Natural Healing for Digestive Problems

Many digestive disorders are worsened by an unhealthy lifestyle and can be treated by natural means. Simple changes in diet and exercise along with certain supplements may relieve symptoms of digestive disorders. Digestive disorders occur for a number of reasons, but likely are due to poor diet and inactivity. Changing the diet, exercising and adding nutritional supplements may relieve digestive symptoms.

Safety

• It is important to consult with your healthcare professional before initiating a new diet or physical activity regimen, or adding any supplements. If you are on certain medications, there may be interactions that contraindicate herbal supplementation. Supplements may interfere with your medication, making it more or less effective. Also, do research on any supplement you plan on taking. The FDA does not regulate dietary supplements and you may not be taking exactly what is on the bottle.

Herbal Remedies

• Different herbs may be taken depending on the type of digestive disorder exhibited. For digestive sluggishness, a digestive stimulant may be the key to relief. Generally, herbs that stimulate the digestive system are bitter, so luckily many of these herbs can be taken in the form of a tea. The benefit of a tea over a pill form is that the body more readily absorbs teas. Herbs used for digestive stimulation include dandelion, yarrow and black cohosh. If there are symptoms of gas then herbs like juniper, mint and rosemary may be used as an accent to cooking. Other favorites with several uses include ginger, lavender, marshmallow and Valerian.

Probiotics

• Probiotics are living organisms, good bacteria necessary to promote a healthy gut. Probiotics are "good bacteria" and help digestion processes. Probiotics can be found in foods like yogurt or in other dietary supplements at a natural foods store. Probiotics are helpful in restoring normal gut flora necessary for digestion, especially after taking antibiotics. These microorganisms help to treat digestive disorders like diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and other intestinal infections.

Enzymes

• Enzymes are molecules that are made by the body, but also can be gotten from supplements or whole foods. Enzymes are needed to break down foods into nutrients that can be absorbed by the body. Food intolerances sometimes occur from a lack of enzymes necessary to break the food down, such as lactose intolerance. Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapples that helps break down proteins and relieve colitis.

Fiber

• Dietary fiber contributes to digestive health. Every person needs a minimum of 30 grams of fiber per day. Fiber is an indigestible polysaccharide that adds bulk to the stools and helps pull out cholesterol from the blood. Fiber helps stimulate bowel movements and eliminate toxins that may be backed up in the digestive tract. Fiber should be consumed in the form of fruits, vegetables, and beans, but can be consumed through supplements like psyllium husks and cascara sagrada.