NATURAL DIGESTIVE AIDS

A digestive aid is something that we can take to help the process of digestion by the body.  Sometimes, a person’s digestive system might not work properly or it may not be able to digest certain types of foods and this can be dangerous to our health because if food is not digested properly, the body will not be able to absorb all the essential nutrients needed for all the many required functions. In extreme cases, this can lead to malnutrition, digestive disorders and disease.

Digestive aids are helpful in such situations since they aid in the process of digestion and absorption of essential nutrients. Properly digested food corresponds to a healthy metabolism, controlled weight, and overall healthy body.

Digestion is the way your body breaks down food particles to be absorbed into the blood stream. Unfortunately, there are a number of things which disturb the digestive process, resulting in complications such as excess gas, bloating, nausea, constipation and diarrhea. If you would like to minimize these unpleasant symptoms and improve your digestive health, you can easily do so by making a few minor changes to your diet and lifestyle. Consider these suggestions to help aid digestion naturally.

In the real world, herbs are still used, along with nutritional and enzymatic supplements, to safely and effectively improve digestion. Here’s a quick reference guide to the best traditional and modern remedies for relieving the many symptoms of digestive distress. They’re all available at your local health food store.

Natural Digestive Aids: Your Quick Reference Guide

Aloe vera: Juice from the aloe vera plant is used as a general digestive aid and to soothe inflamed mucous membranes.

Artichoke extract (Cynara scolymus): A popular, traditional European remedy used to calm upset stomach, stimulate digestion, and reduce

constipation.

Betaine Hydrochloride: This beet-based source of hydrochloric acid increases stomach acid and is one of the most effective supplements for indigestion caused by hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid). Most common in those over the age of 50, low stomach acid causes poor nutrient digestion and absorption and leads to fatigue.

Calcium and magnesium chewable tablets: Calcium carbonate is a natural antacid and magnesium is essential for relaxation of smooth muscles, including the large intestine. Natural mint-flavoured, chewable tablets are ideal.

Camomile: Camomile tea, made from the dried flowers, is an excellent home remedy for upset stomachs. It relieves heartburn, indigestion, colic, and general stress. It also has mild relaxant and sedative properties. Brew the tea in a covered container to prevent loss of the active constituents in steam. Let the flowers steep at least 10 minutes before pouring.

Dandelion: The dried roots and fresh greens are both used traditionally as an overall digestive and liver tonic.

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL): This herbal extract soothes the digestive tract by increasing the mucosal lining. The best form to use is a chewable tablet that can provide quick relief.

Digestive bitters: A variety of pre-mixed herbs with bitter compounds help stimulate digestion, increase bile production in the gallbladder and bile flow from the liver, while strengthening bowel function.

Digestive enzymes: Supplemental enzymes are made from a variety of sources including animal, plant, microbial fermentations (also called plant-derived), and concentrated food or plant extracts. Microbial fermentation is the most common source of enzymes. There are three major categories of digestive enzymes, one category for each of the three macronutrients we eat: protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Some enzymes, such as pancreatin, overlap into all three categories. Choosing the most appropriate digestive enzymes depends largely on the types of foods that cause digestive difficulties, but most people find multiple enzyme formulations most helpful.