• Over 22 million Americans are hospitalized each year for digestive health concerns.
• According to the American Gastroenterological Association, chronic constipation affects 1 in 6 Americans.
• Worldwide it’s estimated that 10-15% of the population has Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
• About 50% (over 3 billion) of the global population is infected with H. Pylori, which can lead to peptic ulceration and gastric cancer.
• Over 70 million Americans suffer from a digestive health condition.

Oh man! We realize that was some heavy information, but there just wasn’t a light way to go about breaking it to you!

It’s a scary reality, isn’t it?!

Those stats are steep, and we couldn’t sit around any longer doing nothing. So, we created our Certified Digestive Health Coach program! (There we go again! Just on our mission to heal the world one Health Coach at a time!)

We get it! The symptoms that come along with gut imbalances (we’re looking at you bloating, gas, and bellyaches) are uncomfortable and miserable!

Today we’re going to offer you eleven natural ways to improve your digestive health so that you can start to wave goodbye to all those unpleasant symptoms and get back to feeling like yourself!

Before we reveal the ways to improve your gut, let’s discuss what exactly digestive health is!

WHAT IS DIGESTIVE HEALTH

The digestive system is really where it all starts! It allows us to break down and absorb the nutrients that keep us strong and healthy while protecting us from harmful microbes and toxins.

Too much inflammation in your digestive system or an imbalance in your gut flora can cause problems directly in your gut and even beyond, as is the case with autoimmune conditions for example.

And we also know that not properly absorbing foods puts you at risk of nutritional deficiencies that can affect the rest of your body.

11 NATURAL WAYS TO IMPROVE DIGESTIVE HEALTH

Fortunately, there are a large variety of natural approaches to bring relief to you if you’re suffering from digestive symptoms.

Here are eleven natural options to help correct digestive issues!

1. DIET

Removing foods and ingredients that cause inflammation or that people might be unknowingly sensitive to is the first step to start controlling digestive symptoms. Then, build an individualized, nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory, and easy-to-digest diet.

2. NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS

Many people struggling with digestive issues are at risk of nutritional deficiencies. Identifying those gaps between the intake, absorption and dietary requirements will allow you to select the nutrients that are most likely lacking.

3. REDUCING CRAMPS AND SPASMS

Magnesium is another key nutrient that is often difficult to get in sufficient amounts from food alone, and that is important to promote the relaxation of the muscles. For this reason, magnesium can help reduce spasms and cramps in people with digestive issues.

4. DIGESTIVE AIDS

Many herbs, as well as, supplements containing digestive enzymes can help better support the digestive process. Apple cider vinegar and lemon juice can also help optimize the pH of the stomach and facilitate the rest of the digestive process.

5. GUT HEALING FOODS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Supplements like L-glutamine, aloe, and slippery elm as well as foods like homemade bone broth (not the commercial kind please!) can be very beneficial for healing the gut lining, especially if inflammation and leaky gut are suspected to be present.

6. BOWEL MOVEMENT REGULARITY

Natural agents can be used to promote healthy and regular bowel movements. Some herbs can help gently stimulate the intestines if constipation is present. Hydration, probiotics as well as looking at the diet are also very important to have a good number two.

7. PROBIOTICS

Restoring the gut flora should always be an important part of the correcting phase when dealing with digestive issues. Probiotic supplements and fermented foods, as well as prebiotics to ensure the gut flora is well nourished, are essential to optimize gut health and prevent future problems.

8. STRESS REDUCTION

The importance of reducing stress by including rest, meditation, working on mindset, and prioritizing sleep should never be dismissed. You could be doing everything else right but not get your desired results if high-stress levels are present in your life.

9. ESSENTIAL OILS

They are typically used topically (often diluted) or diffused. Here are a few beneficial essential oils and their applications for digestive health:

• Lavender: Relaxation, sleep, anxiety, stress, cramping
• Peppermint: Digestion, nausea, pain
• Frankincense: Inflammation, digestion

10. GRATITUDE

Try thinking of three things you’re grateful for and the reason why. This helps to produce the hormone oxytocin and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which aids in better digestion.

11. BREATHE

Taking as little as 3-5 deep belly breaths can have a powerful impact on digestion and even make the nutrients of the meals more bioavailable.

TAKE SOME TIME TO DIGEST THIS

We know that’s a lot of information, so start with the action steps that feel right and doable for you!

Even if you don’t have massive digestive issues, using these 11 suggestions can help keep your gut as healthy and happy as possible!

Want to learn more about our one of a kind Certified Digestive Health Coach program, head here!

Comment below with what step you’re planning to start with!