Treating Digestive Problems NaturallyDigestive problems can get in the way of everyday life. After all, how can you enjoy your child’s softball game or lunch with a friend when you constantly have an upset stomach or acid reflux?

One of the best options for treating these ailments is to consume natural supplements and herbs that have been well-researched and approved by the FDA to help with digestive problems. Here are the top natural remedies for digestive health, according to Today’s Dietitian Magazine.

Ginger

  • What is ginger? This herb has a distinct pungent flavor and is often used to flavor Asian dishes.
  • What does ginger treat? Take ginger to relieve nausea and vomiting. Be aware that too much ginger can cause an upset stomach.
  • How do you take ginger? You can chew raw ginger root or drink ginger tea to treat digestive problems naturally.

Turmeric

  • What is turmeric? This herb is often used in Indian cuisine. It features a natural ingredient called curcumin, which is what gives turmeric its yellow color, not to mention its digestive health properties.
  • What does turmeric treat? Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine use turmeric powder to aid with digestion and liver function. The World Health Organization supports its effectiveness in treating gas, acid reflux, and other mild digestive disorders. It’s even been shown to treat ulcerative colitis.
  • How do you take turmeric? Turmeric powder is available at grocery and health food stores. Sprinkle it on rice, soups, and stews for a pleasant earthy taste and better digestive health.

Milk Thistle

  • What is milk thistle? This plant grows in Europe and has long been used in food and medicine.
  • What does milk thistle treat? Take this supplement to speed up digestion and metabolism and keep your liver healthy.
  • How do you take milk thistle? You can find milk thistle in capsule form at health food stores, making it easy to swallow with a glass of water.

Slippery Elm

  • What is slippery elm? The slippery elm tree is native to North America. The inner bark contains mucilage, a gel-like substance used for treating digestive problems naturally.
  • What does slippery elm treat? Since it coats the esophagus, slippery elm is most known for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
  • How do you take slippery elm? Administer slippery elm as a capsule, throat lozenge, tincture, or tea. One popular option is to drink 4 grams of powdered slippery elm bark dissolved in 2 cups of hot water three times a day for one to two months.

Pineapple Extract

  • What is pineapple extract? Pineapples are a tropical fruit containing bromelain and other digestive enzymes.
  • What does pineapple extract treat? Bromelain can ease heartburn and upset stomach caused by indigestion.
  • How do you take pineapple extract? Eating pineapple is the simplest way to ingest bromelain.

Probiotics

  • What are probiotics? Your intestines require good bacteria to digest food effectively, and probiotics can help make up for what your body lacks. Look for probiotics that have been studied by the FDA or other trustworthy organizations for efficacy.
  • What do probiotics treat? Antibiotic-induced diarrhea is treatable with probiotics containing the bacterial strains Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. GERD is another digestive problem probiotics can treat. Many others simply help support a healthy digestive system.
  • How do you take probiotics? Capsules are the simplest option. There’s also kefir milk for treating GERD and special yogurt with a high probiotics content as well.

Consider Food Allergies

If you often suffer from stomachaches and other digestive problems, you might have a food allergy. ALCAT testing can help you find out if something in your diet is making you sick. We can perform this test for you here at Spine Correction Center in Fort Collins. The above tips for treating digestive problems naturally may still be valuable, but you could also see your symptoms decrease by knowing what foods to avoid.

To learn more about ALCAT, or to schedule a free consultation, please contact us online or call our Fort Collins office today at (970) 658-5115.