can affect nutrient absorption and cause rapid weight loss.

How to avoid digestive disorders effectively

To maintain a healthy gastrointestinal system and prevent digestive disorders, you should follow the below practices:

Maintain food safety hygiene

To keep your digestive system healthy, it’s important to eat clean and safe food. The first factor is to ensure food safety and hygiene by eating cooked food, drinking boiled water, and choosing foods with clear origins. Also, avoid food that might be contaminated, stored too long in the fridge, or from unknown street vendors.

Exercise regularly

In addition to improving your diet, regular exercise is an effective way to protect your digestive health. Consistent and balanced physical activity benefits the digestive system by strengthening and protecting it. It not only supports digestion and balances digestive enzymes, but also improves bowel movement functions.

It is recommended that you aim for about 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week. This not only helps your digestion but also boosts your overall health.

Managing stress

Stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that can cause digestive problems like poor absorption, indigestion, irritation, and inflammation in the gut. In severe cases, stress reduces blood flow and oxygen to the digestive system, leading to cramps, inflammation, or an imbalance in gut bacteria, making digestive issues worse.

Therefore, it’s very helpful to practice deep breathing every day and maintain positive, happy energy. This is great for your digestive health. Meditation and exercise are especially helpful in managing stress. You can find it hard at first, but when you practice regularly and consistently, things will be much easier.

Keep your surroundings clean

An important but often forgotten way to prevent GI system diseases is by keeping your body and your surroundings clean. To protect against digestive issues, always wash your hands before preparing food, before eating, and after using the restroom.

Germs from your environment can enter your body through food and water. For example, Helicobacter pylori (HP) bacteria can spread from person to person or through contaminated food and water. This infection can lead to stomach ulcers. So, practicing good hygiene is key to avoiding digestive issues.

Having regular check-ups

Even if you don’t feel any issues, it’s still important to have a regular check-up once a year to detect any asymptomatic conditions and keep your body healthy. Additionally, if the symptoms persist unusually or worsen, you should see a doctor as soon as possible for gastrointestinal therapy to prevent more serious illnesses.

In conclusion, understanding and recognizing gastrointestinal symptoms is crucial for maintaining digestive health. By staying mindful of your body and seeking medical advice when needed, you can ensure a healthier gastrointestinal system.