Warning Signs That You Have Intestinal Problems

In the advanced stages, colon cancer presents chronic symptoms. This includes changes in bowel activity and abdominal pain. We will tell you about warning signs of intestinal problems  so that you can intervene early and act appropriately.

IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome: What You Need to Know

More than a quarter of all people have intestinal problems, and that number is rising. Irritable Bowel Syndrome or irritable bowel syndrome is most common in women. It is not only due to the diet, but also to stress and  anxiety.

This condition belongs to a group called ‘functional gastrointestinal disorders’. This includes constipation and indigestion. These conditions are all characterized by chronic symptoms. Often these do not appear until the condition is quite advanced and problematic.

Intestinal problems can arise in (young) adults, or people under 45 years of age. In addition, your daily habits can improve or worsen the situation.

• Foods such as green leafy vegetables, legumes and prunes can make the situation worse.
• Milk and dairy products, like citrus fruits, should be consumed in moderation.
• You could say that you should eliminate all foods that cause gas from your recipes. For example, cabbages and beans.

On the other hand , foods rich in fiber and protein can help you.

• A good example of a healthy diet is the Mediterranean diet. This contains a lot of fish, olive oil and tomatoes.
• It is necessary to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. This is necessary to reduce intestinal irritation. It also helps move food through the gut and prevents constipation.
• And, of course, exercise is essential to stimulate the activity of the gut. In addition, exercise reduces stress and anxiety.

Psychological factors can also play a role in altered gut function and gut sensitivity. That’s why you’re more likely to have bowel problems if you’re stressed, nervous, or worried about something.

Some other causes of intestinal problems are:

• severe stomach flu
• food allergies
• genetic factors
• hormonal changes

Symptoms of intestinal problems

We often link these symptoms to other conditions such as indigestion, eating a very large meal, or a busy and stressful daily life.

However, you should be very careful if these symptoms occur more than once a week and turn into a rule rather than an exception.

Stomach ache

• This pain is located in the lower part of your abdomen and feels like stomach cramps. In other words: it is a sharp and pressing pain.

• Abdominal pain starts off mild and then becomes more intense. In the beginning, the complaints are therefore moderate, but eventually they become very serious.
• These symptoms usually last up to two hours. After your bowel has emptied, the symptoms will subside.
• The onset of these pains coincides with a feeling of needing to go to the bathroom or with changes in stool frequency or consistency.

These changes may also be related to the consumption of certain foods.

Problems with intestinal peristalsis

These problems can manifest as diarrhea or constipation, or even a combination of the two. You will also suffer from a bloated stomach and gas.

The result of these problems may be that you feel like you have incomplete bowel movements or that you see mucus in the stool.

Digestive Problems

The regular occurrence of nausea and vomiting can also be a sign of intestinal problems, as well as a burning sensation in your waist.

Another indicator that you should keep in mind is not feeling full after a meal that should fill your stomach.

Colorectal Cancer Warning Signs

Many intestinal problems can be treated with a good diet and reducing the amount of stress you have, but you also need to rule out more serious problems like cancer.

Some symptoms of colon cancer are:

abdominal cramps

These often occur after eating a large portion of food. However, if this happens for a longer period of time without other symptoms and increases in intensity, it could also be colon cancer.

Fatigue

It is normal in today’s world to be tired. However, if you are always sluggish, lethargic and sleepy while getting enough sleep,  no matter how many activities you do during the day, then it is a warning sign.

Unexplained Weight Loss

If you’re not on a diet and haven’t changed how you eat, but you’re still losing weight, you should see a doctor. Losing 5% of your body weight in six months is a signal that something is not right.

Cancer cells use stored fat to grow. Also, your immune system uses more energy when it fights something.

Changes in bowel habits

The appearance of blood in the stool or changes in color, amount or shape are things you should not ignore.

You should also watch for these changes if you have polyps in your gut. These can develop into cancerous tumors.