Digestive disorders
Intestinal problems are one of the main health issues plaguing our society. They are very common and if you were to ask around, chances are that everyone would have suffered from at least one digestive problem sometime in one's life.
Symptoms include bloating, belching, flatulence, indigestion, heartburn, gastritis, diarrhea, colitis, diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome and constipation due to factors such as improper dietary intake, illnesses, stress, infections and sensitivity to certain food.
Taking care of your diet is an important step in ensuring a healthy digestive system. It is advisable to increase your intake of vegetables and fruits in your existing diet.
Many constipated people find relief in merely modifying their diet to reduce refined carbohydrates such as white flour, white sugar, white bread, noodles and white rice and increasing fiber intake.
According to the American Dietetic Association, it is recommended that we take about 25 to 35 grammes of fiber daily. It is beneficial in regulating bowel movements and adding bulk to the feces. Regular bowel movements are essential in aiding the body in eliminating toxins, and thus improve intestinal health. You may achieve this by consuming a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains. Having regular meal times helps to minimize excessive stomach acid production at any one time and is also good for preventing heartburn and gastric problems.Excessive gas in the intestines can also be prevented by reducing certain gas-forming food such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, onions and legumes.This is because they contain indigestible sugars that will be broken down by intestinal bacteria to produce gases such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide and methane. Avoiding carbonated beverages may also be beneficial. Some people may not realize that the intestinal symptoms they are suffering from may be due to food intolerance.Try eliminating milk and dairy products for a few days. If you notice an improvement, you may be lactose intolerant. You can minimize its effects by eating dairy products in small portions with other food or by selecting lactose-free products.
However, some people may have underlying problems that lead to intestinal symptoms such as celiac (a condition that hinders normal digestion), gastritis (inflammation of the intestinal tract) and diverticular diseases (inflammation of the large bowel, which pushes the muscular layer to form pouches, where food can be trapped in these pouches, causing infection).
Diverticular diseases may be due to the ageing process and a diet low in fiber.
Nutritious food plays an important role in improving health, but consuming them without proper care regarding its cleanliness may cause food poisoning, leading to infections. Food poisoning will often produce similar symptoms as indigestion, accompanied by fever, vomiting and nausea. Therefore, watch what you eat and drink when travelling to areas where sanitation is poor and disease rates are high.
Stress management is also important because nervous people tend to swallow a lot of air, resulting in build-up of excess gases in the digestive tract. Exercise is also recommended to keep the bowels moving normally and helps reduce stress.
Natural remedy to consider: Aloe Mucilaginous Polysaccharides from Serovera®
