Digestive Health

Holistic Digestive Care For General Well-Being

Digestive disorders are one of the most common health concerns in modern society.  Many of us put up with the discomforts of weak digestive health for years and suffer in silent. 

Many health ailments arise from weak digestive system.  Research indicates that digestive disorders are more than twice as common in females than males, which is due to the influence of ovarian hormones (estrogen and progesterone) that affect digestion.

Studies show that foods transit time slows significantly during the last two weeks of a woman’s monthly cycle (the luteal phase) with a distinct rise in digestive complaints right before period starts.  Hence, many ladies experience more frequent indigestion and bloated stomach during this time.  

Post-menopausal women also experienced similar digestion woes during this same period of time.  Therefore, a decrease in ovarian hormones which co-relates to aging, is strongly linked to the rise in symptoms of weak digestive health.

Common symptoms that are often experienced by ladies that may require further medical attention are: 

• Bloating, belching, burning, flatulence after eating;

• Gastric pains (despite having eaten food);

• Indigestion, diarrhea, constipation;

• Undigested food in the stool;

• Greasy stools;

• Nausea and or, regurgitation;

• Abdominal/ intestinal pain;

• Loss of appetite; 

• Bleeding in stools (from the digestive tract); 

• Chronic intestinal infections by parasites, yeast and or fungi;

• Rectal itching;

• Post- adolescent acne or other skin problems like eczema and rosacea; 

• Iron deficiency;

• Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation);

• Skin that bruises easily;

• Weak or cracked finger nails.

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In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theories:

• The index finger to the base of the palm relates to the digestive system, in particular, the colon and its functions

  • Weakness, stiffness, or protruding, swollen, greenish-blue veins may reflect a weak digestive system that could be congested with toxins.  

  • For example, one of the factors for constipation is weaker colon which affects frequency of bowel movements.  The longer the bowels stay in the colon, the more toxins are accumulated in the body.

• The intestines correspond with the lower lip

  • The top part of the lower lip links to the small intestine, while the lower part of the lower lip relates to the large intestine (colon).  

  • Pimples or acnes that often appear around the lower lip and surrounding area and ulcers that are usually seen at the inside of the lower lips, or sores that are frequently found on the lower lips, may reveal intestinal concerns. 

• Health concerns in the large and small intestines often co-relate to lung or breathing issues

• Depression or sadness, pessimistic view of life, gloomy, or feeling disconnected from family and friends, are also connect with weak digestive health

• Lack of focus and concentration

• Weak immunity, frequent fever or infections

• Fatigue - physical and or, mental. 

Weak digestion and intestinal concerns are becoming more common in young adults than before.  Below are some of the contributing factors:

• improper eating habits

• wrong food choices;

• overeating; 

• overwork;

• sedentary lifestyle; 

• irregular meal times;

• eating late at night;

• insufficient water intake;

• snacking between meals; and 

• inadequate chewing of food.

Digestive problems often cause poor absorption of nutrients that is needed by our bodies to maintain good health.  The result is nutritional deficiencies that can lead to increased risk of chronic diseases, early aging, internally and externally.

All our body systems are dependent upon and interconnected to one another to function well.  Two- thirds of our immune system is embedded in our digestive system.  Thus, healthy digestive system leads to better immunity.  Also, stronger digestive system aids nutrients absorption which helps to enhance memory, circulation, energy and overall general well-being.  Therefore, it is worth every effort and time to care for your digestive system and to ensure its proper functioning.  

Improve your quality of life and promote long-term health by beginning with efforts to strengthen your digestive system with a holistic mind, body and soul/spirit approach.  When you intentionally make healthy and positive changes a priority to your lives, you give yourself a chance to be healed and restored.  

Give this a try and discover a healthier you!