Feeling bloated, gassy, backed up? Have you noticed changes in your bowel movements as you've aged? You're not alone. Nearly 40% of older adults have one or more age-related digestive symptoms each year. 

Gastroenterologist Dr. Colleen Parker takes us on a fascinating tour of our gastrointestinal system and our gut microbiome, and tells us what changes as we get older, why we might experience more issues such as constipation and bloating and what we can do about it. What role do hormones, menopause, stress and even medications play in our digestive changes? What about the mind-gut connection? Is leaky gut really a thing? She also helps us determine what is a "normal" bowel movement from an abnormal one and when to seek care. Finally, she tells us when and how laxatives like Senokot can be used to help ease symptoms and get things moving again. 

Episode sponsored by: @SenokotCanada (senokot.ca)

Find Melissa Grelo on Instagram @MelissaGrelo and @AgingPowerfullyWithMG, or on her website AgingPowerfullyWithMelissaGrelo.com. Find clips of the show on YouTube @MelissaGrelo. 

Producer: Melissa Grelo. 

Audio/Video Producer and Editor: Drew Garner.