This is something that I have to pay attention too, healing my digestive system for my overall health. So sit back and let us see what we find out.
Are you sick? Are you fat? Well, guess what, our digestive system could be one of the culprits. As a matter of fact when we have any health concerns or over-weight it could be a sign that our digestive system could use some attention. Some of the problems of unhealthy digestive system are acid reflux, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, gas, heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome.
Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and Indigestion
Acid reflux, heartburn, and indigestion can have you suffering worst than a dog with its tail ran over. You will be feeling so bad that you run straight to the medicine cabinet, plop, plop, fizz, fizz oh what a relief it is. That over the counter quick fix, can cause more problems in the long run. Antacids can create a greater imbalance in our systems, increasing the risk of ulcers or pancreatic or gastric cancer.
Some of the dietary advice is:
Avoid trigger foods, eat smaller meals (that one is really hard for me) quite drinking liquids while you eat, believe it or not a few teaspoons of apple cider vinegar aids digestion, and don't exercise or go to bed right after eating. (it is suggested to eat three to four hours before bedtime.)
A smarter way to deal with these are to use natural products. It is said that chewing gum, for 30 minutes after your meal, (sugar-free: this is a heath care site) will produce more saliva, make you swallow more often, and saliva is natural acid buffer.
Almonds
A natural remedy, eat 3 or 4 almonds after every meal, snack, every time you eat something.
Apple Cider Vinegar
In a lot of cases acid reflux is caused by not having enough acid in your stomach. The acid tells the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to tighten and close. If you don't have enough, then it thinks, that it is no big deal if it take a little break and relaxes.
Mix up to 1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons) with a glass of water. Drink before each meal. If you think this worsen your acid reflux, stop drinking it.
Banana or an Apple
Bananas contain a natural antacid. Let the bananas ripen and eat one or more a day. You can also slice up an apple and eat it a couple hours before bed. Try these simple home remedies, if it doesn't work bananas and apples are good for us. You have nothing to lose.
Baking Soda
A way that works for me is baking soda. Yes, sodium bicarbonate, right in your kitchen cabinet. It has a pH higher than 7 (which is neutral) so it neutralizes stomach acid. It also has a buffering effect, letting you go back to sleep.
It is suggested to take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of baking soda with an 8 ounce glass of water. Now, that stuff is nasty. I use a coffer cup, put as little as I think will work, then add a little water, swallow in one gulp, then chase with water.
Mustard
Mustard is an alkalizing food with a touch of acid in the form of vinegar. Because of its alkaline properties, it help neutralize the acid. It is said to be most helpful if you are feeling a bout of heartburn.
Just eat one teaspoon of good quality yellow mustard.
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Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera juice reduces inflammation so, it quiets down any inflammation that is in the esophagus as well as the stomach. Take a half a cup before meals. Be warned Aloe Vera works as a laxative. You can purchase brands with the laxative component removed.
Chewable Licorice (DGL—deglycyrrhizinated licorice):
DGL is a chewable form of licorice that has had the glycyrrhizin removed. Glycyrrhizin is the component in licorice which makes it a not-so-safe herb for those with high blood pressure or who are prone to bloating and water retention. Removing it makes the herb safe for consumption by everyone.
When you feel a little heartburn chewing a couple of DGL tables decrease inflammation in the stomach, protects the stomach lining, and soothe ulcer. It will also boost enzyme production. (enzymes helps digestion)
Ginger root Tea
Ginger root can help many of your stomach problems. Sipping a fresh cup of tea, 20 minutes before a meal, help settle the stomach and acts as a buffer against acid reflux.
Take three quarter size pieces of ginger root and simmer in 2 cups of water 30 minutes. Drink 20 minutes before you eat.
Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis):
Marshmallow contains a mucilage (slimy and soothing) quality which helps to coat the esophagus and stomach lining. That slimy substance creates a barrier against stomach acid.
You can take marshmallow as a capsule or a cold infusion (steep a tablespoon of marshmallow root overnight in two cups of cold water - you will end up with a thick, soothing, slightly bitter, and sweet-tasting concoction which instantly soothe pain).
Because of the mucilaginous qualities marshmallow may interfere with the absorption of other medications.
Turmeric (Curcuma loga):
Turmeric will relieve pain on contact. It can be used as a gargle for sore throats, heartburn and sores in the mouth.
For gargling:
Mix two teaspoons of turmeric, with warm water, and a pinch of salt. It will taste bad but, swish it around for thirty seconds or so, gargle and spit the nasty tasting solution out. Don't chase with water. Let it sit in the mouth (for sores) and swallow some to heal the digestive track. You can take turmeric in capsule form.
Note:
“As is the case with so many herbs, turmeric should be used in moderation. Too much turmeric used for extended periods of time may cause stomach distress. Since turmeric is included in Ayurvedic formulas for birth control, women trying to become pregnant should limit their consumption of the herb, and it should be avoided entirely while pregnant. Excessive use of turmeric should also be avoided in people with congestive heart failure. The curcumin in turmeric activates a gene called p53. This gene deactivates damaged cells in the heart.” (Source: Mountain Rose Herbs)
Slippery Elm
Has been used in herbal remedies for centuries to treat a variety of illnesses, including GERD (extreme acid reflux). This tree extract thickens the layer of mucous lining the stomach, creating a strong barrier against acid.
