Gut Health Overview
Dr. Elia Acuna, a traditional chiropractor and clinical nutritionist in Maumee, is certified by the American Clinical Board of Nutrition (ACBN). The ACBN is a federally accredited nutrition program. Achieve Health Maumee in Maumee, Ohio can help you address a wide range of gut health issues. These include those that are stemming from nutritional deficiencies such as poor digestion and poor health.
Understanding Common Digestive Complaints
The most common health complaints are digestive in nature. The gut’s job is to take food and break it down to provide fuel to power the body. Proper digestion requires the following: proper stomach pH, healthy foods, i.e. protein, good types of fat, fruits and vegetables, flora (the friendly bacteria found in yogurt, also available in capsule form), fiber found in grains/legumes and water.
Age-Related Changes in Digestion
Most people have experienced indigestion at one time or another in their life. We lose 10% of our stomach acid production every ten years of our lives. This loss of stomach acid in turn leads to heartburn. The stomach normally produces a strong acid to aid in the breakdown of food eaten. Antacids are designed to lower acid levels. If the acid levels become alkaline, the food stuff isn’t broken down fast enough. The food stuff sits in the stomach, producing a heavy, over stuffed feeling. In time, the partly digested food stuff begins to ferment, causing the person to belch and often leads to heartburn. By re-establishing the proper stomach pH, heartburn sufferers typically may begin to enjoy food without pain again.
Fiber’s Role in Gut Health
Constipation accounts for 250 million doctor office visits per year. The average American consumes 10 grams of fiber per day. The recommended amount is 25-40 grams per day. Insoluble fiber, the type that comes from roughage, like legumes and grains, acts as scrub brushes on the intestine. Soluble fiber, what we get from oats, sticks to cholesterol thus pulling it from our system so that cholesterol is not reabsorbed by the intestine. Adequate fiber intake will keep the bowels running smoothly.
The Importance of Healthy Gut Flora
Acidophilus and lactobacillus, organisms found in yogurt are vital to the small intestine and colon health. Antibiotics wipe out these friendly organisms consequently affecting the digestive system. Symptoms can include diarrhea, stomach cramps, constipation, and yeast infections leading to poor general health. Supplementing with acidophilus and lactobacillus is one step toward relieving many health issues of the digestive track.
Food Sensitivities and Their Impact on Gut Health
A major component of intestinal problems has to do with food sensitivity. We can have food sensitivity producing symptoms that not only affect our gut, but can produce symptoms ranging from headaches, muscle and joint pain. Gluten, found in wheat and other grains is a major culprit for playing havoc on our health. Gluten tops the list of foods people have sensitivities to. By eliminating gluten containing foods many symptoms go away.
Achieve Health’s Approach to Wellness
The goal at Acuna Chiropractic for Nutrition and Wellness is to address the underlying cause of the health problem. Extensive, comprehensive questionnaires are used to help determine the origin of the health problem. Using a team approach Dr. Acuna coaches the patient on therapies to restore health and well being. Compliance brings remarkable results. Remember, health is a journey, not a destination.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is meant to be used for educational purposes only, and is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. For further diagnosis, treatment, or if you have questions about the content of this article, please contact Dr. Elia Acuna of Achieve Health Maumee.
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