Digestive health is a critical yet often underestimated aspect of overall health and well-being. The digestive health category is broad, encompassing gastrointestinal symptoms and inflammation, along with chronic conditions such as Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Further complicating matters is that gastrointestinal issues can be complex, hard to diagnose or even challenging for the patient to pinpoint their symptoms. Furthermore, implications extend beyond digestive issues, affecting mental health and, in some cases, obesity/overweight. For these reasons, digestive health not only impacts overall health care costs but also productivity and well-being.
The Significance of Digestive Health
It's essential to shed light on the prevalence and impact of digestive health challenges. According to a study published in the journal Gastroenterology, over 40% of people globally have functional GI disorders. In the United States, only 25% of people with GI symptoms are properly diagnosed. In addition, the productivity loss stemming from digestive health issues is profound, with individuals missing as many as 17 workdays annually. What’s more, GI issues are also the leading cause of hospitalization and the second most common reason for short-term disability claims. Digestive health can impact almost every aspect of individuals' lives during their most productive years making it a key issue for employers to understand and support within their benefit and well-being strategy.
Challenges in Diagnosis and the Chronic Nature of Symptoms
The chronic nature of GI symptoms translates to increased medical and pharmacy costs, affecting individuals and employers. The challenges begin with the diagnostic journey, which takes an average of 2-3 years. The need for a faster, more efficient process is needed, along with new treatment options. With these changes in place, patients will experience less frustration and will likely get an accurate diagnosis sooner.
Broader Impacts and Connections
The impacts of digestive health extend beyond the gastrointestinal system. Imbalances in the gut microbiome can lead to cardiovascular issues and have connections with mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, the gut microbiome influences obesity significantly by impacting metabolism and fat storage. Furthermore, chronic inflammation associated with disruptions in gut health can contribute to a range of systemic issues, leading to additional health care expenses.
Strategies to Support Digestive Health
Employers can take key steps to support employees dealing with digestive health issues by raising awareness, reducing stigma and improving access to care. Providing access to dietitians, non-invasive treatments and programs promoting good nutrition can have a positive impact on employee health and productivity. Additionally, digital health care innovations have made a big difference in managing digestive health challenges.
Importantly, employers can build a healthier and more productive workplace by taking a holistic and proactive approach to their digestive health strategy. The strategy should include promoting early diagnosis and offering programs that prioritize meeting the needs of patients currently misunderstood and underserved by the fragmented approaches to caring for their complex GI conditions. Click here for more information about the impact of digestive health on the health of employees and strategies that can meet their needs.
