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Health & FitnessDigestive Health Could Affect You More Than You Think!Too many people have become accustomed to living with digestive disorders such as abdominal pain and bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, and constipation. Digestive problems are particularly common in Western society and have become part of many people’s daily routine, but in normal conditions they are not supposed to appear at all. It is important to get to the root of the problem and treat it.Gastrointestinal disorders sometimes suggest more serious diseases, such as anemia, that are caused by a lack of certain dietary components in the body. The most common problems related to the digestive tract are diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel, bowel inflammation, heartburn and stomach ulcers. These usually result from several conditions:Poor nutrition: Too many sugars and simple carbohydrates, consumption of artificial sweeteners, caffeine and alcohol, a lack of dietary fiber, and overeating.Unhealthy lifestyle: Smoking, lack of exercise, lack of sleep, eating before bedtime, and emotional stress.Allergy and food sensitivity: Food sensitivity can be caused by a lack of lactase, which is responsible for breaking down milk sugars, or because the immune system mistakenly identifies the food as dangerous and therefore works against it.Viral infections: Infections that damage the digestive system and lead to diseases such as an under-active thyroid, diabetes, or a hiatal hernia.Medications: Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics that destroy the friendly bacteria in the gut, synthetic hormones, and laxatives all affectThe Healing TouchHEALING BODY & MIND THROGH THERAPUTIC MASSAGEYou know where we are. LICENSED AND NATIONALLY CERTIFIED Now you know who we are THERAPISTS - MEMBERS OF THE AMTAthe function of the digestive system.To address fundamentally related gastrointestinal diseases, you need to get a medical diagnosis and develop a personal program. Keep in mind, there are many natural methods that can help ease the symptoms of digestive problems:1. Use herbal medicineHerbal infusions have several advantages when it comes to digestive problems: they adsorb gases, reduce stress, help blood flow to the digestive system, and eliminate various pollutants. Using herbs is recommended for those suffering from constipation or diarrhea, intestinal infections, irritable bowel and ulcers.Make infusion of lemon balm, chamomile, peppermint, and fennel seeds. Steep for 10 minutes in hot water, strain, and drink. Do this at least three times a day. One important fact to remember is that heartburn sufferers should avoid peppermint, which increases gastric pH.By Stacy Horvath, LPN• SWEDISH• DEEP TISSUE • PREGNANCY• REFLEXOLOGY • HOT STONE• THAI• SPORTS• MEDICAL MASSAGE • ...AND MORE(AMERICAN MASSAGE THERAPY ASSOCIATION)BY APPOINTMENT: M-T 9AM - 9PM, FRI 9AM-7PM, SAT 9-2PMmoegallo@nc.rr.com • www.thehealingtouch.com919•567•24741000 N. MAIN ST. SUITE 203, FUQUAY-VARINA, NC 27526Page 20 | Suburban Living Fuquay-Varinawww.suburbanlivingmag.com