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Help for Chronic Digestion Problems

Chronic ailments and conditions are long-term and can worsen over time. Chronic digestive problems include heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain and constipation. If you are experiencing chronic digestive problems, there are things you can do to help alleviate the symptoms. Over-the-counter medications and dietary changes can often alleviate symptoms and they may even disappear entirely as long as the problem is not related to a more serious health condition.

  1. Get a Proper Diagnosis

    • Check with your doctor or gastroenterologist if you are experiencing chronic digestive problems. These problems could be part of a serious health issue. Your doctor may order tests to determine the exact nature of your digestive problem.

    Dietary Help

    • Changes in diet can often alleviate chronic digestive problems. Eating a diet high in fiber or eating yogurts that contain probiotics can help with constipation. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of starting an elimination diet that eliminates all suspect foods from your diet and then slowly introduces them back into your system one at a time. If you notice the symptoms occur when you begin eating a certain food, you will know that food is causing the digestion problem and can take measures to avoid it.

    Things to Avoid

    • Avoiding certain foods and substances can help to eliminate pain and symptoms from chronic digestive problems. Alcohol and spicy foods are main culprits in heartburn. Fried foods and carbonated drinks can also trigger heartburn. Certain carbohydrates can cause bloating and abdominal pain in some individuals.

    Keep a Journal

    • Keeping a journal of foods that you eat that trigger your digestive problems can help you determine what the main culprits are. Write down everything you eat for a period of several days leaving room in the margin to jot notes about how you are feeling. Review the journal frequently to see if certain foods trigger upsets.

    Over-the-Counter Medications

    • Taking over-the-counter medications may help to relieve symptoms associated with chronic digestion problems. Heartburn medications can help reduce acid associated with heartburn. There are also medications to combat nausea, diarrhea and bloating. Ask your pharmacist to help you choose the right over-the-counter medication and be sure to tell her about any other medications you currently take.

    Lifestyle Changes

    • If you suffer from heartburn or related chronic digestive problems, raising the head of your bed a few feet off the ground may reduce or eliminate symptoms while sleeping. Exercise and yoga help the body to work better and can reduce digestion problems and help you to feel better. Losing weight often helps with digestion problems. Drinking lots of water can also help chronic conditions as water will help food move through the body and digest more quickly. Also, having a properly hydrated body can aid with constipation problems.

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