I had no idea I’d become a pro in relieving gastrointestinal discomfort until my elderly grandparents needed me. As they got older, their digestion became more sensitive and brought on uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, constipation, and gas – which was where I stepped in!
Faced with the suffering of my loved ones, I felt powerless to help then. With a friend’s suggestion, I explored holistic alternatives such as altering their diet and incorporating natural remedies – an approach that has proven beneficial in relieving symptoms.
I embarked on an extensive journey of discovery in order to find the best methods for treating gastrointestinal issues. This involved researching, reading voraciously, and conducting experiments with different foods, supplements, and lifestyle changes. As a result I decided to write about these findings with a specific intention in helping the elderly. Check them out here and here.
Seniors suffering from GI discomfort can find relief with some simple, inexpensive home remedies. Discover the amazing results that natural solutions provide!
1. Drink Water
As a caring grandchild, I was determined to help my grandparents live their golden years in comfort and health. Unfortunately, they frequently experienced gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, constipation, and acid reflux that made it difficult for them to enjoy meals or feel comfortable during the day. To address this challenge together we explored various solutions with great success!
I began researching natural remedies to relieve their symptoms, and I stumbled upon the solution that would change our lives: drinking enough water. It may seem like a simple fix, but as I soon learned, dehydration can be a major contributing factor to gastrointestinal discomfort in seniors. And unfortunately, many seniors do not drink enough water, either due to physical limitations or simply forgetfulness.
I started by introducing water into every mealtime, making sure to fill up their glasses before we sat down to eat. To make sure they stayed hydrated throughout the day, I also set reminders on their smartphones to drink a glass of water every hour. At first, my grandparents were hesitant to drink so much water, as they were used to sipping coffee or tea instead. But as they began to feel the positive effects, they quickly became advocates for staying hydrated.
The results were incredible. Not only did my grandparents experience fewer bouts of gastrointestinal discomfort, but they also felt more energized and alert. Their skin looked brighter and healthier, and they even slept better at night. In short, drinking enough water became a natural remedy that improved their overall quality of life.
Thanks to the power of hydration, not only did my grandparents enjoy better health and energy levels – I began to reap those same benefits too! Soon enough, increased water consumption had me feeling more alert and energized without needing sugary snacks or caffeine.
Before I knew it, drinking enough water had become a family-wide initiative. We made sure to keep water bottles on hand during family outings, and even packed extra water in case of emergencies. It may have started as a simple solution to a common problem, but it quickly became a lifestyle change that we all embraced.
Looking back, I’m amazed at how something as basic as drinking enough water could have such a profound impact on our health and well-being. It taught me that the most effective remedies are often the simplest ones and that small changes can make a big difference in our lives. As my grandparents continue to age gracefully, I know that staying hydrated will remain an important part of their daily routine – and I’ll be there to make sure they never forget it.
2. Dietary Change
Following an extensive research journey, I discovered a dietary modification that could potentially bring relief to many individuals with similar health issues as my grandparents – the low-FODMAP diet. This entails eliminating certain fermentable carbohydrates which can be hard for some people’s digestive systems to process effectively.
I was initially uncertain but decided to take a chance. With the help of my grandparents, we committed to revamping our diets with low-FODMAP foods and spent many hours researching which items were permissible for us – an adventure that bonded three generations together!
Making the switch to a low-FODMAP diet was initially challenging for all of us, but it quickly paid off. With careful label reading and creative cooking, we saw remarkable results: my grandmother’s stomach pains vanished and my grandfather experienced fewer bouts of burping!
My grandparents experienced a remarkable transformation when they adopted the low-FODMAP diet; not only did their energy levels and sleep quality improve significantly, but each meal became an enjoyable experience without any discomfort. It was truly life-changing!
Our journey of self-care didn’t stop there. We delved even further and uncovered the significance of probiotics and prebiotics in sustaining a healthy digestive system. To incorporate these beneficial elements into our lifestyle, we started including fermented foods like kimchi or sauerkraut in our meals as well as taking daily probiotic supplements – resulting in healthier days ahead!
My grandparents’ health and quality of life improved significantly after they changed their diet. This experience taught me that natural remedies can be incredibly powerful in taking charge of one’s own wellness, especially when it comes to managing digestive issues during the golden years.
3. Regular Exercise
As my grandparents aged, they naturally experienced a decline in physical activity and mobility. Fortunately, the solution didn’t involve any fancy equipment or expensive gym memberships – something I had been dreading – but rather simple exercises that we all could do together from the comfort of our own homes.
As an avid fitness enthusiast, I had often read about how exercise could help alleviate gastrointestinal issues, so I suggested that we try incorporating physical activity into their daily routine. At first, they were skeptical – after all, they were both in their late 70s and hadn’t exercised regularly in years. But with a little encouragement and gentle prodding, we started small – a walk around the block every day, light stretching, and some basic exercises recommended by their doctor.
We did basic stretching routines to help my grandmother regain flexibility and relieve stiffness. We then incorporated balance training for improved coordination, as well as slow-paced walking or cycling to increase endurance. Doing these exercises together provided an opportunity for us to bond while also benefitting our physical health.
I would like to recommend this article by the national aging council, which outlines how important it is for elderly people to participate in daily exercise. It is also backed up with insightful research. Check out the link above.
To my amazement, not only were they feeling better after starting to exercise, but it also seemed like something they enjoyed! After slowly increasing the intensity and length of their workouts over time, soon enough my grandparents were able to join me for a jog in the park. The physical activity helped reduce any gastrointestinal discomfort while simultaneously boosting energy levels and optimism about their health.
My grandparents saw remarkable benefits from incorporating a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise. Their mood improved as they were able to sleep better and become more active in their day-to-day lives. With dedication and patience, these changes helped them lead fuller lives with greater vitality!
Conclusion
Overall, my grandparents have experienced incredible improvements in their health and well-being by implementing a few simple lifestyle changes. By drinking enough water, adopting the low-FODMAP diet, incorporating probiotics and prebiotics into their meals, as well as regular exercise, they were able to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort while boosting energy levels. This experience taught me that natural remedies can be incredibly powerful when it comes to taking charge of one’s own wellness – especially during the golden years! With dedication and patience, these positive habits can help anyone lead fuller lives with greater vitality.
Pingback: How Exercise Can Help Reduce Gastrointestinal Issues in Older Adults