While digestion is a simple concept, it’s also a complex network of organs that work together to break down food and absorb nutrients. When your digestive function is impaired, it can seriously impact your quality of life! 

This is far too common of a problem, with approximately 20 million Canadians experiencing some form of digestive disorder each year (according to the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation.) 

While medical treatments can be effective for some individuals, many are turning to natural approaches to help restore digestive function. In this post, we’ll explore how improving nervous system function with chiropractic can have a positive effect on your digestion.

 

The Nervous System and Digestion:

The nervous system plays a crucial role in digestion, and disturbances to its function can result in various digestive issues. The enteric nervous system, which is often referred to as the “second brain”, regulates many aspects of digestion, including motility, secretion, and blood flow. 

Meanwhile, the autonomic nervous system controls involuntary body functions, including digestive processes. When the nervous system is functioning properly, the function of the whole body is optimized. 

However, when there is interference to the nerves that control the gut, it can lead to a range of issues, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, malabsorption of nutrients, constipation, diarrhea, and acid reflux.

 

How Chiropractic Care Can Help:

Chiropractic care can help improve digestive issues by focusing on the nervous system’s function. Chiropractic adjustments can restore proper nerve flow and relieve nerve interference.

As a result, the digestive system can function more efficiently, and symptoms can improve. 

Chiropractic care can also help improve nerve signals that control the function of the muscles responsible for moving food through the digestive tract. When these muscles are not working properly, it can lead to slow transit time and a buildup of waste in the colon, leading to problems such as constipation. Improved communication can yield improved muscle function and help prevent these problems from developing.

Another way chiropractic care can help with digestion is by reducing stress. Chiropractic care can help the nervous system switch into a restful parasympathetic mode more easily and adapt better to stressors.

Chronic stress can have a negative impact on the digestive system, leading to problems such as heartburn and acid reflux. When the body is under stress, it releases hormones that can increase the production of acid in the stomach, leading to acid reflux. 

Approximately 4.7 million Canadians visit a chiropractor each year, according to the Canadian Chiropractic Association. It’s fantastic to see more Canadians are recognizing the potential benefits of chiropractic care for wellness.

 

Other Natural Methods for Improving Digestive Function:

In addition to chiropractic care, there are other natural approaches that can help improve digestive function. 

Eating a healthy, balanced diet can improve digestive function by providing the body with the necessary nutrients to function properly. 

Exercise can also improve digestive function by increasing blood flow and motility. 

Stress management techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, can help reduce stress, which is a common trigger for digestive issues.

 

One of Annex Family Chiropractic’s Patients

“After a very physically challenging summer, due to the kind of work I do, I became very tight in my back and my arthritic knees were constantly aching.  I knew I had to do something — so I found Dr. Gelber’s practice and discovered my body had shifted over 20lbs. to the right side and my posture was even more poorly-aligned than I had previously thought. 

During the intake process he asked me about my digestion and I said it hadn’t been very good for years; that I’d seen several specialists over the years with little to no change.  

Digestion wasn’t even on my radar when I decided to seek chiropractic help but, to my surprise, my digestion drastically improved in a matter of weeks and has stayed working better than it has in decades.  

That, in addition to the gradual re-aligning of my nervous system, improved posture, relief of back and knee pain, has allowed me to perform work and everyday tasks with more energy, stamina and confidence in my life.” David

 

Ready to have your nervous system function checked? Call 416-967-4466 for an appointment at our midtown Toronto office, or schedule online here: https://bookedin.com/book/annex-family-chiropractic 

You may also be interested in: Why Your Posture Matters (& how to improve it)

 

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