Digestive Disorders

Last month we considered how gluten may affect our digestion. This month we will take a look at other digestive disorders.

The journey of food starts with our mouths and progresses through our bodies until it leaves our bodies as waste. The digestive tract is thirty feet long and can be filled with many problems in our modern times. For tens of millions of Americans, this journey may be painful and very uncomfortable due to modern disease of the digestive tract. What is causing this disease?

Many times it may be the foods we eat. If your food intake consisted of all fruits and vegetables and good sources of meat you might not experience the pain and suffering. The fact is the food most people eat may be the problem. Overly processed and refined foods may cause digestive upsets in many people.

A healthy digestive tract is like a furnace. The food is the fuel. The stomach is the main part of the furnace; the food feeds the furnace creating energy. General maintenance of eating properly and exercise keeps the system working properly. Simply put, you are what you eat. If you feed your furnace healthy food, the furnace runs without complaints. However, if the food is adulterated and overly processed the furnace may act up. Take a good look at your food intake. Where does it fit?

Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel, ulcers, leaky gut and acid reflux are a few of the digestive disorders of today’s modern lifestyle. Let us look at some of these digestive disorders and consider our options.

Acid reflux is one of the most common ailments people experience. Eating the modern diet of overly processed foods and a stressful lifestyle contribute to this problem. Parasites, candida, and over the counter and prescription drugs may also be part of this problem. Simply taking raw apple cider vinegar before each meal may solve this problem. Start with a teaspoon and work up to two to four tablespoons of the raw apple cider vinegar. Ginger and food enzymes may also be helpful. If you suspect candida or parasites… cleanse for each. If stress is the trigger take an herbal stress formula.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting over five million Americans. Alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation may be typical of this disease of the colon. Avoiding high-fat and fiber-rich foods may help this condition. The irritable bowel is highly sensitive and may overreact to stress, gas or eating the wrong foods. Eating correctly along with taking soothing herbal formulas may help this condition.

Two chronic intestinal inflammatory disorders are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. These disorders are commonly referred to as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) With Crohn’s disease the walls of the intestine may thicken. Symptoms may be diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, weight loss, anemia, infections and low stress tolerance. The channel of the intestine may narrow to the point of blockage. Nutrients may not be absorbed as a result.

Ulcerative colitis is similar to Crohn’s disease. It is an inflammatory disease affecting the inner liner of the large intestine. Loose, watery stools, (sometimes bloody), cramping and pain, headaches, fatigue and abdominal bloating may be some of the reactions from eating certain foods. Allergic reactions may result also due to the lack of absorption of nutrients. Soothing herbs may help these conditions. Herbal formulas for these conditions may help along with intestinal cleansing and eating a whole foods nutrition program. Controlling the foods you eat, eliminating mucus producing foods may be helpful. Avoiding all refined foods is essential to healing either of these conditions. A pure diet of raw foods is a must. Always check with your health care professional concerning these life threatening diseases.

It is estimated that over four million people suffer from peptic ulcer disease. Peptic ulcer disease is a chronic inflammation of the stomach and duodenum. It seems a spiral-shaped bacterium makes its home in the gastric mucus layer of the human stomach. Heliobacter pylori are the bacteria causing this problem. There are herbal formulas which may eliminate the problem. Nature’s Sunshine Gastro Health Concentrate is a good one.

Leaky gut syndrome is a modern health problem caused possibly by consuming substances such as alcoholic beverages, taking aspirin, prescription drugs and other over the counter medications which may not agree with the delicate intestinal mucosa. Our intestinal tract is designed to protect our internal functions from being invaded by the bacteria, food and other substances we eat. When a person has leaky gut it is exactly as it sounds. The gut is leaking; the permeability of the intestines may be compromised. Infections, inflammation and disease may be the result. The immune system may be compromised because larger molecules are getting into the blood stream. Your natural health professional will have programs that may heal this unhealthy condition.

Natural health companies have many effective programs and foods to heal many of the above problems. Probiotics may be one of the best approaches to take concerning most digestive ailments. Probiotics replace the good bacteria in our intestinal tracts. Many times this good bacteria is literally killed with antibiotic therapy, hormone therapy, prescription drugs, alcohol, and many other invading substances. When buying probiotics make sure you are getting a synergetic combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus and B. longum fortified with (FOS). Ten billion bacteria for two capsules are good. It is also important that bifidobacterium be present as well. You will find many combinations available. I use Nature’s Sunshine probiotics because of the quality.

Another supplement to consider is food enzymes. Nearly all chemical reactions in the body need enzymes to carry out the process of each function. Our body must have enzymes to sustain life. As the body ages, the ability to produce adequate enzymes slows down. Food enzymes help digest protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Enzymes also help balance the ph levels of our body. Vitamins and minerals are better absorbed, as well. The healthy bacteria in our intestinal tract are stimulated to grow with enzymes. The benefits are many. A good enzyme contains Betaine HCI, Bromelain, Bile Salt, Lipase, Alpha amylase, Pancreatin, papain, and Pepsin. Most people over forty to forty five may benefit from a supplement of enzymes.

There are many more digestive disorders that I can not cover for lack of space in this column. Check on the natural way to do things. Some are so simple.


This information is not meant to diagnose, prescribe or treat anyone. Until next time I am wishing for you, good health.

Eva may be reached at littleherbshoppe@hotmail.com