According to the American Nutrition Association, 70 million people every day suffer from some type of digestive disorder. Whether it is heartburn, acid reflux, constipation, or any other digestive problem, these conditions can wreak serious havoc on our health. However, digestive health is often overlooked in most health discussions. It is vital to understand the digestive process and what constitutes good digestive health, since neglecting it can lead to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and even more serious, life-threatening conditions like colon cancer.

So much of your overall health is connected to what goes on in your gut. In the eye-opening 2013 book Clean Gut by Dr. Alejandro Junger, a compelling case is made that many diseases being diagnosed in epidemic proportions—such as cancer, insomnia, depression, asthma, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and others—can be traced back to an injured or irritated gut and digestive system.

In this article, I’d like to give you an overview of what healthy digestion looks like, explain some of the most common digestive disorders, and discuss options for getting your system running smoother. Before we get to natural solutions that address the root of the problem, let’s first look at what a healthy digestive process looks like.

A Digestible Overview

Digestion begins in the mouth. Food is chewed into manageable pieces and mixed with saliva, which begins breaking down nutrients. After swallowing, gravity and muscular waves (peristalsis) move food through the esophagus into the stomach.

Once food reaches the stomach, the hormone gastrin triggers cells to release hydrochloric acid (HCl), increasing stomach acidity. This acidity activates pepsin, which breaks proteins into smaller fragments. The resulting mixture, known as chyme, then passes into the small intestine.

In the small intestine, the pancreas releases digestive enzymes. Without these enzymes, food would ferment in the intestines, producing toxins that contribute to fatigue, premature aging, and degenerative disease. This is especially relevant for people with diabetes, as pancreatic damage reduces enzyme production.

The primary digestive enzymes include:

• Proteases and peptidases — break down proteins into amino acids
• Carbohydrases — break down carbohydrates into sugars
• Amylases — break down triglycerides into fatty acids

Intestinal bacteria also produce enzymes that synthesize vitamins such as vitamin K and help break down dietary fiber. More than 400 bacterial species have been identified in a single human gut.

When Your Gut Is Not Happy, You’re Not Happy

Many digestive disorders are linked to excess weight, poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle, though genetics can also play a role. Light to moderate exercise helps stimulate intestinal muscle contractions. Without movement, digestion slows and waste stagnates.

According to the Mayo Clinic, four of the most common digestive disorders are constipation, gastroesophageal reflux, lactose intolerance, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Constipation occurs when stools become hard and difficult to pass due to insufficient water content. One major contributor is an imbalance of intestinal bacteria. Research shows that certain probiotic strains, including bifidobacterium and acidophilus, can help restore healthy digestion and bowel function.

I highly recommend the strain Lactobacillus acidophilus (NCFM), which has undergone extensive research for IBS, digestive health, and immune support.

Gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn) affects up to 60 million Americans monthly. Contrary to popular belief, reflux is often caused by insufficient stomach acid or dysfunction of the esophageal sphincter, not excess acid.

Lactose intolerance affects 30–50 million Americans and results from insufficient lactase enzyme production. Probiotics and gradual dairy exposure can improve tolerance by increasing lactase-producing bacteria.

IBS is characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or mucus in stools. While its exact cause is unknown, it is believed to stem from miscommunication between the brain and gut.

The Pharmaceutical Solution

Conventional treatment often includes antacids, antibiotics, steroids, and proton pump inhibitors. While these may mask symptoms, they do not address root causes and may increase risks such as bone fractures, gut bacteria imbalance, and infections.

Natural approaches may take longer but are more likely to restore proper digestive function and long-term health.

The Natural Way

Healthy digestion depends on adequate stomach acid and pepsin. Betaine HCl and pepsin support nutrient absorption and microbial balance. As we age, stomach acid production decreases, making supplementation beneficial for many people.

Probiotics are essential for digestive health. Lactobacillus acidophilus helps regulate gut transit time, maintain colon acidity, and repopulate beneficial bacteria after antibiotic use.

Other natural options include fiber fusion powder, chlorella, and aloe vera. These are combined in G.I. Fortify.

I hope this information helps you improve your digestive health. If you have questions or need assistance, contact our customer service team at (888) 460‑3091 or email customerservice@oakwaynaturals.com.

Until next time, stay healthy!

Yours in health,
Dr. Gregg Gittins