The process of digestion starts in our mouth and ends in the small intestine. However, minerals and water reabsorption take place in the large intestine of the body.

Any disturbance in the gut (from the mouth to the large intestine) can cause digestion problems. But mostly we feel digestion issues in the stomach. It is because of the disturbance in the stomach acid production which may cause acid reflux, indigestion, heartburn, and bloating issues. Some other digestion problems include constipation and diarrhea.

Constipation- difficulty in passing stools may be due to one of the following reasons:

•    Low intake of water 

•    Low consumption of fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain cereals 

•    Lack of exercise

•    Medicinal abuse

•    Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement

•    Overuse of laxatives

Preventive measures to avoid constipation:

To avoid constipation, it is highly encouraged to maintain the fluid levels in the body by drinking a high amount of water. Also, make sure to have an adequate intake of fiber-rich foods such as whole fruits, and vegetables, especially in the form of salad. 

Diarrhea- loose water, and frequent bowel movement can be due to one of the following reasons. 

•    Bacterial and viral infections such as food poisoning 

•    Lactose intolerance 

•    Fructose, in the form of High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), an artificial sweetener may lead to bloating, flatulence and diarrhea in those people who have fructose intolerance

•    Digestive disorders such as IBS (inflammatory bowel syndrome), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease

•    Artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol in sugar-free products  

Preventive measures to avoid diarrhea:

In diarrheal conditions, avoid taking fiber in the diet because it will increase the bowel movement and the situation may become worse. However, it is encouraged to maintain the salt and fluid balance in the body by taking ORS and low fiber diet such as BRAT diet. BRAT diet constitutes bread, rice, apple sauce, and toast. It is good to take white bread, and white rice because they are low in fiber and can easily be digested. 

Bloating- abdominal discomfort in which the belly feels full and tight, often due to gas. Bloating occurs due to any of the following reasons;

•    Difficulty in digesting foods

•    Eating foods too fast 

•    Chewing gum

To avoid frequent bloating issues, it is encouraged to:

•    Eat slowly, and properly chew the foods

•    Avoid chewing gums 

•    Avoid taking high fiber foods that can cause bloating such as cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, prunes, and apricots

Not only diet, but supplements from natural extracts also help in maintaining stomach health and the digestive system. 

What are the best supplements to regulate metabolism and boost immunity?

1.    Ventacid

Ventacid is a dietary supplement that is safe to use because it contains two antacids, calcium carbonate, and magnesium hydroxide, which help neutralize the gastric acid produced in the body. It helps provide fast and effective relief from stomach issues such as heartburn, acid reflux, and bloating, hence improving the digestion process. Adding 2-4 tablets daily preferably after meals may help improve the digestion issues in the body. 

2.    Turmeric Curcumin

Turmeric is another supplement that helps regulate the metabolism of the body and keeps the digestive system in the optimum state. Turmeric has been used as a digestive healing agent due to its bioactive compounds. 

Nutrifactor’s Turmeric contains Curcumin, an active ingredient that acts as a strong antioxidant. It fights with free radicals and protects us from oxidative stress. Curcumin helps regulate the body’s metabolism, especially fat metabolism. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce inflammation. Consuming one capsule of Turmeric daily may help with improving the overall well-being, especially digestive health and joint health. 

References: 

•    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4059-constipation

•    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diarrhea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352241#

•    https://www.healthline.com/health/abdominal-bloating#causes

•    https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/features/bloated-bloating

•    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/306981#positive-side-effects

•    https://newfrontiersmarket.com/the-importance-of-healthy-digestion/

•    https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/turmeric-and-black-pepper