Lifestyle

Here’s Why As You Grow Older, You Eat Less Every Day

2020-09-30 , 2:55 pm

Last Updated on 2022-07-25 , 7:15 pm

Getting older has quite a number of perks. You know, aside from a looming existential crisis or the pressure to get that $100k in the pocket by 30.

It turns out, the fun has only just begun.

In this episode of ‘Spot What’s Bad About Getting Older,’ we’re diving straight into the digestive system.

As you age (or are going through a high level of stress), a number of your bodily functions begin to slow down, including the digestive tract. The muscles there begins to stiffen and weaken, rendering it to a less-than-perfect condition. Your tissues are also more likely to become damaged because new cells will not form as quickly as they once did.

So go ahead and ask the elderly about their lacklustre eating habits. More often than not, you’ll get an “aiya, old already.”

Well, they’re not wrong.

Problems with digestion can occur at any age, but as you grow older, the likelihood of experiencing digestive health disorders increases.

Symptoms include the following:

Heartburn
Peptic ulcers
Diarrhoea
Constipation
Haemorrhoids
Gas
Stomach pain
Irritable bowel syndrome
Diverticulitis
Faecal incontinence
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Of course, these terms mean nothing unless we explore just how they come about.

So let’s take a look at the various organs and factors that affects your ageing body, leading to said symptoms.

Oesophagus

With age, the strength of oesophagal contractions and the tension in the upper oesophagal sphincter decreases.

This means that food moves slower than before, causing problems swallowing food or fluids. But don’t worry, movement of the food is not affected to a large degree.

Stomach

With age, the stomach lining’s capacity to resist damage decreases, and accommodates lesser food due to decreased elasticity. Also, the rate at which the stomach empties food into the small intestine drops as well.

According to CNA Lifestyle, the stomach produces hydrochloric acid that helps to digest the food.

However, if the stomach can’t accommodate, it can get backed up into the oesophagus leading to a burning sensation in the upper abdomen more commonly known as heartburn.

Small Intestines

Ageing has only minor effects on the structure of this organ. However, lactase levels decrease, leading to intolerance of dairy products which means, “hello lactose intolerance.”

In addition, excessive growth of certain bacteria becomes more common with age and can lead to pain, bloating, and weight loss.

Bacterial overgrowth may also lead to decreased absorption of certain nutrients, such as vitamin B12, iron, and calcium.

Search ‘Bacterial Overgrowth Syndrome’ to find out more.

Large Intestine and Rectum

As you get older, the rectum enlarges to some degree while food moves slower through the large intestine. Our digestive system moves food through our bodies through a series of muscle contractions. As we age, this contraction process can slow down.

As a result, more water gets absorbed from food waste, leading to constipation.

This is why doctors will often advise drinking more water to help your body stay hydrated.

Inactivity can also contribute to constipation, so ensure to get at a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity. Do load up on fibre as well to tackle the slowing down of your digestion.

What now?

Ageing is inevitable, as much as that person in the mirror attempts to deny it.

But the great thing is, we acquire wisdom along with the way and with it the ability to make educated choices on our health and lifestyle.

Featured Image: SVRSLYIMAGE / Shutterstock.com