Optimal Health University™
Presented by Robert F. DeMaria, D.C.
Empower Your Health.  Empower Your Life.

Indigestion, or dyspepsia, is a frequent complaint among people of all ages.  However, indigestion should not be tolerated simply because it is common.  On the contrary, digestive distress is a sign that the intestines are not functioning properly.  And, people with dyspepsia are at an increased risk of gastric cancer (Scand J Gastroenterol 1997;32(8):751-4).  What can you do to combat dyspepsia?  Make an appointment for a chiropractic checkup.  Doctors of chiropractic, like Dr. DeMaria, are up-to-date on cutting-edge, effective and all-natural solutions to dyspepsia.
 

The Indigestion/Chiropractic Connection

Many people with indigestion report that chiropractic care alleviates their stomach problems.  Scientific evidence also supports these reports.  For example, one Australian study found an association between indigestion and mid-back pain.  Investigators examined data on 1,494 chiropractic patients.  A whopping 46% experienced both indigestion and mid-back pain.  And, 36% noted that both symptoms tended to occur simultaneously.  What’s more, 22% of subjects with indigestion said that chiropractic adjustments provided relief. (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1996 June; 19(5):317-23).

How do chiropractic adjustments lessen stomach complaints?  And what’s the connection between back pain and indigestion?  Although more research is needed to establish a clear link, chiropractors uphold that the body works as a whole, rather than as isolated parts.  Consequently, conditions like spinal subluxations (areas in the spine where movement is restricted or bones are out of alignment) may upset the balance of the body, boost stress levels and lead to other health concerns, including indigestion.  Chiropractors use gentle, effective and safe maneuvers called chiropractic adjustments to remove spinal subluxations, allowing your body to function at optimal capacity.

Look to the Cause

The science of chiropractic upholds that the causes of patients’  complaints must be addressed, not just their symptoms.  So, if you have indigestion, chiropractic care will work to unearth the source of your disorder.  For instance, Dr. DeMaria will investigate the links between your indigestion and other, seemingly unrelated symptoms, like low-back pain.  Many traditional doctors may overlook links between symptoms like these, but the links are often the key to alleviating your discomfort.  This unique and powerful outlook on patient care helps chiropractic patients achieve optimal health.

Another way that doctors of chiropractic uncover the cause of their patients’ conditions is by employing a “team” approach to health.  In doing so, chiropractic patients are encouraged to take responsibility for their own well being.  So, think of Dr. DeMaria as your “healthy-living coach” and think of yourself as the team’s “star player.”  As such, you can speed your recovery by examining your lifestyle for possible sources of digestive distress.  Once you identify any aggravating factors, commit to eliminating them.

Common Causes of Indigestion

·         Many drugs - including some promoted as stomach soothers - provoke indigestion.  In addition, popping antacids containing sodium, magnesium or calcium may upset the mineral balance in your body.  Even seemingly benign over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin and acetaminophen are notorious promoters of stomach upset.

·         Chiropractors know that the body and mind are connected.  So, it’s obvious to chiropractors that stress and anxiety may initiate a bout of indigestion.  And, this finding has been documented in medical research.  One recent study found that, “Chronic stressors and extraintestinal and emotional symptomatologies were prominent features of functional dyspepsia” (Gut 1998;42(3): 414-20).

·         Diet often plays a role in the onset of indigestion.  For some, specific foods bring on an attack.  The most common offenders include spicy foods, meats, soy products, dairy products, fried foods, “junk” foods, alcohol and caffeine.  For others, a lack of high-fiber foods may aggravate their condition.

·         Smoking cigarettes not only harms your heart and lungs, but it may also damage your digestive tract.  Scientific studies indicate that smokers are more likely to develop dyspepsia, compared with nonsmokers (Arch Intern Med 1998; 158(13):1427-33).

All-Natural Relief

Because drugs may actually aggravate indigestion or cause other harmful side effects, until you and your chiropractor correct the cause of your disorder, your doctor may recommend an all-natural remedy.  These natural alternatives, which many traditional health-care practitioners may not be familiar with, are not only safer, but may be more effective than drugs.  Below are some examples of natural remedies your chiropractor may suggest.  (However, before trying any natural alternative, make sure to first check with your doctor of chiropractic.)

·         Peppermint is a time-tested remedy for stomach troubles.  This fragrant herb may be taken in caplet or tea form.  In one study, 39 patients took either placebo pills or caplets containing peppermint oil and caraway oil.  After four weeks, 94.5% of the patients taking peppermint oil/caraway oil combination experienced significant relief (Arzeimittelforschung 1996; 46(12): 1149-53). (One note of caution:  patients with esophageal reflux disorder should not take peppermint, as it may aggravate their symptoms.)

·         Relaxation techniques, including biofeedback, mediation, breathing exercises, guided imagery and yoga, can provide the stress relief you need to combat indigestion.

·         Chamomile tea is a folk remedy for digestive distress that many people swear by.  Experts hypothesize that chamomile may prevent discomfort by soothing the lining of the digestive tract.

·         Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a licorice extract recommended for stomach upset.  Experts speculate that DGL prompts the body to produce mucus, which coats the digestive tract and averts indigestion.  DGL may also counteract some of the destructive effects of aspirin and other drugs on the digestive tract (Scand J Gastroenterol 1979;14(5):605-7). (If you have high blood pressure, check with your health-care professional before taking DGL.)

·         The enzyme bromelain prevents indigestion in some individuals.  Bromelain is abundant in pineapple and papaya and is available in supplement form.

·         Other herbs, including aloe vera, anise and parsley, may provide relief from indigestion, although additional research is needed.

·         You may have noticed that walking after meals prevents indigestion.  This is because physical activity makes the body more productive and better equipped to process food.

Take Charge of Your Health

Although all-natural remedies are safer - and possibly more effective - than drugs for indigestion, they still address the symptoms, not the cause, of digestive problems.  Chiropractors work to identify the source of your condition and end your complaint for good.  So,  use natural remedies to relieve your symptoms, and work with your chiropractor to prevent they symptoms from occurring in the first place.  Don’t wait to take charge of your well being; empower yourself by making an appointment for a chiropractic checkup today!

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