Not all distinctions between men and women are merely cosmetic. They actually go much deeper. Women’s digestive systems function very differently than men’s for anatomical (physical) and endocrinological (hormonal) reasons.
Is the digestive system same for both men and women?
The digestive system is made up of several individual organs. The oesophagus, stomach, colon, gallbladder, small intestine, large intestine, and liver are the main players. While the oesophagus functions the same in men and women, it operates slightly differently. When compared to men, the small “door” between the oesophagus and the stomach opens and closes with much more force in women. Women also produce less stomach acid than men, resulting in less esophageal damage and fewer ulcers.
Food moves slower through women’s systems, as evidenced by the above-mentioned Mayo Clinic study. Because the stomach empties more slowly, it frequently causes nausea and bloating. Gastritis, or stomach inflammation, is also becoming more common.
In addition to a slower emptying stomach, women’s colons empty more slowly than men’s. A woman’s colon is also physically longer than a man’s and is located in the same location as the female reproductive system. A man’s colon, on the other hand, is located on top of the abdomen. Women are more likely than men to suffer from chronic constipation or an urgent need for a bowel movement as a result of a longer and slower emptying colon. IBS and IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) are also more common in women, and colon cancer is the third most common cancer in women.
All of the above-mentioned differences in men’s and women’s digestive systems do not take pregnancy into account. While pregnant, women frequently experience digestive changes due to changes in hormones and hormone levels, as well as physical changes and organ placement caused by carrying a baby.
Hormones and Digestive Issues
For the women who do experience bowel changes as their period approaches, these digestive changes tend to be consistent over time. This isn’t a cause for concern. However, bowel movements and digestive problems can also be caused by diet, stress, activity level, and medications, making it difficult to determine what is causing your problems. The decision to use hormone-based medications, such as birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, can further complicate matters.
As adolescence ends and the menstrual cycle becomes more regular, some women may experience fairly predictable bouts of constipation or diarrhoea. They may also suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which includes digestive issues such as gas, bloating, and general gastrointestinal discomfort.
The following life events can also have an impact on digestive issues:
Pregnancy. Along with the other unpleasant symptoms of pregnancy, you may experience the following changes in your digestive health:
Heartburn. Certainly, women are vulnerable to some digestive symptoms during pregnancy. This is an anatomical problem… As the uterus grows, it creates pressure in the abdomen, which [pushes] stomach contents up and increases the likelihood of heartburn. According to some estimates, up to 85 percent of pregnant women experience some form of reflux. A small percentage of people may experience severe nausea and vomiting as a result of this.
Changes in bowel movement. Hormonal changes will catch up with you once more, especially in early pregnancy, when bowel movement changes can be quite noticeable. Pregnant women are also prone to painful constipation.
If you are pregnant, it is not advisable to put off seeking medical attention for severe digestive problems. Call your doctor if you are experiencing abdominal pain or if you are unable to keep anything down.
Menopause. As your hormones shift again during menopause, you may experience a number of digestive health changes, such as gas, bloating, and bowel movement changes. The use of hormone replacement therapy can complicate matters.
Post-menopause. You may have difficulty absorbing certain nutrients at this age due to medications you are taking as well as age-related changes.
Concerns About Colon Cancer
When to begin screening for colon cancer is a major health concern for women. The current recommendation is to begin at the age of 50. This recommendation, however, differs for women who have had any type of tumour in their reproductive system. Women who have had gynecologic tumours are more likely to develop colon cancer. If a woman has had a gynecologic tumour, you would begin screening immediately.
Managing Digestive Problems in Women
The best advice for dealing with digestive issues throughout your life is similar to that given to help reduce the risk of chronic disease and keep you feeling your best:
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Consume a well-balanced diet. Include plenty of fluids and fibre in your diet.
- Consume probiotic-rich foods. These “healthy” bacteria aid in regularity.
- Continue to be active.
If you’ve tried everything and still have digestive issues that are interfering with your quality of life, consult a doctor. Women may incorrectly dismiss repeated digestive problems as part of their hormone cycle when, in fact, they have an underlying condition such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.
Symptoms of a Sick Digestive System
Breath with bad smell
Bad breath can be an indication of a faulty digestive system. It can be caused by an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the gut. You can treat it by including probiotics in your diet.
Food Sensitivity
Food intolerance can occur when a person lacks a specific enzyme that breaks down food particles. Food particles that have not been digested can cause diarrhoea, stomach ache, and cramps. As a result, supplements containing that specific enzyme may be included to address the issue of food intolerance.
Constipation
Constipation can occur as a result of a lack of water and fibre in the body. Furthermore, when the stool becomes hard, it becomes difficult to pass through the intestine. It also causes anal pain, swelling, and fissures. As a result, one should consume more fibre, drink more water, and eat foods with laxative properties.
Skin Health Issues
Acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea can all be exacerbated by poor digestive health. These occur when the body is unable to digest food or is experiencing issues such as constipation.
The Digestive Disorders that need a Doctor’s Consultancy
When lifestyle changes fail to resolve digestion issues, it may be time to consult a gastroenterologist. Chronic (ongoing) problems may indicate underlying health issues that require medical attention. These could include:
- Acid indigestion
- Celiac illness
- Crohn’s disease colitis
- Colitis ulcerative
- IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and gallstones (IBS)
- Infections caused by viruses or parasites that are extremely contagious
- These problems cannot be resolved without medical intervention.
If you have severe abdominal pain, bloody stools, or unintentional weight loss, you should see a doctor right away.
