Military Service and Gastrointestinal Issues

In some cases, the lack of access to fresh produce and fiber, or ingesting contaminated food and water, can leave veterans with chronic gastrointestinal issues. Many types of toxic exposure can also contribute. For example, Gulf War Syndrome, a term used to describe a pattern of health problems noticed in veterans who served in the Gulf War in 1991, can lead to significant GI complications. Some of the most common gastrointestinal issues among veterans include acid reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and even colon and stomach cancers.