Treat Digestive Problems

Thousands of people around the world suffer from digestive problems every day, and their causes range from bacteria in foods to side effects from medications. There are a number of antacid products out on the market designed to treat such problems, and although they work, some people with sensitive stomachs report negative side effects. Holistic medicine offers a variety of alternative cures that will treat the problems without creating more discomfort in its wake.

Using Probiotics to Treat Digestive Problems

One of the most common problems related to digestion is diarrhea. Diarrhea occurs when a person experiences loose and watery bowel movements more frequently than normal. Often, other symptoms include abdominal cramps and sudden urges for bowel movements. Depending on the time of day in which diarrhea strikes, it can be embarrassing as well as uncomfortable.

One possible cause of diarrhea is a lack of probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial types of bacteria that help with the digestion of food. When bad bacteria destroys the good bacteria, the resulting imbalances within the body can manifest as diarrhea. Some types of medication can also neutralize probiotics, which is why a lot of medications list diarrhea as a common side effect.

Probiotics are found naturally in foods such as yogurt and kefir. Studies show that eating one pot of natural yogurt daily can decrease the risk of diarrhea by 50%. Other foods known to contain probiotics include wheat grass, miso, cottage cheese, and sauerkraut. Probiotics are also available in supplement form, although deriving your probiotics from real food should always be the priority.

Using Teas and Juices to Treat Digestive Problems

Many teas are also great cures for the symptoms of digestive problems. Often referred to as the stomach tonic, ginger tea is one of the best for curing irritable bowels, nausea, and abdominal cramps. Furthermore, chamomile tea can help with bloating, gas, constipation and cramping, whilst peppermint tea can cure upset stomachs caused by gas or heartburn.

Aloe Vera juice is very effective at treating stomach problems. The various vitamins and minerals contained within it form a protective lining in the stomach and the esophagus, which combats the bacteria that causes various stomach problems. One glass of Aloe Vera juice in the morning, and one glass at night, can noticeably boost stomach health.

Pineapple juice is also helpful in treating the symptoms of stomach problems since it contains the enzyme bromelaine. Bromelaine is one of the enzymes responsible for digestion and breaking down food. Papaya juice, on the other hand, contains the enzymes chymonpapain and papain. Chymonpapain and papain are enzymes that are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the digestive tract, which reduces the harmful bacteria that can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea. By drinking these juices daily it is possible to greatly reduce the chances of experiencing stomach issues.

In summary, digestive problems like diarrhea can be discomforting as well as embarrassing. While there are successful over the counter medications to treat these problems, the negative effects of such medication means that natural alternatives such as teas, juices, and probiotics, are the treatments of choice for a growing number of people.