It is estimated that approximately 62 million Americans experience digestive problems on an ongoing basis. This is due to the harmful repercussions of the standard American diet on our population coupled with the high level of stress that the average American experiences. Digestive problems can range from minor annoyances, such as gas and bloating, to life-threatening illnesses, such as crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, unremitting diarrhea, and various cancers that target digestive organs. Whatever the case, it is always worth being proactive about our digestive health. Let's take a look at a few common disorders and what can be done about them.

The standard American diet can easily lead to chronic constipation. This diet is low in fiber and antioxidants and high in difficult to digest additives and refined ingredients. Many, many people are constipated and they don't even know it. They may have regular bowel movements, but they are still not flushing their systems thoroughly, which creates intestinal toxicity. Intestinal cleansing is often a top priority in healing numerous chronic health problems. There are several natural herbal remedies and nutritional supplements that can relieve constipation and heal the underlying imbalances.

Chronic diarrhea can be dangerous for your health. It is still one of the leading causes of death in the world. Diarrhea is related to spleen weakness or intestinal inflammation. It is always a top treatment priority to heal this condition. Stress and anxiety can trigger regular bouts of diarrhea, as can processed and refined foods.

These symptoms tend to arise from eating too much or too fast, excessive stress, refined foods, coffee and alcohol, and sugar. Aside from slowing down and eating less of these foods, suggestions can be made in terms of supplementing with herbal formulas.

IBS is a very common problem that affects millions of Americans. Doctors will often diagnose IBS when the patient''s symptoms don't seem to match up with anything else, so they call it irritable bowel. This disorder is characterized by bowels fluctuating from constipation to diarrhea with intermittent abdominal pain or distention. People with IBS tend to be sensitive to a variety of foods including high fiber foods, refined sugar, wheat, and gluten products. Symptoms can continue indefinitely and can be resistant to conventional treatments.

We have treated several patients with IBS, usually with very positive results. Acupuncture theory asserts that IBS typically involves a disharmony between the liver and the spleen. The liver becomes hyperactive due to stress, anger, and frustration, which causes it to weaken the spleen, causing loose bowels and fatigue. Treatment involves relaxing the liver and strengthening the spleen.

Typical acupuncture points used in the treatment of acid reflux include:

• Ren 12:
located on the front midline of the body along the Conception Vessel meridian in the middle of the abdomen, this point is abdominal point can harmonize the stomach and relieve excess stagnation in the digestive system.
• PC 6:
located on the inner side of the forearm, three finger widths from the crease of the wrist, on the Pericardium meridian, this point can relieve discomfort in the chest and nausea.
• ST 36:
located on the front of the lower leg, four finger widths below the kneecap along the tibialis anterior muscle, this point can harmonize the stomach and lower the rising Stomach Qi that causes reflux.

Because many people with UC have nutritional deficiencies due to malabsorption in the intestines and frequent diarrhea, it is important to supplement your diet with a multivitamin. The following are supplements that may help relieve symptoms and reduce occurrence of UC:

• Probiotics may improve symptoms of UC and help prevent flare-ups. These are the beneficial bacteria the digestive tract.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids may reduce symptoms of UC and prevent recurrence of the condition. Recent scientific research shows that Evening Primrose Oil may also be beneficial for relieving UC symptoms.
• Psyllium seeds (Plantaginis ovatae) These have been studies that compared the use of psyllium seeds to the prescription drug mesalamine in people with UC. They showed that psyllium seeds may be as effective as the medication in decreasing recurrences of the disease. The two can also be used in combination.

It is important to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables and decrease your intake of sugar and fat. This dietary modification may reduce flare-ups. If you are experiencing a flare-up, a bland, low-fiber diet is best during this time.

There are some Chinese herbal formulas that also may help reduce the symptoms of UC - Shu Gan Wan, Mu Xiang Shun Qi Wan, and Xiao Yao Wan.

Most digestive disorders respond very well to consistent acupuncture and herbal treatment. Making dietary changes that restore and detoxify the gut also enhances treatment progress. Digestion is one of the main reference points for gauging one's overall health. If there are weaknesses or imbalances here, it is likely that one's overall health is compromised. Maintaining healthy digestion is an essential component in our quest for optimal health.

Read more about Digestive health in our sections on Natural Supplements and Nutrition & Lifestyle.

Read about Food Allergies and how they cause a myriad of digestive issues by clicking the ALCAT FOOD ALLERGY TEST SECTION

Learn more about how acupuncture works at the Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture section, or call 954-586-2273 for a Free Consultation.