Natural Remedies for Digestive Problems

Natural Ways to Sort Out Digestive Problems

A growing number of people suffer from various digestive problems ranging from irritable bowel syndrome and indigestion. With a direct link between Osteoporosis and medications such as Protonix and Nexium that are frequently used for various gastric symptoms, more and more people are searching for natural digestive aids which may restore calm to those tummy troubles.

Aloe Vera Juice: Restoring Digestive Balance. Aloe Vera is well known for its soothing, cleansing and anti-inflammatory properties and its beneficial effects on gastrointestinal health. Aloe Vera may help to promote the absorption of nutrients through the digestive tract, and my help normalize blood sugar levels. Digestive system disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Acid Indigestion, and Colitis may all benefit from Aloe Vera juice.

Pro-Biotics (Acidophilus): Lactobacillus acidophilus is a type of “friendly” bacteria that serves as a digestive aid. The flora in the healthy colon should consist of at least 85% lactobacilli and 15% coliform bacteria. However, the typical colon bacteria count today is the reverse. This can result in gas, bloating, intestinal and systemic toxicity, constipation, and malabsorption of nutrients, and is conducive to an overgrowth of Candida.

It is believed taking an acidophilus supplement helps to combat these problems by returning the intestinal flora to a healthier balance.

Peppermint Oil: Muscle Cramps. Peppermint teas are used around the world to calm queasy stomachs and to quell digestion. Peppermint oil blocks the contractions of the smooth muscles lining the intestines, reversing some of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. It also stimulates the release of bile, which may help to ease crohn’s disease.

Green Tea: Green tea is a powerful antioxidant that can assist in the digestive process. Green Tea and black tea come from the same plant, but green tea is less processed so more of the original plant substances survive in this herb. Green Tea is both a stimulant and an antioxidant with a diversity of healing properties.

Ginger: Digestive Stimulation. For 2,500 years, Ginger has played an important role in Asian medicine. It has traditionally been used to promote cleansing of the body through perspiration, to calm nausea, and to stimulate the appetite. Records show that it was used for numerous stomach conditions including stomach ache, diarrhea, and nausea and bloating. It is believed that ginger is a classic tonic for the digestive tract.

Water with lemon or organic apple cider vinegar helps to alkalinize the stomach naturally. The fiber in these fruits has an alkaline base.

Pamela Egan, MN, NP, CDE is a board certified Nurse Practitioner, Certified Diabetes Educator, Clinical Specialist in Gerontology/Mental Health, and ABAAHP Diplomat.

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