Ways to Help Your Senior With Digestion Issues at Home

Common symptoms of indigestion or upset stomach include nausea, heartburn, bloating, gas, unpleasant or sour smelling breath, hiccuping,belching, and flatulence.

It can be difficult watching your senior parent or loved one struggle with the uncomfortable symptoms of indigestion, especially if you are unsure of ways to get them help. It is also important to make sure that your senior’s digestive issues aren’t being caused by underlying illness or disease, so it is vital to talk to their health care professional before incorporating any at home remedies into their elderly care routine.

If your senior parent or loved one shows signs of occasional upset stomach or indigestion, consider trying some of these at-home ideas.

Avoid lying flat.

When people lay flat on their backs, acid in the stomach can travel backward and up which can cause acid pains. It is suggested to prop up the head, neck, or upper chest with pillows to keep the body at a 30-degree angle. Another idea is to purchase raised mounts for the bed posts closest to the wall, to make the bed at a permanent upward angle.

Try herbal remedies.

Fresh spices and herbs like mint, ginger, and cinnamon have been known to provide relief for the discomforts of ingestion.

Ginger is widely available and contains chemicals that can help speed up stomach contractions, helping move food through the digestive system more quickly. The same chemicals may also help reduce nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Mint contains menthol which may help reduce muscle spasms in the intestines, relieve pain, and prevent vomiting and diarrhea. Sucking on mint candies is another idea to try and ease the symptoms of your senior’s heartburn.

Cinnamon also contains substances that may help to reduce gas, bloating, belching, and cramping. It might also help to neutralize stomach acidity to reduce heartburn and indigestion.

Revamp the Diet.

Your senior’s diet is important in both helping to relieve and prevent further issues with indigestion and upset stomach. There are certain foods to eat and certain foods to avoid when people have ongoing issues, such as:

Things to avoid:

• fried foods
• fatty or greasy foods
• salty or heavily preserved foods
• rich or creamy foods
• alcohol

Foods to try:

• bland, starchy items such as bananas, applesauce, rice, and toast

Use heat.

Some people find comfort from the symptoms of indigestion by using heat which can help relax tense muscles. Have your senior try taking a warm bath or applying a heating pad to the stomach area for 20 minutes or until it goes cool.

Remember, it is important for seniors receiving elderly care at home to feel comfortable so be sure to ask them what home remedies they are interested in trying, and to check with their doctor or other health care professional before trying anything new.

Hopefully, with these tips, your senior will be well on their way to feeling better soon!

If you or someone you know needs help with Elderly Care in Jenison, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable homecare services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.

source:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322047.php

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Gauthier Family Home Care

Owner at Gauthier Family Home Care

Call (616) 258-2300. Gauthier Family Home Care exists to provide options for our clients to retain their independence in their own homes, improve their quality of life and support their extended families. We will accomplish that by providing compassionate, professional caregivers who will nurture, stimulate, and cater to each client’s specific needs without fail.

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