Over 100 million adults in the USA have recurrent, long-term gastrointestinal problems. Common digestive disorders include colitis, peptic ulcers, acid reflux disease, heartburn and Crohn’s disease.
Many digestive disorders are the result of an unhealthy or irregular diet. Other causes are over cooked food, lack of exercise and stress. Many symptoms can result including:
· Nausea
· Vomiting
· Diarrhea
· Heartburn
· Bloating
· Stomach pains
· constipation
Nutritional Therapy
Peppermint and Caraway Oil
Peppermint is a wonderful herb for soothing the stomach. It calms the muscles and improves bile flow. (The body produces bile to help digest fats). When the stomach is calmer food passes through easier and is absorbed quicker. Peppermint oil alleviates symptoms of IBS, such:
· stomach cramps
· bloating
· nausea
· acid reflux
· indigestion
Ginger
Ginger is a warming, tasty plant root that helps boost the immune system and the metabolism. It alleviates symptoms such as:
· vomiting
· nausea
· intestinal cramps
Bromelain
Bromelain is an enzyme that is extracted from the stems of pineapple plants. It has recently become a popular natural supplement because of its effective anti-inflammatory effects. These can work on the intestinal walls to reduce painful swelling and can also be taken as a substitute for pancreatin.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D stimulates the absorption of calcium. Vitamin D is poorly absorbed by people with active inflammation in the small intestine and those who overuse corticosteroids. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to joint pain, low bone density, and osteoporosis. Vitamin D is found in butter, fish liver oils, eggs, liver, fortified milk, and vitamin D supplements.
Grape Seed Extract
Grape seed extract is derived from the small seeds and, occasionally, the skins of red grapes. It is rich in flavonoids, phytochemicals that have antioxidant properties. Beyond their antioxidant properties, these flavonoids are thought to improve blood circulation and strengthen blood vessels. Grape seed extract has anti-inflammatory effects. The antioxidants in grape seed can also deter cancer.