Slippery Elm is a demulcent add a protective layer to the stomach. It has traditionally been prescribed to take a couple of tablespoons in water after meals and at bedtime.
The first step to eliminating gas and bloating is to remove trigger foods from your diet. Foods such as baked beans, broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, carbonated drinks, hard candies and chewing gum are common culprits.
Add a good probiotic to your diet by eating yogurt, sour cream and cottage cheese. Make sure you buy a kind that contains live, active cultures. Drink Kefir and add miso paste to soups, stews and casseroles.
Apple cider vinegar and fennel, anise or chamomile can be taken for discomfort. Ginger tea will work well for flatulence.
Take care of your body:
By getting enough sleep, having a positive state of mind, and exercising. Exercise helps tone your muscles and a positive state of mind influences how you absorb nutrients and digest your food. Do some kind of physical activity every day. Walking, playing with your dog, aerobics or even household chores like sweeping or gardening all count as a form of exercise.
Choose healthy whole foods:
Your meals should be well balanced and proportionately sized. Don’t leave out all fat since your body needs it to slow down the intestinal tract. A wide variety of foods that includes plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits should be included in your diet. Add whole-grain foods, beans and nuts that promote intestinal health. Avoid sweets and simple carbohydrates.
Eliminate food irritants:
If you are sensitive to certain foods, eliminate them from your diet as much as possible. Dairy, gluten, soy and eggs are common culprits. Remove them one at a time from your diet until you figure out what is causing the irritation.
Heal and protect your stomach lining by taking omega-3, glutamine and zinc supplements daily. Get regular medical check-ups and screenings. Screenings can help find problems before you even become aware of them. Drink at least 8 ounces of water with every meal and snacks. Reduce the number of caffeinated and alcoholic drinks you consume and stop tobacco.
Take your time eating. Savor every bite. Avoid eating before going to bed. Try to eat at least 3 hours before you retire.
Your digestive system is a hard working part of your body. It converts food into energy and nourishes it so the body can build, repair or maintain itself. When it’s not at its best, you feel it in the form of heartburn, constipation or diarrhea. You’re uncomfortable. It can be a sign that simple lifestyle changes are needed to improve your digestive health.
Are you sick? Are you fat? Well, guess what, our digestive system could be one of the culprits. As a matter of fact when we have any health concerns or over-weight it could be a sign that our digestive system could use some attention. Some of the problems of unhealthy digestive system are acid reflux, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, gas, heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome.
Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and Indigestion
Acid reflux, heartburn, and indigestion can have you suffering worst than a dog with its tail ran over. You will be feeling so bad that you run straight to the medicine cabinet, plop, plop, fizz, fizz oh what a relief it is. That over the counter quick fix, can cause more problems in the long run. Antacids can create a greater imbalance in our systems, increasing the risk of ulcers or pancreatic or gastric cancer.
Some of the dietary advice is:
Avoid trigger foods, eat smaller meals (that one is really hard for me) quite drinking liquids while you eat, believe it or not a few teaspoons of apple cider vinegar aids digestion, and don't exercise or go to bed right after eating. (it is suggested to eat three to four hours before bedtime.)
Natural Ways to Solve Digestive Problems
A smarter way to deal with these are to use natural products. It is said that chewing gum, for 30 minutes after your meal, (sugar-free: this is a heath care site) will produce more saliva, make you swallow more often, and saliva is natural acid buffer.
AlmondsA natural remedy, eat 3 or 4 almonds after every meal, snack, every time you eat something.
Apple Cider Vinegar
In a lot of cases acid reflux is caused by not having enough acid in your stomach. The acid tells the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to tighten and close. If you don't have enough, then it thinks, that it is no big deal if it take a little break and relaxes.
Mix up to 1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons) with a glass of water. Drink before each meal. If you think this worsen your acid reflux, stop drinking it.
Banana or an Apple
Bananas contain a natural antacid. Let the bananas ripen and eat one or more a day. You can also slice up an apple and eat it a couple hours before bed. Try these simple home remedies, if it doesn't work bananas and apples are good for us. You have nothing to lose.
Baking Soda
A way that works for me is baking soda. Yes, sodium bicarbonate, right in your kitchen cabinet. It has a pH higher than 7 (which is neutral) so it neutralizes stomach acid. It also has a buffering effect, letting you go back to sleep.
It is suggested to take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of baking soda with an 8 ounce glass of water. Now, that stuff is nasty. I use a coffer cup, put as little as I think will work, then add a little water, swallow in one gulp, then chase with water.
Mustard
Mustard is an alkalizing food with a touch of acid in the form of vinegar. Because of its alkaline properties, it help neutralize the acid. It is said to be most helpful if you are feeling a bout of heartburn.
Just eat one teaspoon of good quality yellow mustard.
