Are you one of the 60 to 70 million people in the U.S. that live with constant tummy troubles?
Everyone has pain or discomfort in their gut occasionally. Maybe you ate something that didn’t agree with you. Or you had an infection that made you sick to your stomach for a few days. But if pain and other gut symptoms go on for weeks or longer, something more serious might be wrong.
The most common digestive concerns are:
-Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – two types are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
-Gastritis – inflammation of the lining of the stomach; the most common cause is an infection with bacteria called Helicobacter pylori.
-Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
-Acid reflux
-Food sensitivities
Compromised digestive function can result in energy deficiencies, lowered immunity, and weight gain. Many of these intestinal troubles can be prevented or minimized by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and practicing good bowel habits.
What’s a good bowel habit? Glad you asked! You should have 1 to 2 bowel movements a day to have your bowels completely emptied. Your BM should be soft and easy to pass. You should also be able to go with no pain or strain.
If you find yourself under the gun of these tummy troubles and you’re looking to make some healthy habit swaps, try one or more of these digestive tips to bring you natural relief:
EAT WHOLE FOODS
Whole foods are minimally processed, rich in nutrients, and linked to a wide range of health benefits. But our typical western diet consists of processed, cooked, and preservative-laden foods. Add doTERRA TerraZyme at each meal to support digestion. These digestive enzymes are often deficient in enzymes. doTERRA TerraZyme contains a blend of active enzymes and supporting cofactors that help break down food and improve nutrient absorption. Take DigestZen internally after meals to promote digestion. Take one to three drops in water or one softgel. Ease digestive discomfort after eating by chewing a DigestTab®.
GET PLENTY OF FIBER
Strive for 25 to 30 grams a day. Add 1 cup of beans or lentils to your meal, cover half of your plate with vegetables (raw or cooked), choose a whole grain as your carbohydrate serving (barley, brown rice, quinoa, oats), and eat dessert! Well, maybe a serving of fruit or some chia seed pudding. If you haven’t tried doTERRA Fiber, you are missing out on a delicious way to get your fiber! One serving of doTERRA Fiber provides six grams of soluble and insoluble fiber, CPTG® Lemon essential oil, natural vitamin C, and a unique prebiotic blend. Add it to smoothies, yogurt, breads, pancakes, or take alone with water.
STAY HYDRATED
Low fluid intake is a common cause of constipation. Your total fluid intake comes from plain water, other beverages, and foods you eat. You can also meet your fluid intake with herbal teas and seltzer water. Stay away from caffeine as much as possible since it is a known diuretic. Not a fan of water? Add some oil to it! Some of our favorites to flavor our water: Grapefruit, Lemon, Tangerine (anything citrus!), MetaPWR, and Peppermint.
