Prevent and protect
I'm interested in being proactive
Learn about digestive disorders and how to reduce your risk through proactive choices and healthy habits.
Focusing on your overall health and wellbeing can make a real difference.
Be in the know
Your digestive system or “gut” is what doctors call the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This system is a long pathway that includes everything from your mouth to your anus, along with organs like your stomach, intestines, and liver. Its main job is to break down food, absorb nutrients your body needs and eliminate waste.
Sometimes, things can go wrong with your gut. These are called "GI disorders" and they can be a little annoying or really serious. They affect millions of people and there are two main types:
- Functional disorders: With functional disorders, the GI tract looks normal, but it doesn’t function as it should. Examples of functional disorders include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and acid reflux.
- Structural disorders: With structural disorders, a physical abnormality in one of the organs in the GI tract prevents it from functioning normally. Examples of structural disorders include hemorrhoids, diverticulosis and colon cancer.
A variety of factors can influence the development of GI disorders. These include modifiable lifestyle factors and non-modifiable factors such as genetics.
The link between digestive disorders and cancer
Long-lasting inflammation in the digestive system can increase the risk of colorectal cancer. This is particularly concerning for individuals with conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, which involve chronic inflammation of the intestines.
If you or a loved one has a condition that causes chronic inflammation in the digestive tract, it's crucial to discuss colorectal cancer screening with your doctor. Early detection through regular screenings is key to improving outcomes and increasing treatment options.
Have you been diagnosed with a digestive disorder?
Learn about common terms you may hear following your diagnosis.
Care for yourself
Prioritizing a healthy and active lifestyle can help prevent many GI disorders. Here are some key habits to keep your body in top shape.
Quick tips to help you care for your GI health
- Get moving: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming to speed up digestion and stimulate muscles in the GI tract.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can reduce stomach acid and lead to esophagus discomfort.
- Limit high-fat foods: High-fat foods slow down digestion and can lead to constipation.
- Nourish your body: Eat a balanced diet rich in soluble and insoluble fiber for better digestion and disease prevention. Eat on a regular schedule to properly digest nutrients and try to avoid eating large meals.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your digestive system flowing, prevent constipation and help your colon eliminate waste.
- Quit tobacco: Smoking is a major risk factor for developing GI disorders. There are resources available to help you quit.
- Manage your stress levels: Your body’s stress response interferes with the flow of digestion, causes an upset stomach and contributes to the development of irritable bowel syndrome and/or ulcers.
Dow provides resources to support you every step of the way...
- Dow Wellbeing Portal puts resources at your fingertips that can help you take the first step toward better GI health. This includes coaching as well as specific journeys, which are self-guided courses to help you develop healthy habits. Some topics related to digestive health include: Eat for Health, How to Support a Healthy Gut and How Gut Health Affects Mental Health.
- Spring Health (Dow’s Employee Assistance Program partner) offers personalized, convenient care and resources to support your overall wellbeing and to help you through any of life’s challenges.
- Quit for Life® can help you kick the tobacco habit for good. Smoking can take a toll on your digestive system by increasing your risk for developing certain disorders while also making some GI disorders harder to treat.
- Online information and resources are available to help you learn about and maximize all that Dow makes available to support your overall health.
Personify Health programs
The Transform for Weight Management and Transform for Prediabetes programs through Personify Health offer evidence-based solutions with proven effectiveness. Transform embraces sustainable and steady lifestyle modifications that last long after the program is complete. Each program includes virtual lessons and opportunities to communicate directly with a coach through your smartphone, tablet or computer, as well as devices to help track your progress. Access more information and get started through the Dow Wellbeing Portal.