Animal protein provides essential amino acids. While protein can be sourced from plant-based foods, plants lack one amino acid, which the body needs. Moreover, the digestive system has an easier time breaking down animal proteins. It is also a fact that the highest quality protein is sourced from animal products. If you have switched to a plant-based diet and are experiencing digestive issues, you may want to consider reintroducing animal protein back into your diet. With moderation, you can ... [Read More]
Digestion
Adjusting to a lactose-free lifestyle
There are many reasons why your doctor would recommend a lactose-free lifestyle. You could be lactose intolerant or dairy products may trigger or exacerbate gastrointestinal conditions that you have. When you choose to go lactose-free, there may be an adjustment period that you have to go through to fully adopt a lactose-free lifestyle. Here are a couple of tips that can help ease the transition. Read Labels Closely When grocery shopping, read the product labels to find out if it contains ... [Read More]
Common Upper GI Disorders
If you are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, or difficulty swallowing, this can indicate an upper GI (gastrointestinal) tract disorder. If you frequently suffer from these symptoms, it may be time to seek the expertise of a gastroenterologist for further investigation in order to treat the underlying condition effectively. The upper GI tract consists of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine), while ... [Read More]
How Does The Digestive System Work?
One of the most important systems in the body is the digestive system. Without it, there would be no converting of the food we eat into energy or the elimination of toxins from the body. A healthy digestive system is invaluable. If you’re curious as to how the digestive system works, here it is. The Digestive System The digestive system is divided into 2 sections: the upper GI tract and lower GI tract. It includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and small and ... [Read More]
Gluten Sensitivity: Causes and Risk Factors
If you have a sensitivity to gluten, you are not alone. It is estimated that 18 million Americans are affected, which is 6 times the amount of those with confirmed celiac disease. Although the causes and risk factors for gluten sensitivity are still not entirely known, there are a number of theories that suggest why gluten, and certain compounds found in grains, may trigger symptoms in some people. What Is Gluten? Gluten is a protein found naturally in grain plants such as wheat, barley, and ... [Read More]
