8 Ways to Naturally Improve Your Digestive Health

For those of us who have ever suffered from any sort digestive problem, we are well aware of the level of pain and discomfort in which can result. There is arguably no pain like stomach pain. If you find that problems like these become more and more consistent, it may be possible that you suffer from a digestive disorder which can later lead to much more serious issues if not treated properly.

Common Disorders and Symptoms

Recent studies show that 60 to 70 million people in the United States alone suffer from some sort of digestive disorder. IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), Acid Reflux, Diarrhea,  and GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) are just three of the more common disorders. Those gassy, bloated, cramping, constipated feelings and the occasional cases of extreme heartburn are all results of a variety of digestive disorders. All of these symptoms can make it very difficult to live a comfortable and productive life.

A number of factors can trigger the symptoms listed above. It could be as simple as the foods in which you consume or it could be a little more complicated. Studies find that although stress may not actually cause a digestive order, it can certainly play a key role in the level of severity. Thats right, stress. Think back to the final minutes leading up to that big speech you may have had to give in high school or perhaps that championship game. You may remember those feelings commonly referred to as "butterflies".

The Effects of Stress

Digestion is strictly controlled by the Enteric Nervous System. The Digestive System consist of over hundreds of millions of nerves in which all communicate with your central nervous system. The Digestive System is extremely sensitive to mood. Tremendous amounts of stress can actually trigger the nervous system to shut down blood flow causing the digestion system to shut down as well. Stress can also cause inflammation in your Gastrointestinal System which can lead to severe infections, ultimately making it quite dangerous. High levels of stress possess the abilities to even increase levels of acid in your stomach leading to those feelings of nausea often experienced when under tremendous amounts of stress.

Digestive issues are quite serious and actually lead to a number of severe problems down the road. It is important to control or at the least mitigate symptoms with diet, stress management, doctor prescribed medications, and helpful supplements. Below is a list a tips to help create a more effective and efficient Digestive System.

• Fiber Rich Diet
  • Foods high in fiber help to keep food moving through your Digestive System
  • Help prevent/treat various digestive conditions such as diverticulosis, hemorrhoids, and IBS
  • It is important to consume both soluble and insoluble fibers
  • Click here for more information on fiber and the benefits of a fiber rich diet
• Limit Foods High In Fat
  • Fatty foods have a tendency to drastically slow down the digestive process causing you to be more prone to constipation
  • A healthy balance of fatty foods with fiber rich foods is key
• Lean Meats
  • The importance of protein in your diet is a well-known factor of any healthy diet
  • When consuming meat, choose lean meats
• Increase Consumption of "Real Foods"
  • Processed foods/fast foods lack nutritional value and are much more difficult for the body to digest
• Liver Support
  • A healthy and efficient liver can help heal and support your Digestive System
  • Carrots, leafy greens, green tea, grapefruit, garlic, and avocados are all foods that can make for a healthy working liver
• Stay Hydrated
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Herbal, Peppermint, and Ginger teas helps the body to hydrate, heal, and contains many digestive supporting properties
• Exercise Regularly
  • Regularly exercising can help keep foods moving properly through your digestive system
  • Can help you maintain a healthy weight
• Supplements
  • Glutamine can help to repair and soothe inflammation within the Digestive System
  • SpectraZyme Metagest by Metagenics provides an all-natural method for enhancing digestion
  • Click here for more Digestive Support Supplements