The digestive system includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, anus and rectum--connected organs that help the body break down food and absorb nutrients. In addition to medical treatments, natural remedies may help treat common digestive problems, such as diarrhea, constipation, gas and bloating. Since herbal remedies and dietary supplements may cause side effects and lack evidence of safety and effectiveness, the Office of Dietary Supplements suggests medical guidance before their use.
Herbal Remedies
Numerous herbal remedies are available for digestive problems. According to an American Chronicle article form April 23, 2007, black tea powder and ground peppercorns may help relieve symptoms of diarrhea--loose, frequent stools. The herbs dandelion root and dried dog rose, also called hip rose, may relieve constipation--difficulty or inability to pass stool. A mixture of crushed buck-thorn bark, cumin seeds and dried chamomile flowers or drinking aloe juice may also help stimulate bowel movements or improve symptoms of hemorrhoids--swollen veins in the anus. Adding the herbs centaury, chamomile and sage to boiling water may help alleviate colitis--an inflammatory bowel disease--symptoms, such as inflammation and pain.
Probiotics
Probiotics are helpful bacteria, similar to those naturally contained in the digestive system. They support proper digestive and immune system function and, in some cases, produce vitamins. Doctors may prescribe probiotics for people with digestive problems and those taking antibiotic medications, which tend to reduce helpful bacteria content in the body. Though probiotics can be reaped from numerous foods, such as cultured dairy products, natural health expert Dr. Andrew Weil suggests taking probiotics in supplement or capsule form as a means of improving digestive health and overall wellness. Food sources of probiotics include yogurt with active cultures, kefir (a yogurt-like beverage), buttermilk and fermented soy products. Numerous foods and beverages fortified with probiotics are also available.
Dietary Changes
Certain foods may trigger indigestion, while others may improve digestive processes. The Cleveland Clinic recommends avoiding foods known to trigger indigestion. Though people react to foods differently, common triggers include high-fat foods, greasy foods and acidic foods, such as tomato sauce and alcoholic or caffeinated beverages. Fatty foods can also trigger heartburn and reflux--the regurgitation of stomach acid into the esophagus. Dietary fiber plays a significant role in digestion. The American Dietetic Association recommends 25g of fiber daily for adult women and 38g daily for adult men as a means of improving digestive health and reducing risk for numerous chronic diseases. Valuable sources of dietary fiber include whole grain breads and cereals, starchy vegetables, legumes, fruits and vegetables. Fiber should be gradually incorporated into a person's diet to allow time for the body to adjust and to avoid negative symptoms, such as gas and bloating.
