Mic: How aging can affect what you eat and drink
UC digestive diseases expert discusses aging and its impact on food allergies and intolerance
Mic journalist Tiffany Onyejiaka examined how our digestive systems along with our bodies evolve each year affecting our diet. Digestive conditions like acid reflux, constipation, and lactose intolerance can become much more common as we go through adulthood. Onyejiaka spoke with Loren Brook, MD, assistant professor in the UC College of Medicine Division of Digestive Diseases about how our tolerance to certain foods changes over time.
Loren Brook, MD
Some differences naturally happen as we leave our teenage years behind while others happen not directly because of aging, but because of lifestyle and environmental changes we inevitably experience. “Food allergies or intolerances that we had when we’re younger may actually go away as we age,” explains Brook, also a UC Health gastroenterologist. “If you had an allergy as a kid and want to know if it's still present, consult with a doctor to find out — DIY “tests” are not the best move.”
Related Stories
‘Designer drug’ shows early neuroprotective signal in acute ischemic stroke
October 28, 2025
Medscape highlighted new trial results led by the University of Cincinnati's Eva Mistry that found an experimental drug shows promise in protecting injured brain cells for patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Is menstrual fluid ‘the most overlooked opportunity’ in women’s health?
October 27, 2025
The Guardian recently reported that period blood has long been thought of as ‘stinky and useless’, but startups are exploring using the fluid to test for a wide range of health conditions — including endometriosis.
Blood Cancer Healing Center a national model for collaborative design and construction
October 27, 2025
Representatives from the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, UC Health, Champlin | EOP and Skanska shared lessons learned and best practices for designing and constructing comprehensive health care facilities following the opening of the Cancer Center’s Blood Cancer Healing Center.