List of Gastrointestinal Problems:

Gastrointestinal problems of various kinds are commonly seen and affect almost everyone at least once in a lifetime. Gastrointestinal problems can affect one or multiple organs of a human GI tract, including stomach, intestines and colon. Some of the most common symptoms that patients complain about during their doctors’ visits are acid reflux , indigestion, constipation diarrhea and bloating

This article will give a brief overview of important factors that can help you solve your gastrointestinal problems.

Change in Diet

Avoid dietary culprits. Certain foods are dietary culprits that are well known to trigger symptoms of IBS and other gastrointestinal diseases. Among these foods are wheat, soy, dairy products, sugar, artificial sweeteners, artificial colors and additives. Some patients report worsening of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or colitis symptoms after they eat legumes, certain raw vegetable, fruits with skin on. However, all of these foods are very specific to each individual patient. An alternative to raw vegetables could be vegetables that are gently steamed to make them easier to digest for some patients. Keeping a food journal where you write foods you eat throughout the day and your symptoms will help pin point which foods might be causing your gastrointestinal problems. Strong stimulants like tea, coffee, alcohol, carbonated beverages can also have a negative effect on the health of your gastrointestinal tract. Smoking and chewing tobacco should be strictly avoided if you have gastrointestinal upsets.

Change your eating habits. Living in a high paced, multitasking world we are used to eating at our desks often rushed paying little to no attention to what and how we eat. Realizing that world is not going to come to an end if you take 30 minutes for yourself during your day is an important part of solving gastrointestinal problems. Mindful eating is very important as it allows to send the right messages to your brain that in its turn triggers production of stomach juices necessary to break down the food. Imagine if you eat mindlessly and in a hurry, this can lead to muscle spasms and foods to not being digested properly resulting in multiple gastrointestinal problems that could have been easily avoided. Set aside some time for all of your meals during the day the same way, eat from beautiful dishes preferably outside to enjoy eye pleasing landscapes. All this will help establish positive associations with food and ease most of your gastrointestinal problems. Eating more frequently during the day and eating smaller portions at a time can have an additional positive impact of how you digest your foods.

Control Stress

Chronic stress is the number one reason for recurring gastrointestinal problems. Severe stress and anxiety cause muscles all over your body to tense up and spasm uncontrollably. This also affects the muscles lining your gastrointestinal tract leading to bloating, indigestion, constipation and multiple digestive disorders. Hypnotherapy could be incredibly helpful to control common IBS symptoms and gently ease you in a relaxed state of mind. Most patients undergoing hypnotherapy report less gastrointestinal problems following a full course of hypnosis for up to five years. Hypnosis successful outcome is further reinforced by practicing self-hypnosis by listening to recorded CD’s or self-meditation. Behavioral therapy is another very effective approach that helps patients change the way they react to the world surrounding them, instilling a more positive outlook on things that previously have caused great anxiety and stress. According to multiple studies hypnotherapy and behavioral approaches are much more effective compared to medicated approach that only addresses the symptoms of gastrointestinal problems and not their root causes.

Exercise The Right Way

Patients affected by gastrointestinal problems should choose their exercises wisely. Exercises with heavy weights, extra-strenuous activities should be entirely avoided. Go for slow, free flowing movements like in Tai-Chi, Yoga or Pilates that target mind as well as body and promote a feeling of relaxation and well being. Focus on exercises that enhance proper functioning of your gastrointestinal tract like swimming, stretching and specifically abdominal exercises.

Dietary Supplements

In addition to eating the right foods, taking some herbal remedies and dietary supplements can ease most of your gastrointestinal symptoms. Probiotics that are widely available in health food store can help establish favorable intestinal flora and address problems with loose stools or constipation depending of what you have. These gut friendly bacteria should be taken with meals and preferably for prolonged periods of time. Look for probiotics that contain live and active bacteria that come from reputable sources to be effective. One Peppermint oil capsule taken 3 times per day can easy stomach cramps in patients diagnosed with IBS symptoms. One teaspoon of Sleepery Elm bark could be brewed in 2 cups of boiling water and taken during the day to calm irritated bowel.