Nearly everyone has an issue with digestive health at one time or another. Some conditions, such as indigestion constipation or mild diarrhea are common. These issues typically  result in mild discomfort and improve on their own or are easy to treat. Others, such as inflammatory bowel disease, can be long-lasting or troublesome.

The digestive system is an intricate system that can be disrupted by disease, diet, and emotional stress. Digestive problems often result in symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, gas, stomach pain, and stomach cramps.

Making smart food choices, with an eye toward digestive health nutrition, can help prevent some problems before they occur. Food is our fuel, and its nutrients give our bodies’ cells the energy and substances they need to operate. Every morsel of food we eat has to be broken down into nutrients that can be absorbed by the body. The water in our food and drink is also absorbed into the bloodstream to provide the body with the fluid it needs. The kinds and amounts of food a person eats and how the digestive system processes that food play key roles in maintaining good health. Eating a healthy diet is the best way to prevent common digestive problems.

 Some of the causes of digestive problems include:

• Stress;
• Medications/drugs (such as antibiotics, antacids anti-inflammatory drugs, alcohol, caffeine);
• Poor Diet(eating processed foods and junk food, not enough fiber in the diet, not enough raw foods);
• Food allergies;
• Eating habits such as eating too fast or not chewing food properly;
• Environmental toxins

General guidelines to follow when addressing digestive issues include:

• Drink plenty of water: Drink at least half of your body weight in ounces each day
• Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and take in adequate amounts of fiber
• Exercise daily: Exercise stimulates lymph flow and also accelerates food transit through the body
• Create bathroom time: Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to go to the bathroom- especially in the morning
• Maintain schedules: Try to maintain normal diet and sleep patterns even when traveling

Some supplements and natural treatments that we utilize here at The Center for Natural and Integrative Medicine include digestive enzymes, which enhance digestion and maximize nutrient absorption; probiotics to help promote a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria and essential fatty acids to help lubricate the colon and support healthy elimination.

We also offer Colon Hydrotherapy which involves infusions of warm water into the colon to help hydrate and tone the bowel and promote healthy elimination.

In order to achieve optimal health, a healthy digestive system and regular bowel movements are key. Take a look at your lifestyle and dietary habits and see where you stand.

Click on this link to see a short video of Dr. Kalidas discussing digestive health: httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlc7dPfgouU