Herbs that Help Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and Indigestion
Continue reading below Amazon AD
Aloe VeraAloe Vera juice reduces inflammation so, it quiets down any inflammation that is in the esophagus as well as the stomach. Take a half a cup before meals. Be warned Aloe Vera works as a laxative. You can purchase brands with the laxative component removed.
Chewable Licorice (DGL—deglycyrrhizinated licorice):
DGL is a chewable form of licorice that has had the glycyrrhizin removed. Glycyrrhizin is the component in licorice which makes it a not-so-safe herb for those with high blood pressure or who are prone to bloating and water retention. Removing it makes the herb safe for consumption by everyone.
When you feel a little heartburn chewing a couple of DGL tables decrease inflammation in the stomach, protects the stomach lining, and soothe ulcer. It will also boost enzyme production. (enzymes helps digestion)
Ginger root Tea
Ginger root can help many of your stomach problems. Sipping a fresh cup of tea, 20 minutes before a meal, help settle the stomach and acts as a buffer against acid reflux.
Take three quarter size pieces of ginger root and simmer in 2 cups of water 30 minutes. Drink 20 minutes before you eat.
Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis):
Marshmallow contains a mucilage (slimy and soothing) quality which helps to coat the esophagus and stomach lining. That slimy substance creates a barrier against stomach acid.
You can take marshmallow as a capsule or a cold infusion (steep a tablespoon of marshmallow root overnight in two cups of cold water - you will end up with a thick, soothing, slightly bitter, and sweet-tasting concoction which instantly soothe pain).
Because of the mucilaginous qualities marshmallow may interfere with the absorption of other medications.
Turmeric (Curcuma loga):
Turmeric will relieve pain on contact. It can be used as a gargle for sore throats, heartburn and sores in the mouth.
For gargling:
Mix two teaspoons of turmeric, with warm water, and a pinch of salt. It will taste bad but, swish it around for thirty seconds or so, gargle and spit the nasty tasting solution out. Don't chase with water. Let it sit in the mouth (for sores) and swallow some to heal the digestive track. You can take turmeric in capsule form.
Note:
“As is the case with so many herbs, turmeric should be used in moderation. Too much turmeric used for extended periods of time may cause stomach distress. Since turmeric is included in Ayurvedic formulas for birth control, women trying to become pregnant should limit their consumption of the herb, and it should be avoided entirely while pregnant. Excessive use of turmeric should also be avoided in people with congestive heart failure. The curcumin in turmeric activates a gene called p53. This gene deactivates damaged cells in the heart.” (Source: Mountain Rose Herbs)
Slippery Elm
Has been used in herbal remedies for centuries to treat a variety of illnesses, including GERD (extreme acid reflux). This tree extract thickens the layer of mucous lining the stomach, creating a strong barrier against acid.
Slippery Elm is a demulcent add a protective layer to the stomach. It has traditionally been prescribed to take a couple of tablespoons in water after meals and at bedtime.
Gas and Bloating
The first step to eliminating gas and bloating is to remove trigger foods from your diet. Foods such as baked beans, broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, carbonated drinks, hard candies and chewing gum are common culprits.
Add a good probiotic to your diet by eating yogurt, sour cream and cottage cheese. Make sure you buy a kind that contains live, active cultures. Drink Kefir and add miso paste to soups, stews and casseroles.
Apple cider vinegar and fennel, anise or chamomile can be taken for discomfort. Ginger tea will work well for flatulence.
Other ways to improve your digestive health:
Take care of your body:
By getting enough sleep, having a positive state of mind, and exercising. Exercise helps tone your muscles and a positive state of mind influences how you absorb nutrients and digest your food. Do some kind of physical activity every day. Walking, playing with your dog, aerobics or even household chores like sweeping or gardening all count as a form of exercise.
Choose healthy whole foods:
Your meals should be well balanced and proportionately sized. Don’t leave out all fat since your body needs it to slow down the intestinal tract. A wide variety of foods that includes plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits should be included in your diet. Add whole-grain foods, beans and nuts that promote intestinal health. Avoid sweets and simple carbohydrates.
Eliminate food irritants:
If you are sensitive to certain foods, eliminate them from your diet as much as possible. Dairy, gluten, soy and eggs are common culprits. Remove them one at a time from your diet until you figure out what is causing the irritation.
Heal and protect your stomach lining by taking omega-3, glutamine and zinc supplements daily. Get regular medical check-ups and screenings. Screenings can help find problems before you even become aware of them. Drink at least 8 ounces of water with every meal and snacks. Reduce the number of caffeinated and alcoholic drinks you consume and stop tobacco.
Take your time eating. Savor every bite. Avoid eating before going to bed. Try to eat at least 3 hours before you retire.
Your digestive system is a hard working part of your body. It converts food into energy and nourishes it so the body can build, repair or maintain itself. When it’s not at its best, you feel it in the form of heartburn, constipation or diarrhea. You’re uncomfortable. It can be a sign that simple lifestyle changes are needed to improve your digestive health.
Thank you for stopping by, and reading my article "Healing Your Digestive System for Better Overall Health". I hope that you learned something. I did, hopefully we won't have to wake-up in the middle of the night with our throats and stomach raising hell.
Don't forget Y'all come back now.
Keep Smiling
reuben
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