By: Stacy Horvath, LPN
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 affect the 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 medicine
Herbal 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.
2. Consume friendly bacteria and digestive enzymes
Probiotic bacteria strengthen the intestine by handling pollutants that penetrate through the intestine, and digestive enzymes help improve the digestion process. Probiotic bacteria can be found naturally in yogurt enriched with these bacteria, or you can purchase a supplement through your family chiropractor. Digestive enzymes are more difficult to get through food, but you can find a small amount of them in pineapple and papaya.
In many cases there is a connection between skin problems or infections in the body and lack of friendly bacteria and digestive enzymes such as bromelain and papain. Therefore, they are recommended for those suffering from digestive problems. It is best to consult a naturopath regarding the type of bacteria and enzymes and their dose.
3. Handle emotional stress
Many digestive problems result from a stressful lifestyle. Women especially suffer from it, and the most common disorder is irritable bowel syndrome. Finding the causes of the stress and addressing them will regulate the digestion in the body. You can relieve stress through therapies such as acupuncture, combining herbs with calming properties like lemon balm and hops, and the use of soothing essential oils like lavender or chamomile oil.
Stress is a main contributor to most digestive problems, but also to other diseases such as diabetes, high thyroid activity, and heart problems.
4. Change eating habits
Unhealthy food can overload the digestive system and cause various problems, but the way we eat also may affect the process. Changing your eating habits can improve any digestive problem:
Eat in a relaxed atmosphere without pressure.
Concentrate on eating and avoid watching television or reading a newspaper at dinner.
Chew your food well before swallowing.
Separate the foods that contain a high amount of protein and starchy foods. Combining protein and starch in the same meal causes the secretion of digestive juices that neutralize each other, malabsorption of food, and a sense of heaviness and fatigue.
5. Locate an allergy or food sensitivity
Digestive problems can result from a food allergy or sensitivity. Recommend removing some of the foods for a while and seeing the effect: dairy products, citrus fruits, shellfish, peanuts, nuts, chocolate, eggs, caffeine, and fish. In this “elimination diet,” which removes daily foods and adds them gradually back in, you can more easily locate food sensitivities.
6. Combine superfoods on the menu
Eat foods that contain a variety of components that are essentially healthy and good for the digestive system. North Sea fish, for example, contain the anti-inflammatory omega-3, which helps those suffering from intestinal inflammation. Inflammation in the digestive tract can be eased with the amino acid glutamine, which can be found in cabbage and cabbage juice. Flaxseed and pumpkin seeds can help those suffering from constipation, but do not help with those experiencing diarrhea.
7. Detox
Excess toxins in the body can cause various digestive problems. Toxins are fertile ground for the development of candida, which is a white fungus that usually appears in the genital area or gastrointestinal tract and interferes with their activities. Avoiding sugary foods, animal proteins, and processed foods can improve the situation. Specific foods that help eliminate toxins are algae, garlic, onions, wheat germ, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, fruits, and water. Detoxification is recommended for all people, especially those who suffer from digestive problems.
8. Exercise often
Exercising helps relieve stress and regulate digestion due to body movement. Combine elements of cardio, aerobics, and flexibility and feel the difference!
Chiropractors believe that many diseases, including digestive diseases, are the product of poor nutrition. To solve the problem, you must identify the causes of the problem, and then customize a treatment plan and diet. So if one of these methods helps you, share your experience with someone!
Stacy works at Horvath Chiropractic. Together, Stacy and her husband Matt promote a healthy lifestyle through a combination of homeopathic approaches. Matt has been a chiropractor for over 25 years, and is also a certified acupuncturist and nutritionists.
Stacy is a pediatric LPN, and helps with their ability to draw blood for labs, and general health.
