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Apr 24, 2008 5:48 pm US/Central
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21 Things To Know About Women's Digestive Health
1. Constipation affects up to 42 million adults in the U.S. and is more prevalent in women than men.
2. Twenty-five percent of the U.S. population has some activity limitation and impairment of daily function due to functional gastrointestinal (GI) and motility disorders.
3. Chronic constipation means having symptoms that persist for at least three months.
4. Only about one percent of the budget of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) is directed toward translational and clinical research for functional GI and motility disorders.
5. Thirty-three percent of women age 40 and older with chronic constipation wish they had been warned about the condition.
6. The frequency of work absenteeism as a result of GI and motility disorders is second only to the common cold.
7. Eighty-seven percent of women age 40 and older report that they are physically uncomfortable as a result of living with chronic constipation.
8. Sixty-six percent of women age 40 and older say chronic constipation has negatively impacted their mood; while 50 percent of women age 40 and older say it has impacted their personal life
9. GI and motility disorders comprise about 41 percent of gastrointestinal problems for which patients seek health care.
10. Forty-two percent of women age 40 and older say that constipation has kept them from enjoying activities, such as spending time with friends, traveling and exercising.
11. Although 82 percent of women with chronic constipation have taken over-the-counter medications for relief, 60 percent of these women report that these treatments work some of the time or not at all.
D.I.G.E.S.T. tips are an easy way to remember the important steps that can improve digestive health:
12. Diminish stress. Practice relaxation exercises such as yoga and meditation. Take a moment to do something you enjoy, such as reading a book, gardening or spending time with a friend.
13. Increase your intake of fiber, bran and water. They may help reduce discomfort and enable your colon to pass stool more easily. Also, keep a food diary to help your doctor determine if any specific foods could be triggering your digestive health problems.
14. Get more exercise. Try to exercise for 30 minutes each day.
15. Establish a daily bathroom routine. Set aside an adequate amount of bathroom time so that you don't feel rushed. And never ignore your urge to have a bowel movement. Stop what you're doing and go!
16. Stay informed. Many people fail to recognize the discomfort or bloating they feel could be an indication of a more serious condition, such as chronic constipation. It is important to be aware of these symptoms in order to find relief.
17. Talk with your doctor. Don't be shy. Describe all of your symptoms. It's the best way to ensure that you receive an appropriate and effective treatment for your condition. If your condition is persistent or chronic, you may need more than over-the-counter medications.
There are simple ways to take action and promote good GI health:
18. Stop being a couch potato
19. Stop overeating – especially junk food
20. Stop skipping fluids
21. Nearly one in five women age 40 and older who suffer from chronic constipation has not discussed possible remedies with anyone, including her doctor.
There are many resources available to those experiencing symptoms of chronic constipation, including
www.GIStraightTalk.com.
Information from Dr. Judith Reichman