Food Intolerance – Often confused with a food allergy,
food intolerance allows you to eat a small amount of the
offending food without any issues (a food allergy could be lifethreatening). Causes include celiac disease, sensitivity to food
additives, food toxins, and absence of an enzyme needed to fully
digest a food.
u Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) – A chronic
digestive disease, GERD is defined as experiencing acid reflux
and heartburn at least twice a week. GERD affects 20 percent
of Americans and can cause persistent bad breath, tooth
erosion, nausea, pain in chest or upper abdomen, or it can make
swallowing and breathing hard to do.
u 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
over-the-counter creams may provide relief from hemorrhoids.
u 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.
u
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