Foods for Smooth Digestion
A weakened and suffering digestive prowess is an all-too-common issue among millennials. It all comes down to our diets, as we consume less and less fibre while eating more and more junk and highly processed foods. Acidity, bloating, constipation, and nausea are common complaints. Though there are many supplements on the market that will alleviate these symptoms, the best way to correct them is through diet. To get your digestive system back on track, incorporate the following foods into your daily diet.
Yogurt
Yogurt contains bacteria that are beneficial to your gut. It contains billions of such bacteria, which can help to replenish the flora of your digestive tract. It is also extremely beneficial to your overall health and should be included in your daily diet.
These bacteria, however, are not present in all types of yogurt. To reap the digestive benefit, look for ‘live and active cultures’ on their labels.
Grain (whole)
Brown rice, oats, and whole grain or whole wheat bread are examples. They are high in fibre and thus effective in treating digestive issues such as bloating, nausea, and gas. You must not take these if you have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance.
Banana
If you have a digestive problem, the golden rule is to eat a banana every day to keep it at bay. Bananas are very effective in treating gastric problems because they help restore bowel function and treat diarrhoea. They are high in electrolytes and potassium, which aid in the recovery of digestive health.
Ginger
This is a spice that has numerous digestive health benefits. It can aid in the treatment of motion sickness, nausea, vomiting, gas, and loss of appetite. However, you must consume it in moderation. The ideal daily intake would be 2 to 3 grammes. If you have more than that, you may experience heartburn.
Beetroot
Beetroots are high in fibre, potassium, and magnesium. These are extremely beneficial in regaining a healthy digestive function. They are excellent for treating issues such as constipation. To get the best results, eat them raw in salads or sandwiches.
Apple
Apples, like yoghurt, are high in bacteria, which is beneficial to gut health. Apples are high in vitamins A and C, as well as nutrients and minerals like folate, potassium, and phosphorus. All of these aid in the restoration of digestive health and the proper functioning of your intestines.
The sweet potato
Sweet potatoes, a popular winter food in India, are not only delicious but also extremely nutritious. If you want to benefit your digestive system, eat them with their skins. Their fibre content increases when the peel is removed. They’re high in carbohydrates and manganese, and they can even help treat peptic and duodenal ulcers.
Avocados
Avacados are one of the best sources of fibre in fruits. It is high in fibre and contains healthy monounsaturated fats. Furthermore, it can aid in the conversion of beta-carotene to vitamin A. This aids in the maintenance of a mucosal lining in the gastrointestinal tract, which aids in digestion.
Oil extracted from cod liver
Cod liver oil is another good source of vitamins A and C, and it aids in digestive health. It has the ability to keep the gastrointestinal tract healthy and free of infections.
Blueberry
Aside from its delicious taste, here’s a bonus for you: It is extremely beneficial to your digestive processes. They contain a lot of fibre and vitamin C. However, eating them raw rather than juiced can deprive them of their fibre content. Aside from these advantages, it also has cancer-fighting properties.
Kiwi
The tiny kiwi is high in minerals and nutrients that are beneficial to your gut health. It contains digestive-healthy vitamins C and E, linolenic acid, magnesium, potassium, actinidin, fatty acids, and pepsin. Pepsin is especially beneficial for maintaining the proper health of your digestive processes.
Cantaloupe
This summer fruit is high in vitamins A, C, and myoinositol, as well as a variety of digestive enzymes that can help with digestion. It can help you fight intestinal cancer as well as less severe digestive health issues like bloating.
Papaya
This tropical fruit, which is high in papain, aids in the breakdown of proteins in the stomach. This results in easier digestion and better nutrient absorption from your food. Papaya also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to relieve stomach pain. It is very easy to digest and instantly dissolves fats. It also helps with issues like food allergies and heartburn. It promotes proper bowel function and thus improves digestion.
Tomato
Tomatoes, which are high in magnesium and potassium, are extremely beneficial to not only your stomach but also your overall health. They contain a variety of minerals and nutrients, including lycopene, which aids in digestion.
Carrot
If the power of our spectacles is very high, we are usually told to eat carrots. They are not only good for the eyes, but they are also good for digestion. They are high in fibre and antioxidants, and they can help you maintain good digestive health.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are high in fibre, as well as nutrients and minerals such as calcium, folate, fat, C vitamins, and erepsin, a protein that aids digestion. They can help with stomach issues such as gas, acidity, heartburn, and even peptic ulcers.
Water with lemon
Lemon is a good source of vitamin C, and water aids digestion. When the two are combined, they make an excellent remedy for digestive issues. Every morning, combine lemon juice and lukewarm water.
Peach
Peaches are a popular fruit because they have a delicious flavour. Here’s a bonus for you if you like them. They are also very healthy and help with digestion. They contain a lot of fibre, calcium, vitamin C, and iron. These nutrients help with digestion.
Green beets
The greens on top of the beetroot are often discarded, but they are extremely healthy and high in fibre, beta-carotene, calcium, and iron. These nutrients aid in the smooth movement of the bowels and the maintenance of a healthy digestive tract lining, which helps to keep your digestive processes running smoothly. However, they are high in an acid that can harm your tooth enamel, so don’t eat too many of them.
Hot water
Sipping hot water is the simplest and most effective way to relieve digestive problems. Drink one to two glasses of hot water first thing in the morning or throughout the day. This will help with a variety of digestive issues.
Final words
Women are about twice as likely to suffer from IBS, and estrogen and progesterone may play a role. While no direct link has been proven, symptoms like bloating and diarrhea can get worse during the phases of a woman’s cycle when hormone levels change the most.