Digestion
Digestive issues affect all of us at one time or another . From upset stomach , gas , and heartburn , to constipation and diarrhea , digestive problems are painful and embarrassing . Some of the most common are :
• Food Intolerance – Often confused with food allergy , food intolerance likely allows you to eat a small amount of an offending food without any issues ( while a food allergy could be life-threatening ). Causes of intolerance include celiac disease , sensitivity to food additives , food toxins , and absence of an enzyme needed to fully digest a food .
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease ( GERD ) – A chronic digestive disease , GERD is defined as experiencing acid reflux and heartburn at least twice a week . It affects 20 percent of Americans and can cause persistent bad breath , tooth erosion , nausea , and pain in the chest or upper abdomen , or it can make swallowing and breathing hard to do .
• Hemorrhoids – Hemorrhoids are inflamed blood vessels found at the end of your digestive tract . Often painful and itchy , they are caused by chronic constipation , diarrhea , or a lack of fiber in your diet . Seventy-five percent of Americans over the age of 45 suffer from hemorrhoids . Staying hydrated , eating more fiber , or overthe-counter creams may provide relief from hemorrhoids .
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome ( IBS ) – Affecting 15 percent of Americans , IBS is characterized by stomach pain or discomfort at least three times a month for several months . Symptoms vary widely with IBS ,
making it hard to determine the exact cause . Treatment focuses mostly on diet , eliminating common trigger foods such as dairy , alcohol , caffeine , artificial sweeteners and beans . Doctors also recommend a diet high in fiber and consumption of probiotics found in yogurt .
Skin
Most likely , if you are unhealthy on the inside , it will show on the outside . Your skin often mirrors your body ’ s true overall health , so a healthy diet , exercise , and drinking lots of water will do wonders . But keep in mind : there are other ways to make your skin shine bright !
• Wear sunscreen .
• Get a full night ’ s sleep .
• Exfoliate to shrink pores .
• Hydrate your face , neck , and chest .
• Always wash off dirt and makeup before bed .
• Keep shower water warm , not hot .
• Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp .
• Keep your hands off your face .
• Sanitize your cell phone .
Bones
Bones are an important part of your body but often forgotten . They protect vital organs and provide structure to your body . Building and maintaining strong bones is important from childhood to adulthood . There are many factors that determine bone health , the most common being age . Bones become thinner as we age , with women at greater risk of osteoporosis because they have less bone tissue than men . Genetics and race also play a large role . Those who are white or of Asian descent are at a greater risk , as are those with a family history of osteoporosis .
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