Colic is a general term used for reoccurring abdominal pain. While this isn't always connected to the digestive system, most often colic is considered a problem with roots in an out of balance digestive process.
An average American's diet includes compounds, chemicals and medicines that often harm the nutritional and bacteriological balance that must be present in the digestive system in order to create and maintain digestive well-being. Additionally, most processed foods do not introduce into the digestive process the enzymes and probiotics needed for the body to completely break down foods and absorb nutrients. Certain supplements can significantly aid in creating and maintaining digestive health in adults.
Supplementation and Dietary Changes to Treat Adult Colic
Identify supplements that contain naturally occurring or organic probiotics. Introduce these supplements into your digestive system according to the manufacturer's instructions. Probiotics such as acidophilus and bifidus are bacteria that reside in the lower digestive system. These positive bacteria are needed for the body to break down and absorb nutrients from food. Talk with your local health food or nutritional supplement store clerk to identify products with a positive reputation.
Take supplements containing naturally occurring or organic food enzymes. Enzymes are present in natural foods, organic produce and unprocessed grains. They aid the body in the process of digesting food. Often, colic in adults is a result of the low enzyme count in foods that are processed, packaged and frozen.
Add produce, dark leafy vegetables and whole, unprocessed grains to your diet. These foods are high in enzymes and will aid digestive health. The government nutritional pyramid recommends five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables per day. Organic foods contain more enzymes and probiotics than the non-organic variety, so eat them on a regular basis to contribute to better overall health and a more balanced digestive health.
Drink one serving per day of a natural fruit or fruit and vegetable juice blend. The same benefits that can be obtained from organic produce are available in organic fruit and vegetable juices. Pick from dark fruits, such as cherries, blueberries or pomegranates. Juices from carrots, beets, cucumbers and squash are also high in nutrients for digestive health and naturally sweet.
If suffering from colic or digestive ill health, make small changes in your diet. Try more fresh foods and eliminate the quantity of processed foods in your diet a little bit at a time.
Before making any significant changes to your diet, discuss your situation with your doctor. Colic could be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as a food allergy. Ask your physician about homeopathic remedies and seek out other professionals with a wealth of knowledge in this area.
Since 2003, Timothy Burns' writing has appeared in magazines, management and leadership papers. He has contributed to nationally published books and he leads the Word Weavers of West Michigan writers' group. Burns wrote "Forged in the Fire" in 2004, and has published numerous articles online. As a trained conference speaker, Burns speaks nationally on the art, science and inspiration of freelance writing.