Senior Living News

Savoring favorite foods is one of life's many joys, and sometimes, even smelling a comforting dish can calm an anxious spirit. At Bethesda Gardens Loveland in Loveland, Colorado, you have plenty of flexibility regarding dining opportunities, from daily specials to an “Always Available” menu.

But what happens when your stomach gets in the way of your favorite dishes, sabotaging your enjoyment with heartburn, nausea or excess gas and fullness? Fortunately, there are ways to calm an inflamed stomach so you can still eat nourishing meals and enjoy your favorite treats.

What Causes Stomach Inflammation in Seniors?

As we age, our stomachs become less able to protect us from environmental toxins and our own digestive juices. The stomach lining starts to thin and may even become damaged for various reasons.

• Certain types of infection, specifically bacterial, can cause chronic or acute stomach inflammation.
• Medications, from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers (NSAIDs) to chemotherapy drugs, can irritate your stomach lining.
• Lifestyle habits like excess stress or alcohol abuse can damage the stomach’s protective coating.

Solutions for Chronic Stomach Inflammation

An occasional bout of the “stomach flu” is unwelcome, but most of the time, the condition is self-limiting, lasting 24 to 48 hours. However, if you’ve noticed that, more often than not, you have uncomfortable feelings after a meal, you may be dealing with chronic stomach inflammation.

The first step is always to discuss your symptoms with a doctor to rule out any health conditions. Your doctor may recommend testing and possibly advise treatment with a medication, such as an antibiotic or acid inhibitor. They may also suggest you take antacids to help combat excess stomach acid or add probiotics to your diet.

In addition to prescription and over-the-counter medication, certain lifestyle remedies may help with stomach inflammation.

• Avoid or reduce alcohol use. While significant alcohol abuse can cause chronic or acute gastritis, sometimes, depending on your stomach, even one or two drinks may set off an alarm. Keep a record of your symptoms and how much alcohol you consume. You may find your stomach problems improve if you strictly limit alcohol intake or avoid drinking on an empty stomach.
• Talk to your doctor about switching pain medications if you take NSAIDs regularly. These medicines can make it easier for stomach ulcers to form. Stopping the use of NSAIDs may help your stomach recover.
• Consider how you deal with stress. By learning stress management techniques, you may be able to limit physical discomfort caused by too much stress, such as digestive issues and lack of sleep.
• Take time to eat. Just like you may need a little extra time to walk down to the Bethesda Gardens Loveland dining hall or fall asleep at night, your stomach may need some tender loving care regarding mealtimes. Eat slowly, chewing your food thoroughly and leave the table when you’re comfortably full — not stuffed.

Dietary Changes for Reduced Stomach Irritation

We're all unique, and we respond to food differently. If you’re experiencing regular digestive upset, examine your eating habits. Take a week or so and log what, when and how much you eat. Then, note any digestive symptoms. You may find that identifying and eliminating common food triggers can significantly reduce stomach inflammation in your life.

Spicy Foods

While four-alarm chili and hot chicken wings may have been your go-to foods for Denver Bronco games in the past, they may now be the cause of your weekend stomach grumblings. Spicy foods don’t cause stomach ulcers but can worsen certain digestive conditions.

Acidic Fruits and Vegetables

Tomatoes, oranges, lemons and limes contain high levels of acid (low pH). These foods can be especially troublesome if you frequently have heartburn, a symptom of GERD disease. If you love fruits but hate the acid feeling, consider switching to bananas and melons, which have a higher pH.

Fried or High-Fat Foods

When you eat a meal high in fat, your stomach takes longer to empty, putting even more stress on your weakened lining. High-fat foods can also be related to other digestive upsets, such as IBS, diarrhea and cramping.

Coffee

If that morning cup of joe is nonnegotiable, try these strategies to make coffee less irritating to your stomach.

• Sip coffee slowly and pair it with food, preferably something low in acid.
• Switch to decaf or half-caff, if possible.
• If you make your own coffee in your suite, buy low-acid coffee beans or try a different roasting method.
• Cold-brew coffee is much less acidic than hot-brewed coffee. Why not give it a try at one of the Loveland, Colorado, local coffee shops?

Fuel Up With Flavorful, Healthy Foods

If you have frequent stomach complaints, you may start to skip meals. However, your body needs healthy foods in the right quantities to provide energy and keep your immune system strong. Use your food log to create a list of foods you enjoy that don’t cause stomach upset. Make sure you include plenty of fruits, vegetables, proteins and grains.

For example, if tomato soup causes a flare, switch to a heartwarming chicken soup or replace a high-fat pumpkin pie with a warm apple crisp. Ultimately, it’s all about finding food you love that brings joy to your life and not pain to your stomach.