50m Pakistanis suffering from stomach issues: Here is expert’s guide to keep your guts healthy!

Dr Asrarul Haque Toor, a renowned gastroenterologist, shed light on the importance of awareness and attention to digestive health.
In an exclusive interview, the Mayo Hospital North Medical Ward head said people pay attention to diabetes, blood pressure, and other diseases, but ignore the digestive system
In Pakistan, approximately 50 million people in the country are suffering from various digestion-related diseases and these are spreading rapidly, he said. "If the digestive system is well-maintained, overall health will improve."
He added, "There are three common digestive system diseases: constipation, indigestion, and gastric issues.
“Constipation affects around 15 percent of the adult population globally. It is more common among women than men.”
He urged shunning being shy and feeling embarrassed talking about constipation with healthcare providers.
Dr Toor, a renowned gastroenterologist, shed light on the importance of awareness and attention to digestive health.
In an exclusive interview, the Mayo Hospital North Medical Ward head said people pay attention to diabetes, blood pressure, and other diseases, but ignore the digestive system
In Pakistan, approximately 50 million people in the country are suffering from various digestion-related diseases and these are spreading rapidly, he said. "If the digestive system is well-maintained, overall health will improve."
He added, "There are three common digestive system diseases: constipation, indigestion, and gastric issues.
“Constipation affects around 15 percent of the adult population globally. It is more common among women than men.”
He urged shunning being shy and feeling embarrassed talking about constipation with healthcare providers.
Dr Toor went on: “Instead of seeking professional advice, people turn to self-medication or home remedies, which may cause health hazards.
“Drinking less water, lack of fiber in the diet, and ignoring work-out are the main causes of constipation, he said adding that bowel problems or other diseases can also cause constipation.”
The Professor of Medicine at the King Edward Medical University said modern medicine has the best treatment for constipation.
“Today there are medicines to relieve constipation … by using which the bowel movement is normal and as a result, constipation is relieved.
“That is, in the case of stomach and digestive system disorders, the patient may have pain in the upper part of the stomach, heaviness in the stomach, heartburn vomiting, etc.
“If upper abdominal pain persists for over a week, consult your physician immediately.”
“It must be noted that abdominal pain should never be ignored. Its diagnosis is too important as dangerous symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases include bleeding from the mouth, loss of blood and weight, persistent vomiting, and abdominal tumors.
“Endoscopy is recommended for people who are 60 years of age or older and suffer from indigestion.
Helicobacter pylori infection, known as H pylori infection, is also a major cause of indigestion in Pakistan, which is spread by dirt, contaminated water, and consumption of substandard food.
Then stomach or intestinal ulcers and inflammation in the esophagus are also major causes of indigestion.
Dr Toor added that Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (Gerd) is a prevalent disease of the digestive system and according to an estimate, about 50 million people in Pakistan suffer from this disease.
The main symptoms of GERD are heartburn and acidity. Heartburn usually starts 30 to 60 minutes after eating and includes a bitter taste, a salty taste, difficulty swallowing food, belching, chest pain, coughing, and hoarseness.
He explained that people suffering from this disease often complain of restlessness, nervousness, or heartburn at night.
Obese people are even more prone to it. It should never be overlooked. It can also lead to esophagus cancer. Therefore, preventive measures must be taken along with treatment to prevent stomach diseases, he warned.
He emphasized the importance of preventive measures such as avoiding spoiled food, maintaining hygiene, and ensuring proper dietary practices, particularly not eating shortly before bedtime.