9 Steps to Better Digestion as You Age - Digestive Health Center - Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch Digestive Health 9 Steps to Better Digestion as You Age For many people, aging brings new digestive problems, such as constipation. These tips will help you to avoid these woes and have a healthy digestive tract as you get older. Medically Reviewed As we get older, our bodies start to change — including our ability to digest what we eat. A variety of age-related factors, including the medications you take, a sedentary lifestyle, and even tooth decay and gum disease could be taking a toll on healthy eating and Stay Hydrated Drinking water and other fluids, such as orange juice with pulp, can help ease constipation, which becomes more common as we age. Liquids and fiber make a healthy digestion combo by bulking up and softening stools so they pass more easily through the digestive tract. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, says Charlene Prather, MD, advisor to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders and an associate professor of internal medicine at St. Louis University Medical School in Missouri. Keep in mind that liquids with caffeine, such as tea and coffee, have the opposite effect and can dehydrate you. Watch What You Eat Load Up on Fiber The best remedy to help constipation is eating high-fiber foods. Among the best Be Active One of the best habits for healthy digestion is staying active. Get regular Reduce Stress As we age, our responsibilities and our Eat a Rainbow “You’ve heard the saying, ‘An apple a day, keeps the doctor away?’ Well, there is some truth to that,” Prather says. Adults should consume five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day for healthy digestion. The risk for cancers of the colon and rectum increases with age. Eating Maintain Your Smile Healthy digestion begins in the mouth, with your teeth. Taking care of your teeth is important as you age because you rely on your teeth to chew your food well, and you need to chew your food well to break it down into small enough pieces to be absorbed by your body. Older people with poor teeth may have more indigestion because they can’t chew well, Prather says. Brushing and flossing daily and getting regular dental check-ups can help promote a healthy mouth and healthy digestion. Enjoy Probiotics Probiotics, found in everything from yogurt to granola bars, promote healthy digestion. Talk to Your Doctor You may find that, as you age, your stomach reacts differently, and you can no longer eat spicy and other foods without getting heartburn symptoms and indigestion. If you make Two Weeks to a Slimmer Summer Want to look great in your tankini by Labor Day? Join our 'I Heart Summer' slim-down Facebook challenge, powered by SocialWorkout! 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