Digestive Problems – Causes, Symptoms & Remedies

What are Digestion Problems

Digestion problems occur when your body has problems breaking down and using the food that you eat. It can be caused by anything from lactose intolerance to just simply eating the wrong kinds of foods. Many people enjoy a diet high in fat and salt. This diet may be tasty, but it can wreak havoc on your digestive system.

There are many medical conditions that cause digestion problems as well. Aside from lactose intolerance there is also acid reflux disease. Lactose intolerance causes digestion problems when a person eats dairy foods.

Acid reflux disease causes severe heartburn and can even wear away the oesophagus. In addition to these problems there is regular heartburn, diarrhoea, constipation and gas. Many of these problems are aggravated by stress.

Digestion Problems Symptoms

There are many symptoms that surface with digestion problems. Some of the most common problems are upset stomach and stomach pain. These two symptoms are related to many different digestion problems.

Diarrhoea is the presence of loose or frequent stools. Constipation is marked by hard to pass stools or stools that are infrequent. Heartburn feels like a burning or pressure in the chest and it can feel worse when you swallow. Gas can cause bloating and if you are passing gas you have flatulence.

Cramping can be focused in either the stomach or the intestines. Cramping can be so bad sometimes prescription pain killers may be necessary for some people. Fatigue can be a symptom of digestion problems as well either because of problems absorbing nutrients or because of disruptions in sleep patterns caused by heartburn and pain.

Digestive Problems Remedies

Often, digestion problems can be solved through dietary changes. Cutting down on fat and salt can make you feel better and can make your digestion run more smoothly. You should eat several serving of fruits and vegetables every day and replace refined grains with whole grains. Eating yoghurt three times a day will supply your body with the pro-biotics it needs to replace bad bacteria in your gut with good bacteria. This will strengthen your immune system and help make digestion smoother.

Peppermint is a great herb for soothing just about any type of stomach discomfort. You can also use goldenseal and Echinacea to strengthen your immune system, kill off microbes and reduce inflammation. If you do not like yoghurt you may also want to take an acidophilus supplement.

Aloe Vera is also a good aid to digestion. This herb is traditionally used to treat minor skin wounds, but it has recently been discovered that it will also sooth the digestive tract.

Since digestive problems can be caused by stress, taking herbs to reduce your stress level can also help with digestive problems; try ginseng or a mixed formula like Xbiotic