Description
Digestive disorders are common. Somewhere between one-third
and one-half of all adults have one, including conditions such
as:
- Ulcers
- Heartburn /
indigestion
- Gastritis
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative
colitis)
- Irritable bowel syndrome
(IBS)
- Diverticular
disease
- Leaky gut syndrome
- Gut flora imbalance
(dysbiosis)
- Celiac disease
- Candidiasis
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Incomplete digestion of
food
Proper digestion and absorption of food is critical if
the body's cells are to get the essential nutrients needed to
function well. If the
gastrointestinal system is not working correctly, it is very likely
that one or more of the body's other major systems (e.g., vascular,
nervous, immune) will also be significantly
affected.
Causes
There are many potential factors that may affect
digestive function, including:
- Food
sensitivities/allergies
- Infectious agents - e.g., yeast, bacteria,
parasites
- Damage to the lining and function of the gut
wall
- Enzyme deficiencies
- Low gastric acid secretion
(hypochlorhydria)
- Nutrient
deficiencies
- Inadequate dietary
fiber
- Medication use - e.g., antibiotics, NSAIDs, aspirin,
steroids, laxatives
- Environmental toxin exposure - e.g., heavy metals,
excessive alcohol
- Psychological
stress
Treatment
Approach
- With food allergy testing and/or an elimination diet,
identify potential food sensitivities/allergies and
reduce/avoid those foods (e.g., wheat, cow's milk, soy, corn, eggs,
citrus, nightshade vegetables,
etc.).
- Reduce/avoid foods that the body may not be capable of
digesting properly and/or may be contributing to poor digestive and
immune function (e.g., food additives & preservatives, trans
fats, sugar, processed foods).
A diet higher in protein and vegetables, lower in sugar and
refined grains, and organic whenever possible, will tend to be
helpful.
- Supplement digestive enzymes if
deficient.
- Ensure adequate fiber and water intake to help maintain
a healthy gut flora and regular elimination of waste from the
body.
- Identify/address existing chronic infections
(bacterial, parasitic, fungal) and restore a healthy gut flora with
OTC supplements (e.g., probiotics, anti-fungals, etc.) and, if
necessary, prescription
medication.
- Avoid future toxin exposure, and reduce existing toxin
levels in the body.
- Seek professional help for existing
psychological factors (e.g., stress).
