Millions of Americans suffer from digestive issues every year, adding stress to their lives and making it difficult for them to enjoy simple pleasures. From heartburn to gallstones, there are several different problems that can occur within our digestive tracts, which are sensitive areas that include the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. It can be difficult to know the right way to treat these issues; for some, medication helps, but for others, it only offers a brief reprieve from the pain or discomfort they experience on a daily basis.
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to help treat these problems naturally. Your diet and exercise routine have a major effect on the way you feel and on the way your body digests and processes food, so it’s important to take a look at these first. You can also make small changes to your lifestyle, such as adjusting your daily routine, decreasing less-than-deal habits, getting on a better sleep schedule, reducing stress, and learning which foods and drinks inflame the issue.
Holistic Glen invites you to keep reading for tips on how to treat common digestive issues naturally.
Change the Way You Eat
Changing the way you eat can have a profound effect on your digestive health. That’s because the bacteria in your gut are constantly working hard to keep your bodily systems functioning properly. If you want your gut to be healthy, start by learning about the good bacteria and what they do for your health. Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacillus Coagulans are just a few examples; they help to keep the intestines well protected from bad bacteria, reducing the symptoms associated with various digestive issues. As helpful as these bacteria are, though, you can easily harm them if you eat certain foods that aren’t well received in the gut.
One you learn more about the gut, figuring out which foods work best with your body can help you feel better almost instantly. For some, starchy foods and lactose are the first things to go. These can cause heartburn and gas, two of the most common digestive issues for Americans. You can also eat smaller meals or space them more widely so your body has a chance to digest it all.
Breathe Deep
It probably comes as no surprise that increased stress can cause and/or exacerbate digestive problems. So see what you can do to reduce your stress as much as possible. Meditation is one avenue you might want to consider. You should also consider the air you breathe — literally.
Bad air can impact your gut health, and it’s possible that much of that bad air is coming from your chimney. Luckily, there’s an easy solution. A chimney sweep can remove dirt and debris from the flue so that it doesn’t affect your home’s air quality. It’s also an important step towards preventing housefires. Just search a website like Angi for “local chimney sweeps” and you’ll be one big step closer to clean, stress-free living. Be sure to compare reviews and ratings to find someone reliable for the job.
Change the Way You Sleep
Many people have problems with their digestion at night, which can interrupt sleep habits and leave you feeling miserable in more ways than one. Try refraining from eating or drinking anything for at least two hours before bed, and sleep slightly elevated to help keep your stomach acid from rising. Not getting enough sleep can have a detrimental effect on your stomach, often leading to diarrhea or nausea, so make sure you’re getting adequate rest every night.
See Your Doctor
If you’ve made some changes but continue to have problems, talk to your doctor. You may have an undiagnosed issue, such as lactose intolerance or a sensitivity to gluten. If you are indeed lactose intolerant, it’s important to make sure you look for other ways to get the vitamins and calcium your body needs. Many cheddars don’t contain lactose, and yogurt with active cultures is usually okay. Try these in small amounts to see how they affect you.
Digestive issues can make you feel awful, affecting your daily life, your ability to focus on work or school, and your ability to enjoy food. Talk to your doctor about your options before starting any new regimen, and pay close attention to what you eat. With some small changes, you can make a big difference in how you feel from day to day.
Holistic Glen offers a range of services including holistic health coaching, pet coaching, and herbalism. Schedule a free call with me today!