Many people suffer from some kind of digestive complaint.  Some of the more common issues include acid reflux, heartburn, bloating, and bowel problems.

Antacids, milk of magnesia and antidiarrheals relieve some symptoms but do nothing to cure the underlying problem.

Proper digestion is crucial.  If you’re not digesting your food properly, then you’re not getting the full nutrition out of the foods you eat.  Digestive problems can be embarrassing and uncomfortable.

Solving digestive problems requires a multi-faceted approach.  Chiropractic care can be one of those facets.

How does chiropractic care help your digestion?

Most digestion takes place in your stomach and intestines.  The nerves in the thoracic and lumbar areas of the spine are linked to your digestive system.  When the spine is out of alignment, the nerves aren’t transmitting messages to the gut the way they should.  Those messages tell the gut to work properly.

Chiropractic care can address subluxations in the spine and help your nervous system to function at its best.  Doing so can relieve the symptoms of indigestion.  Chiropractic care is particularly effective at treating acid reflux, colic (cramping), upset stomach, and bowel regulation.

What else should you do if you have digestive problems?

Your body requires proper nutrition.  If you subsist on nutritionally empty, low-fibre convenience foods, your digestion will suffer, regardless of anything else you might do.

Drink plenty of fresh water.  Improper hydration can cause or worsen digestive upset.

Some people find that cutting back on caffeine reduces digestive problems.  A high-fibre diet can also help to enhance the quality of your digestion.

If you have food sensitivities or intolerances, you will want to avoid those foods.  If you’re not sure, you can be tested for food sensitivities.  Or you can try cutting a food out of your diet for two weeks, then adding it back in and tracking your body’s response.  Try foods one at a time, so you know what you are reacting to.  Some of the more common food intolerances include dairy, gluten, eggs, and soy.  Note that these foods can be part of a healthy diet for people who are not sensitive to them.

Severe abdominal pain, unexpected weight loss, chronic nausea, signs of blood, and long-term loss of appetite are symptoms that require urgent medical care.

For most people, minor and moderate digestive complaints can be alleviated through a combination of nutritious diet, adequate hydration, avoidance of problem foods, and the support of regular chiropractic care.

Discover what chiropractic care can do for you.  Call Sheppard Chiropractic Centre at (506) 635-8182 or (506) 847-7172 for an appointment.