For some Filipinos, mealtime is one of the highlights of the day. It’s when families gather around the table to try different home-cooked dishes. More importantly, it’s a time to connect, laugh, and share stories with the ones you care about.

Sadly, for some diabetics and seniors, mealtime can end up being a source of discomfort or worry. Instead of enjoying their food, some of them might struggle with digestive issues like functional indigestion (di matunawan).

So, why are they more prone to indigestion? Find out here.

Reasons Why Seniors and Diabetics Are Prone to Indigestion

Here’s a closer look at why digestive issues are common in seniors and diabetics.

1. Food Remains in Their Stomach Longer than Usual
   As you age, your stomach muscles naturally slow down, which means food takes longer to digest.¹ On the other hand, diabetics' high blood sugar levels can damage the nerves that help in emptying the stomach.² As a result, food tends to linger in the gut longer.
2. Their Maintenance Medicines Have Side Effect
   Taking maintenance medications can also affect the stomach. For seniors with hypertension, taking amlodipine to manage blood pressure may lead to constipation and inflammation in the stomach.³
   
   Meanwhile, individuals who have had diabetes for a long time and use insulin may experience upper abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and intestinal blockage.⁴ Often, these symptoms are also accompanied by tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.
3. They Have Adopted a Sedentary Lifestyle
   Some seniors are worried about falling or hurting themselves because their bones have become fragile. Diabetics, on the other hand, are often afraid of getting cuts or injuries since their condition affects their ability to heal. Because of these concerns, they tend to lead more sedentary lifestyles, which can, unfortunately, impact their digestion.⁵
4. Stress Affects Their Digestion
   Too much stress can lead to increased acid production in the stomach.⁶ For seniors and diabetics who struggle with stress management, this can lead to symptoms such as flatulence (gas), acid reflux after meals, and poor appetite.⁷
5. They Don’t Have Enough Good Bacteria
   The number of good bacteria in their stomach (gut microbiota) is decreasing.^8,9 Consequently, lacking these helpful microorganisms can lead to slower digestion, nutrient malabsorption, and an increased risk of gastrointestinal issues like constipation and bloating.
6. They may have GERD
   GERD, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. For seniors and diabetics, GERD can manifest in symptoms like heartburn (a burning sensation in the chest), a sour taste in the mouth, or even difficulty swallowing.^10,11
7. They Have Digestive Enzyme Deficiency
   Without enough enzymes, the body struggles to break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.¹² And, if food is not digested properly, the body can’t absorb the nutrients it needs. For seniors and diabetics, this can result in malnutrition, which can have serious consequences.¹³
   
   For seniors, malnutrition can worsen existing health issues. In some instances, it can lead to muscle loss, reduced bone density, and organ dysfunction.^14,15 Moreover, without the necessary nutrients they need, they may also become more vulnerable to infections.^14,15 On the other hand, diabetics dealing with nutritional deficiencies may face impaired wound healing, decreased bone mass, and a general decline in physical function.^16,17,18

Keep Mealtime Fun and Pain-Free

Bring back the joy to your dining table! When digestion is compromised, nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and proteins can go undigested, depriving your body of the fuel it needs to function at its best.

If you or your loved ones are struggling with frequent indigestion, you might want to consider Enzymax Forte^®.

Enzymax Forte^® may help relieve symptoms of functional dyspepsia or chronic indigestion brought by the imbalance in digestive enzymes, especially for seniors and diabetics. ¹⁸

Eight (8) Enzymes in One Product

As mentioned earlier, digestive enzymes play a key role in breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Both seniors and diabetics may be prone to enzyme deficiencies, which can hinder proper digestion and nutrient absorption. Fortunately, Enzymax Forte^® contains eight active microbe-derived enzymes that can help support the digestion of various food types.¹⁸

Targets Both the Stomach and the Intestines

Enzymax Forte^® can help reduce the size of food particles for easier digestion and nutrient absorption.¹⁸ It has an outer capsule that releases enzymes in the stomach, helping break down food into more manageable particles. As the food travels to the intestines, the inner capsule dissolves, breaking food down into even finer pieces.

Suggested use of Enzymax Forte^® is one (1) to two (2) capsules to be taken at the start of the main meal, or as prescribed by a doctor.

Enzymax Forte^® is available online and in leading drugstores nationwide at a suggested retail price (SRP) of Php48 per capsule.

MAHALAGANG PAALALA: ANG ENZYMAX FORTE^® AY HINDI GAMOT AT HINDI DAPAT GAMITING PANGGAMOT SA ANUMANG URI NG SAKIT.