Can a poor digestive system cause you to become ill?

Digestion is not a simple process, and in modern times with changing dietary habits, it is only getting more complex. We are eating more artificial than we ever used to. Truth be told, even in a diet mostly comprising of fruits and vegetables, we are not exactly sure where these products are coming from or how natural they actually are. Add to these a high sugar intake, depleting quantity of dietary fibers, high quantities of fats and salt, and you can imagine that our digestive systems are overworked. A sedentary lifestyle and stress only make the matters worse. It is therefore not surprising that a digestive system which is not working up to its full efficiency can lead to a variety of health issues. These issues may seem individually to be trivial and might not feel like a big deal but they add up and eventually turn into a menace. Even small inconveniences can be a huge problem over time. With time these problems multiply and get progressively worse especially with advancing age.

A very important point of discussion here is irritable bowel syndrome. At present, the disease is being seen with increasing frequency in the urban setting. Even young adults are seen to be presenting with symptoms pointing towards irritable bowel syndrome. Today?s fast-paced lifestyle predisposes individuals to this chronic and relapsing condition.

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What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome is a gastrointestinal disorder that causes diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps, bloating and gas formation. It is a chronic and relapsing condition that aggravates and then settles over time, only to be aggravated again at specific triggers. Over 10 lakh cases are reported in India every year, and the undiagnosed number is yet higher. The condition generally lasts lifelong with periods of settling down in between. There is no known cure in modern medicine apart from managing the symptoms as and when they appear. Homeopathy, however, has a more positive result with irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a group of symptoms and varieties in the condition are noted. For some people diarrhea is the predominant feature. For others it is constipation. In other people both or even none may be seen. There is, however, pain in the abdominal region with cramps. IBS affects work and school and accounts for many leaves taken. Quality of life is adversely affected by this condition. Stress, anxiety and fatigue are all associated with this condition.

Causes

Causes of IBS are not well known. Psychosomatic angle is definitely noted in the flare up of symptoms. Minor infections, genetic factors, food sensitivity, stress have all been implicated in the causation of this condition. However, the problem is mainly functional rather than structural. Stress inducing changes in life are known to adversely affect the healing process. Mainly dietary modifications, exercise and stress management are the major approaches taken to manage the condition.

Then there are other digestive disturbances that can adversely affect your health in the long run. Something seemingly as trivial as constipation can lead to major health issues over a period of time. As we know, long standing constipation is a risk factor for developing hemorrhoids later in life. Hemorrhoids are not only complicated and disabling by themselves, they also bring their own set of complications. Fissures and fistulae are also sequelae of these conditions. It is important to ensure that the chances of constipation are minimized. A diet rich in fibers, low in fats, oil and salt, and adequate amount of water are necessary to enhance smooth digestive function. A nutritious diet promotes emptying of bowels and keeps the body healthy.

A weak digestive system also results when it has been exposed to erratic and unhealthy meals for a long period of time. A diet that consists heavily of junk food, salt, fats and oil impacts digestive efficiency in the long run. Regular intake of alcohol also makes the matters worse. A digestive system that is thus compromised is prone to any trivial infection that may come its way. Even food that is mildly undercooked or unhygienic can lead to major stomach infections simply on account of the digestion being weak. Toxins that could otherwise be annihilated by a healthy digestive system overpower the weakened system and wreak havoc. This leads to stomach infections, food poisoning etc. Fever, cramps, diarrhea and even dysentery may occur along with fatigue, malaise and weakness. Continuing diarrhea can cause dehydration if the fluid levels are not replenished adequately. Dehydration is a serious condition that needs immediate intervention.

Another symptom that we take to be a minor issue is heartburn. Heartburn and acid reflux are signs of a poorly functioning digestive system, and these are manifested by poor eating habits. Burning pain in the chest and retrosternal region occurs usually after meals often accompanied by bitter taste in mouth. This happens due to reflux of acid from the stomach into the food pipe. The condition becomes worse when lying down which is why nights are the worst for patients with acid reflux. This is why we are always advised not to lie down immediately after eating but rather take a walk. Bloating and flatulence also occur when food is not properly digested and these are commonly seen in people with poor bowel emptying. Constant discomfort in the abdominal region significantly impacts the quality of life and hampers a person?s productivity and efficiency. Skin conditions, bad breath, fluctuating weight and inability to flourish can all be seen in a person with digestive issues.

It is clear that a bad digestive system becomes the gateway for multiple kinds of sicknesses and health problems. Now the question arises, how to maintain a healthy digestive system? What we put into our body matters, and it impacts the way our digestive system, and indeed other systems, function. Achieving good health is not possible without cultivating good dietary habits. Neither can a sedentary lifestyle be truly healthy. It is important to nurture good eating habits from a very young age and encourage the same in the younger generation.

First and foremost is to establish a routine for meals. Erratic meal timings do perhaps more harm than unhealthy food. We need to cultivate a sense of routine. Breakfast, lunch and dinner should all be taken at the same time every day so that our metabolism gets used to this routine and functions effectively. Also, it is important to take healthy snacks in between meals so that there are no long periods of starvation. These snacks must be healthy and can consist of fruits, dry fruits, nuts, salads, seeds, digestive biscuits, etc. Meals should also be well balanced. For a healthy digestion include more of fibers, green vegetables and fruits. Cut down on fatty, oily food and excess salt. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water to keep the system running well.

Homeopathic Medicine for Digestive Disorder

Medication can help solve digestive troubles. The benefit of taking homeopathic medicine for indigestion is that not only does it act temporarily to relieve the indigestion but also enhances a body?s digestive function in general. Continued usage of homeopathic medicines improves the metabolic function, stimulates healthy digestion and maintains overall health. Homeopathic medicines are also equally capable of addressing common digestive issues like constipation, bloating, flatulence, heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain and many more. These medicines work best when taken under the guidance of a qualified homeopathic physician in the correct dosage. Buy homeopathic medicine for digestive disorders.