Stop Suffering from Poor Digestion!
It’s no fun having to contend with a recalcitrant digestive system. Having to plan your day around your bowels’ erratic habits can really screw up your schedule. And did you know that taking a proton pump inhibitor such as Prilosec, Prevacid or Nexium for a few weeks can cause “rebound” heartburn serious enough to get you permanently hooked on these stomach-acid suppressing drugs? Just what drugs companies should love!
Instead of antacids or laxatives, try these simple natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments. They don’t just treat symptoms, they correct the problem:
- Most older people need supplemental digestive enzymes to digest their food properly. Symptoms that may mean a digestive enzyme is worth trying: intestinal bloating and gas, feelings of fullness after eating even small amounts, heartburn and burping. Take a full spectrum, high potency digestive enzyme that can work on protein, fats, carbohydrates and fiber.
- Almost everyone can use more fiber. Daily fiber can get your bowels on a regular schedule, and help you evacuate your colon completely. That means you’re less likely to develop diverticulosis or hemorrhoids. Fiber also removes toxins from your body! Five to 15 mg of a soluble fiber supplement, such as psyllium or apple pectin, should do the trick.
- Probiotics (friendly bacteria) not only assist in nutrient absorption, they keep your immunity strong and may even help to regulate your weight. Taking a prebiotic, like inulin, along with the “pro”, enhances its effectiveness. Prebiotics provide a medium that makes it easier for healthy bacteria to live in your intestines. The best probiotics have a high CFU (colony forming unit) count.
Add these top three lifestyle changes for even better results:
- Limit consumption of sugar, white flour, alcohol (especially beer) and any foods high in carbohydrates or sugar. These foods feed yeast and bad bacteria, and ferment in your intestines, causing bloating and discomfort. Some people even need to avoid fruit juice and dried fruit.
- Drink plenty of fresh water every day. This is especially important if you take a fiber supplement.
- Get daily exercise. Taking a stroll after a meal is ideal. Even sitting in a rocking chair and rocking can help move things along!
The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: Digestive distress can interfere with your ability to enjoy life to its fullest. Not only that, poor digestion is a contributing factor in nutritional deficiencies and certain chronic health conditions. Don’t rely on drugs that just mask symptoms without addressing the underlying problems. The key to bringing your digestion back into balance is to support your digestive system with gentle, natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments.
