Mailbag: "Digestive Drama" Strikes MILLIONS Over 50
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted April 29, 2025
“As an older woman I’m noticing changes in my digestion. Why does it become more difficult to digest food as we get older?”
—Grumbling Gut
Age-related changes to digestion are common, and they don’t get talked about nearly enough.
It seems our stomachs decide to alter the rules just when we’ve mastered the game of eating!
If you’ve ever wondered why your favorite spicy foods suddenly don’t agree with you, or why you feel full after eating just half your usual portion, you’re not alone.
Our digestion slows as we age. And you may experience various symptoms, including heartburn, constipation, gas and bloating, early fullness, and new food intolerances.
See, as we get older, several things happen:
Enzyme production: Your body makes fewer digestive enzymes.
- This means it takes longer to break down foods
- Proteins and fats become particularly challenging to digest
Stomach acid: Many older adults produce less stomach acid.
- Affects how well we absorb nutrients leading to and deficiencies in vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, and iron can occur
- It can also impact protein digestion
Gut flora: The balance of beneficial bacteria in your gut often shifts.
- This affects how well we process different foods leading to gas and bloating
- It can impact nutrient absorption
Muscle tone: The muscles that move food through your digestive tract become less efficient.
- This can lead to slower transit time
- Constipation can happen as a result
These changes may be “normal,” but, as one of my mentors used to say, “You don’t have to be normal.”
We can combat some of these age-related changes and support our digestion naturally with…
Digestive support:
- Take digestive enzymes with meals
- Add more fermented foods to your diet
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Chew your food thoroughly (think applesauce consistency)
Helpful herbs:
- Take ginger before meals
- Sip peppermint tea after eating
- Use bitter herbs to stimulate digestion
Getting older doesn’t mean you’re doomed to poor digestion—it just means you need to pay more attention to supporting your body’s natural processes.
Think of digestion like an older car. It still runs great; it just needs a bit more regular maintenance!
Remember, these changes are natural, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about them. You can keep your digestive system running smoothly at any age with some mindful adjustments.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Upgrade from Bananas and Apples to These Powerhouse Fruits
I’m often asked which fruits are the best. So, let’s talk about it. I’ll cut right to the chase: berries win this contest hands down. If you’re limiting your options to apples and bananas, you’re missing out on a universe of superior antioxidant power. Those everyday fruits are like bringing a knife to a gunfight...
The REAL Reason Americans are Getting “Fatter”
You’ve heard it a thousand times: “Americans are getting fatter because we’re lazy.” We sit at desks all day. We binge-watch Netflix instead of hitting the gym. We’ve traded physical labor for sedentary lifestyles. It’s a tidy explanation for why obesity has skyrocketed in developed countries. There’s just one problem—it’s completely wrong… A groundbreaking Duke...
Mailbag: Room Won't Stop Spinning? Do THIS First
“I’m dealing with vertigo issues, lightheadedness, and dizziness. As recently as this last Saturday I had multiple occurrences throughout the day. Is there anything I can do for this? I’m 69 and in good health. I work out 4 to 5 times a week.” —Spinning Hi Spinning, When patients approach me with similar complaints, I...
Hidden Number Secretly Sabotages Male Performance
Guys (and gals that love them), we should talk. You know how we’ve always been told that bedroom troubles are just part of getting older—that we just need to live with them? Well, it turns out that’s not true. Scientists recently wrapped up a six-year study that followed over 100 healthy men, and the findings...
Shocking Study Links Kids' Snacks to Dangerous Early Puberty
Kids are growing up in a world vastly different from the one we knew. Back in our day, if a child wanted something sweet, it was a piece of candy or a homemade cookie. Today’s kids are surrounded by products filled with artificial sweeteners that didn’t even exist when we were raising our own children....
Outdated Vitamin Guidelines Put Your Brain at Risk
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice about vitamin B12—until your doctor mentions it during a routine blood test. But new research published in the Annals of Neurology suggests we need to pay closer attention to this crucial nutrient—especially as we age. Turns out, current guidelines for this essential nutrient might be...
The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....
The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health
I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...
“Brain Games” Failed You? Try THIS For Better Memory Instead
You know all those brain-training apps, supplements, and “miracle” memory-boosters that promise to keep your brain sharp as you age? Here’s the truth… There IS evidence they support brain health—and that’s why I’ll be the first to recommend them. But they aren’t the most powerful brain-boosting tool available to you. Another surprising solution has earned...
Mailbag: 5 Powerful Ways to Shield Your Prostate from Cancer
“What are your tips to avoid prostate cancer?” —Keeping Cancer at Bay Hi Keeping, You’re right to be concerned—prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States. Approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. And there were an estimated 268,490 new prostate cancer...