Chances are, you’ll deal with a bothersome digestive issue at some point. In fact, 40% of Americans experience them. Finding the source of these issues can ensure better digestion while bolstering your overall health and minimizing frustration.
Our team at Arundel Medical Group, Inc., located in Glen Burnie, Maryland, includes chiropractors, physical therapists, and physicians who provide health screenings and personalized care for people of all ages.
Here’s a look at several digestive issue treatments you may not have heard about.
Chiropractic care
Chiropractic experts understand that improved alignment in the spine benefits bowel function by maximizing your neurological health and function. By manually stimulating your abdomen, our team can also ease chronic constipation.
While more research is needed, a review of seven studies published in 2020 determined that there’s moderate quality evidence that manual stimulation can improve constipation. Given its usefulness for reducing inflammation, chiropractic care may also provide a complementary therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Physical therapy
Physical therapy does more than help you heal from an injury or experience less pain. Physical therapists can treat digestive issues by massaging specific muscles in your pelvic floor. As you regain control of those muscles, you may have an easier time controlling bowel function — making way for reduced issues like fecal incontinence.
Other digestive issues physical therapy treats include acid reflux, chronic bloating, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and chronic constipation.
Healthy weight loss
Weight loss may not directly impact your digestive health, but research shows that shedding excess pounds may improve the bacteria levels in your gut, leading to healthier digestion. These improvements involve greater diversity in your gut’s microbiome, which is also linked with a longer lifespan.
A diet sufficient in fiber and hydration, which promotes appetite and weight control, can improve your digestive health by stimulating normal bowel function. On average, Americans consume 10-15 grams of fiber per day, which is far less than the recommended 25-38 daily grams.
Fiber-rich foods include peas, lentils, berries, dark leafy greens, and whole-grain cereals. Especially hydrating options include fresh fruits and veggies, low-fat dairy or nondairy milk, herbal teas, and, of course, water.
If you’re struggling with digestive issues, our team can provide chiropractic care, lifestyle recommendations, physical therapy, and weight loss support to help bring you relief. To learn more or get started, call Arundel Medical Group, Inc., or request an appointment via this website today. Our friendly team is always happy to answer your questions.