My previous article discussed the upper portion of your digestion from your mouth to your stomach.  This issue is about the intestines, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Are these symptoms familiar?

– Bloating throughout the day
– Cramping after meals
– Irregular bowel movements (normal is at least once a day)
– Chronic diarrhea or constipation
– Excessive gas

These symptoms may occur singly or in combination. For some it’s a daily occurrence, while for others it only happens once in a while.

Your digestive system is much more than a simple tube that carries food through your body. The process of digestion starts in your mouth and continues through your esophagus, stomach, small intestines, and large intestine. Along the way, the pancreas and liver produce enzymes and bile to break down food, nutrients are absorbed in the small intestines and waste material is carried through the large intestine and eliminated.

Making a few changes can help to restore proper digestion in your intestines to alleviate your symptoms:

1. Identify possible food sensitivities and avoid these foods.
Action: This can be done by an elimination diet followed by systematic reintroduction of foods, or with a simple blood test for food sensitivities.

2. Replenish healthy bacterial flora for proper breakdown of food and absorption of vitamins and minerals.
Action: Choose an appropriate probiotic supplement at the correct dosage and incorporate fermented foods to increase the bacterial population in your digestive tract.

3. Balance soluble fibre with insoluble fibre to keep material moving through your intestines.
Action: Balance your intake of grains, vegetables and fruit.

4. Digestive enzymes break down protein, carbohydrates and fats in your stomach. This ensures proper breakdown of food before it reaches the intestines.
Action: Consider supplementing with a high quality comprehensive digestive enzyme to promote proper digestive function.

5. Decrease inflammation in your intestines by incorporating some herbs.
Action: Heal your intestines with herbs such as peppermint, barberry, turmeric and ginger.

If you need guidance to determine which approach is best suited for you, I am here to help you.