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5 Tips To Relieve Digestive Distress

By Jen Broyles
December 31, 2012 4:44 PM EST

Have you ever experienced that uncomfortable feeling of bloating, heaviness, and other unfortunate side effects after eating too much or eating the wrong thing?

If you’re like most people, you’ve experienced this at least once in your life. I’ve dealt with digestive complications for years, and I’m just now beginning to manage them effectively.

Compromised digestion is very common; it’s just not a popular topic of conversation. Many chronic digestive issues are diagnosed as IBS although there are specific root causes that need to be determined.

Whether you deal with stomach troubles on a regular basis or just occasionally, try these simple tips to ease your pain. When you’re able to normalize your digestion, you will feel lighter, more energetic, and much happier.

Hot water with lemon

Warm water is soothing and helps to stimulate the digestive tract and keep things moving along. Lemons are high in vitamins and minerals, and they help detoxify the body by removing toxins in the GI tract.

Ginger tea

Ginger has many digestion friendly properties. If you’re experiencing stomach cramps, gas or nausea, try sipping on some ginger tea. It also helps ease throat and nose congestion. Ginger tea is extremely soothing and can be found at most grocery stores. You can also make your own by adding fresh, peeled ginger to boiling water. Lemon, honey or Stevia can also be added.

Probiotics

As we age, the healthy bacteria, necessary for proper digestion, starts to decrease. It’s critical to maintain optimal levels of healthy bacteria in your gut to prevent any digestive distress. Taking a probiotic with several different strains of healthy bacteria can reduce uncomfortable symptoms such as gas, bloating, cramps, constipation, and/or diarrhea.

Exercise

Exercise can help improve the efficiency of the digestive process and reduce stress. Light to moderate exercise can help normalize your digestive system and leave you feeling lighter and more energetic. Exercises such as yoga are also great for reducing stress and anxiety, which have a direct impact on digestive function.

Fiber

Increasing your fiber intake can also help overcome stomach discomfort. Fiber helps to cleanse your body by moving things along in the digestive tract. Fresh fruits and vegetables are great sources of fiber. Strive to consume 6 to 8 servings of fresh fruits and veggies per day.

If your digestive upset is more severe and negatively affecting your daily life, seek professional help. Diseases such as Crohn’s, colitis, and celiac should not go untreated. It may be worth getting tested to rule out autoimmune diseases, food intolerances, and yeast/bacterial overgrowth.

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About the Author

Jen Broyles

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Jen Broyles is a Certified Holistic Health Coach who inspires busy individuals to get healthy and happy. Realizing that her career in the pharmaceutical industry was not fulfilling her desire to help people live healthier lives, Jen found her true passion in the field of nutrition.

Jen received her certification in nutrition to help improve the health of others as well as her own health. After years dealing with IBS symptoms, headaches, and skin conditions, she started doing her own research. She was surprised to learn that food intolerances and digestive imbalances were at the root of her problems. Understanding the powerful role that food has on optimal health, Jen is eager to share her knowledge with others. She now coaches clients on nutrition and overall wellbeing, and she shares recipes, health tips, and advice on her website.

Jen is the creator of the Pure Health By Jen Online Nutrition Programs for those who want a step-by-step guide to learn how to lose weight, shop and prepare healthy meals, increase energy naturally, and gain confidence. She offers exclusive 5-Day, 14-Day, and 28-Day online nutrition and detox programs as well as individual nutrition counseling. Jen enjoys cooking, yoga, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.