Simple fixes for common digestion problems

Digestive problems are common amongst Canadians. According to the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation, over 20 million Canadians experience symptoms ranging from minor annoyances (such as mild heartburn) to potentially life-threatening illness (such as a perforated ulcer).

While continuing to suffer from a wide range of disorders and possible symptoms, it’s possible to live with many of these ailments without ever being diagnosed. If you want to learn more about these common digestion problems and how certain remedies and lifestyle changes can be simple fixes for them, continue reading.

LACTOSE INTOLERANCE

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, the sugar found in dairy products. This often leads to gas, bloating, cramps and diarrhea anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours after consuming dairy products.

What helps?

If you suffer from lactose intolerance, avoid consuming milk and other dairy products, specifically those that cause you the most discomfort. Digestive enzymes containing lactase can help as needed, in addition to regular daily consumption of probiotics may also provide relief. Symptoms will decrease with time and most likely won’t require medical attention.

GLUTEN SENSITIVITY

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. Recognition of gluten sensitivity is not very easy. Medical tests often fail, turning up negative while people continue to suffer a wide range of symptoms. Traditional gluten intolerance blood testing looks for only one of six polypeptides in wheat, gliadin; but there are five others. Any one or a combination of these five can cause anyone to have reactions to wheat. Common symptoms of gluten sensitivity include gas, bloating, queasiness, abdominal cramping, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue and headaches. Note that  gluten sensitivity is not Coeliac, which is complete intolerance to gluten involving an immune response.

What helps?

The key is learning to read food labels and eliminating foods with gluten. A gluten-free diet generally leads to full recovery for most sufferers.

CONSTIPATION

Constipation occurs when bowel movements become difficult or less frequent. The normal length of time between bowel movements ranges from person to person, however, going longer than three days without a bowel movement can be alarming. After three days, the stool becomes harder and more difficult to pass. Almost everyone gets constipated occasionally during their life. It can be a concern although it’s not usually serious.

What helps?

Most cases of constipation respond to dietary changes and exercise, preventing the need for laxatives. Try increasing your fibre intake (fruits and vegetables, wheat or oat bran, psyllium seeds). Also start at a low dose and increase every 1-2 weeks until the desired effect is achieved. Increasing water intake is also very important, and essential when increasing fibre intake. Some probiotics are also effective as a non-drug treatment for constipation.

DIARRHEA 

Diarrhea describes bowel movements that are loose and watery. It is very common and usually not serious.The most common cause of diarrhea is a virus that infects the gut. The infection usually lasts for 2-3 days and is sometimes called “intestinal flu” or “stomach flu”.

What helps?

It’s important to keep replacing your body’s supply of water. Avoid fruit juices since fructose can be hard to digest and which can make diarrhea worse. Soluble fibres (like psyllium) can soak up excess fluid in your intestine and slows down the passage of stool. High dose probiotics supplementation can also provide relief, especially if associated with antibiotic use.

1.  Over 20 million Canadians suffer from digestive disorders every year.

2.  Consider lifestyle changes as they can be simple fixes for common digestive problems.

3.  Probiotics are an effective non-drug cure for many digestive disorders.

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)

IBS is an intestinal disorder defined by abdominal cramping and changes in bowel movements (constipation, diarrhea or an alternation between both). Sufferers experience frequent bloating, discomfort and emotional distress. It is thought that people who have IBS are particularly sensitive to certain foods and stress.

What helps?

Certain lifestyle changes can help relieve symptoms. These include increasing your fibre intake, identifying your trigger foods such as alcohol and caffeine and avoiding them, eating smaller meals, and exercising regularly.  Numerous probiotics have also been clinically-proven to reduce IBS symptoms.

So what’s the solution to ensure digestive health? The secret is choosing the right probiotics. Yogurt based products contain probiotics but do not contain the right combination of probiotics strains and colony forming units (CFU) to support the above listed digestive health issues.

Innovite Health introduced the patented DDS®-1 strain to Canada and it is still perhaps the most effective strain ever developed. That is why DDS®-1 is only available in each of Innovite’s superior probiotic formulations. Don’t take our word for it. Check out the over 40 years of clinical research. Or better yet, join the millions who use and feel the difference DDS®-1 can make to overall health.

Innovite Health is leading the probiotic revolution with its award winning Vegan probiotic line. Specially formulated to meet individual needs at any life stage, the exclusive non-GMO formula with its Gluten/Dairy/Soy free option is a hit for the discerning probiotic user. Learn about Innovite Health’s various probiotics products to support your unique digestive needs – Senior Daily Probiotics / Sensitive GI Probiotics / Feminine Support Probiotics or the Family Daily Probiotics Chewables (a delicious probiotic option).

Immunity is also directly related to gut health. Microbes in the gut stimulate the immune system as needed. There’s an increasing disruption of these microbes from lifestyle, diet, overuse of antibiotics. With the upcoming cold and flu season, build your immunity with some probitioc arsenal.

*  Receive 20% off when you buy any Probiotics product from Zwell.ca, use promo code ZMDDS20.

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This article is brought to you by Zwell.ca – Live Better Longer.