Discover Herbs that Can Aid in Digestion

Elderly Care in Northbrook, IL – Tips for Healthy Digestion

It’s not something that most people like talking about but it is something that everyone experiences at one time or another – gas. For elderly loved ones however, gas can be excessive and even painful or uncomfortable. Gas can also leave your stomach feeling bloated. A person who has gas on an occasional basis has nothing to be alarmed about but a person who has excessive gas on a regular basis could have some medical issues. Digestive problems can be caused by a variety of things that range from bowel disorders to stress.

Medical experts say that because there are nerves that go up and down the GI tract, people who become stressed or nervous can develop gas, constipation or even diarrhea. Stress can also cause the colon to have spasms or induce stomach pain, which often leads to excessive gas problems. Keeping your stress low can help your digestive system.

There is relief in sight for people who suffer from this uncomfortable issue. Besides the over-the-counter anti-gas medications available, you may be able to find help right in your own kitchen with natural remedies such as herbs. Many herbs contain what’s called carminative, which is a natural gas reliever. This substance helps with speeding up the digestion process and then moves the gas more quickly to your small intestines. Some herbal anti-gas remedies include:

  • Ginger
  • Spearmint
  • Wintergreen
  • Peppermint
  • Parsley
  • Oregano
  • Nutmeg
  • Garlic
  • Cumin
  • Cinnamon
  • Caraway
  • Basil
  • Fennel
  • Dill
  • Chamomile

 

Medical experts also suggest using probiotics to help keep your digestive system in good working order. Probiotics are good bacteria that your body needs to help regulate the digestive process. There are many foods that may be in your kitchen as well that can assist with reliving gas:

  • Yogurt
  • Miso (a Japanese seasoning created with fermented soybeans and other ingredients.)
  • Buttermilk
  • Sauerkraut
  • Kimchi (fermented Korean vegetables and other seasonings.)
  • Tempeh (a fermented soy product)
  • Pickles
  • Kefir (fermented milk beverage)

It may be more helpful to get the benefits of these foods and herbs from the actual food instead of herbal supplements. Some supplements could cause problems with other medications that you are taking.

Always check with your elderly loved one’s doctor before trying any herbal remedies, even though herbs are sourced from plant foods.

Did you know that an elderly care provider can accompany your loved one to their doctor’s appointments? An experienced caregiver can also help with things like meal planning, grocery shopping, food preparation, kitchen clean-up, laundry and personal care. Knowing your senior parent has the day to day help they need helps the entire family stay worry-free and able to attend to their jobs, school and other responsibilities. Your aging parent probably needs assistance before they are ready to admit they do. Remind them that elder care services in their own home is the best way for them to retain their highly valued independence.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Northbrook IL, -contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786.

Our senior care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.

Jamie Shapiro