Guest Author - Caramy Spencer

There are many lifestyle factors that affect the health of the digestive system as well as the well-being and functioning of the entire body. Our diet is most certainly one of the most important considerations. What we choose to eat plays an exceptionally important role for the digestive system - a role that can be symptomatically or for that matter, asymptomatically measured. Eating habits and specific foods in particular can be responsible for either diminishing and healing problems associated with the digestive system, or can be responsible for the causation and aggravation of these issues.

In upcoming articles I plan to build on the issue of diet and the role it plays when dealing with digestive health by discussing topics such as food sensitivities and how to identify them, the importance of an elimination diet and how to accomplish it, determining if you have a delayed reaction resulting from a specific food allergy you may not be aware of, and how to accomplish the task of smart food selection, just to name a few. However, I hope you will remember the impact food has on health in general, and not just on the digestive system.

Here is what I believe to be the first task in changing your lifestyle when it comes to food. These basic rules (if followed) can help you get started on the road to optimum gastric health and healing.

1. This rule will possibly be the most difficult rule to follow, due to the fact that we are inundated with unhealthy choices in our society on a constant basis. Please recall my article FDA Pulls Zelnorm, where I sate that just because something is on the market does not mean that it is safe. Surprisingly, this also applies to food and most of the food that is marketed! Our bodies, although adaptable, were made to eat non-processed foods. This means that if you can't pick it, hunt it, gather it, or grow it, DON'T EAT IT! Avoid foods that contain chemical additives and artificial dyes (many of which can be toxic to the liver and put a strain on the immune system), foods that are packaged with a list of ingredients that you cannot pronounce, and foods that are just plain altered by man. Try to do most of your grocery shopping at a store such as my personal favorite, Whole Foods, where many more healthy choices are offered than a regular grocery store. However, please don't forget to read the labels. What may appear "healthy" even at a wonderful store such as Whole Foods, may prove differently.

2. Try to keep your blood sugar as balanced as possible. This means eating small meals regularly. Overeating or consuming large meals stresses the digestive system. Try to eat approximately six small meals per day beginning as soon as you rise in the morning, consuming each meal every three or four hours at the same time each day. At each meal, strive for a balance of carbohydrates (from sources such as plant material and whole grains), lean protein, and monounsaturated fats whenever possible. Completely avoid trans fats, try to avoid a lot of saturated fats, and limit polyunsaturated fats which are acceptable in small quantities.

3. Drink at least six to eight glasses per day of clean, plain water. However, limit the amount of fluid you drink during meals as it dilutes stomach acid.

4. Spend an adequate amount of time chewing your food so that large food particles do not enter the digestive system. When this happens, bacteria release large amounts of gas causing pain and flatulence.

5. Avoid alcohol as your body converts it to sugar which can contribute to yeast overgrowth.

6. Choose organic whenever possible. This rule applies to poultry, other meats, fruits, and vegetables. Choose meats that are free of hormones and antibiotics and preferably free-range. An important tip to consider when buying fruits and vegetables is to pay attention to the little sticker on the produce or the PLU code. If the code is five digits and starts with a "9", the produce is organic. If the code is four digits, it is conventionally grown. Lastly, if the code is five digits beginning with an "8", what you will be eating is genetically modified.

The most important thing to remember is that food is information. If you want to achieve optimum health you must treat food as fuel instead of a source of enjoyment and strive to make educated decisions. However, no one is perfect. If you fall off the wagon, just get right back on.

Note: Any information that I have provided regarding gastric issues, their diagnosis, and their treatments are intended for informational purposes only and are not meant as a substitution for the advice provided by your healthcare professional. You should immediately contact your healthcare provider if you believe you or your child may have a health condition. In addition, always talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider before taking any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, or herbal supplements.