How To Treat Digestive Issues Naturally
If you struggle with digestive problems, you’re no stranger to the pain, cramping, and general discomfort that can ruin your mood, your productivity, and your day. While esophageal, stomach, and intestinal issues can result from a wide variety of causes, treatment can be complex. While your physician can likely provide medications that can aid in reducing your discomfort, natural remedies are always free of side effects and often more sustainable than medication. Consider the following approaches an empowering way to get control of your health – and your life.
If you struggle with digestive problems, you’re no stranger to the pain, cramping, and general discomfort that can ruin your mood, your productivity, and your day. While esophageal, stomach, and intestinal issues can result from a wide variety of causes, treatment can be complex. While your physician can likely provide medications that can aid in reducing your discomfort, natural remedies are always free of side effects and often more sustainable than medication. Consider the following approaches an empowering way to get control of your health – and your life.
Herbal Medicine
Consulting with a naturopathic physician can be one of the most powerful decisions you ever make. NDs consider the whole patient, and can prescribe herbal supplements that work with the body to restore and revive. Herbal infusions can provide several advantages when dealing with digestive issues:
- Gas absorption.
- Stress reduction.
- Increased blood flow to the digestive system.
Herbs are often recommended for individuals coping with constipation, diarrhea, intestinal infections, IBS, and ulcers.
Pro and Prebiotics and Digestive Enzymes
Probiotic bacteria are powerhouses. These tiny fighters strengthen the intestine by managing pollutants penetrating the intestine. Digestive enzymes, including bromelain and papain, can help improve your digestive processes. You can find probiotic bacteria naturally in yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchee, all nutritious additions to your diet. However, if you want to repopulate your gut with billions of these enzymes, consider a supplement, available over-the-counter or prescribed by your physician.
Manage Emotional Stressors
Your stomach is directly connected to your feelings. Prolonged digestive issues may be connected with your emotional well-being, stress levels, etc. If you have recently experienced a loss or loved one or a job, a break up, an illness, financial insecurity, abuse, or simply excessive worry, your digestive system may be affected. Consider reaching out to a loved one for support, and seeking professional counseling if your feelings run deeper than you are able to handle. In addition, treatments like acupuncture, massage, and reflexology can help reduce stress and return your mind to a state of equilibrium.
Re-think Your Diet
Consuming unhealthy or excessive amounts of food can cause digestive problems. If you’re experiencing negative symptoms, consider assessing what you are consuming each day and the environment in which you are eating food. Stressful eating situations, including breakfast on the run or eating in an emotionally-charged atmosphere, can cause digestive discomfort. An experienced naturopathic physician can help you develop a diet and way of eating that works for you. Consider reaching out to a compassionate expert with your best interests in mind.
Digestive disorders can create daily stress that truly affects your life and work. However, with natural techniques, you have the power to manage these issues. Contact a naturopathic physician you trust to provide you with the best care available.
Dr. Marianna Abrams leads a team of outstanding Bastyr graduate naturopathic doctors and acupuncturists at Water’s Edge Natural Medicine Services. Dr. Abrams oversees the care of every patient, blending her background in naturopathic medicine and Oriental medicine/acupuncture with traditional western-allopathic medicine to offer complete, comprehensive, and effective healing approaches for her patients.
See also:
Life Changing Digestive Health
Fermentation Magic: A Model for Health and Transformation
