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|  Digestive disorders are many and varied due to the complexity of the digestive system.
The digestive system is a tube – approximately 9 metres long – running from your mouth to your anus. However, it consists of a number of organs, each having a distinct role in the process of digesting and absorbing nutrients from food. These organs are: The mouth The oesophagus The stomach The small intestine The large intestine (colon) The rectum The anus. Other organs, such as the pancreas, liver and gall bladder, play a major role in the digestion of food without actually being a part of the system itself. Each of these organs is prone to it’s own unique disorders ranging from embarrassing and annoying to potentially fatal. Fortunately, most of these disorders can be prevented or, at least, have their symptoms eased. However, whilst it is relatively simple to lessen these symptoms, the underlying causes can be complex and varied, requiring – in some cases – seeing a specialist for extensive diagnostic evaluations, tests and even an endoscopy. The first step to take with any digestive disorder is to keep a diary. List your dietary intake, medications (especially antibiotics), when your problem flares up, stressful situations and anything you feel may be affecting your mental as well as physical well-being. Over a period of time, any distinct patterns will become noticeable and provide valuable information for a health practitioner to asses your system and advise you on a course of action to rectify the situation. Meanwhile, the more common symptoms (such as acid reflux, constipation, diarrhoea, heartburn, indigestion and wind) can be treated with relative ease to make your life a little more comfortable.
Useful supplements:
Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce pain and swelling. When taken orally as a juice it soothes any irritation in the throat and oesophagus and can help prevent scarring. It also has natural healing and detoxifying abilities and works gently within the intestinal tract to help break down impacted food residues and thoroughly cleanse the bowel. It can help ease constipation and prevent continuing diarrhoea and so help to reduce discomfort and bloating. Calcium carbonate is used as an antacid to relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, and stomach upset. Chewable tablets are the best way to take this supplement for this complaint and should be well chewed and followed with a full glass of water. This supplement should not be taken for more than 2 weeks for this condition without your doctors knowledge. Centaurium is a herbal stomach bitter that, when taken 15 minutes before a meal, triggers the secretion of digestive juices in the stomach. Whilst this helps to improve digestion it also aids in the production of the hormone “gastrin” which helps to tighten the lower oesophagus sphincter and so reduce the tendency for reflux of the stomach contents. This herb is most useful for any indigestion symptoms experienced from the bottom of the ribcage upwards. Dandelion root acts on the liver to improve the production and delivery of bile that is necessary for the metabolism of fats, thus reducing the amount of undigested food available to intestinal bacteria and so reduce the amount of gas produced as a by-product. Digestive enzymes occur naturally in your body and are needed to break down proteins, carbohydrates and fats. If you don’t have enough enzymes in your system, one of the indicators is bloating. This, again, is due to the intestinal bacteria producing gas. All the food and nutritional supplements you consume won’t do any good if they are not sufficiently broken down and absorbed by the body. Additionally, microwaving, traditional cooking and processing of food destroys the enzymes that could be utilized by your body to supplement it’s own. A good, broad based enzyme supplement will help you support your body’s natural metabolism processes. Lactase is an enzyme that lives in the small intestine and digests the lactose that naturally occurs in sugar and milk. It is fairly common to have insufficient lactase in your system and this can lead to lactose intolerance with it’s symptoms of build up of gas and abdominal bloating. A lactase supplement, when taken directly before a meal containing dairy products will help alleviate these symptoms. Peppermint calms the muscles of the stomach and improves the flow of bile, which the body uses to digest fats. Because it has a relaxing effect, it aids the body in the removal of digestive gasses. If you suffer from acid reflux, peppermint should not be used.
Probiotics increase absorption of all food nutrients like vitamins and minerals by improving your digestive function and so easing many symptoms of poor digestion – including bloating and diarrhoea. Probiotics are particularly useful after a course of anti-biotics when your whole digestive system will need re-populating with these “friendly” bacteria. Psyllium husks provide fibre and help ease constipation my making the stools softer and easier to pass. As they absorb large amounts of water, be sure to drink plenty of fluids whilst taking this supplement. Oddly enough, as psyllium husks absorb large amounts of fluid, they can also bring relief to sufferers of diarrhoea. Senna pods are used medicinally as a laxative. Containing an organic compound called senodides, senna stimulates the activity of the colon and increases fluid secretion in the colon, thus softening the stool and aiding its passage. Senna should not be taken for more than 10 days. Slippery elm is an herbal remedy made from the bark of a tree native to America and Canada. This bark has a large mucilage (or gum) content that soothes and heals the digestive tract to such an extent that many people claim it has an instant effect on heartburn and acid reflux. Yarrow calms inflammation and spasms in the digestive tract and stimulates the whole digestive tract. This herb should be taken before a meal for best results, but can be taken afterwards if indigestion develops.
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