Good health begins in your gut. This may sound strange, but I firmly believe that a healthy digestive system helps your entire body.

When you were born, your digestive system was completely “clean”— free of bacteria. But hours after birth, bacteria began colonizing. And we now know that the digestive system contains more than 400 different species of bacteria (outnumbering the cells in you body a hundredfold). The good news is that most of these bacteria are completely harmless — and through evolution they’ve become a part of you.

Information and Solutions

Probiotics
For years, I’ve prescribed “probiotic” supplements — which is a fancy term for healthy, live, essential bacteria. These are bacteria you need for healthy digestion and absorption of nutrients. They help you break down hard-to-digest foods, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. And they promote healthy bowel movements.

 More on probiotics.

Constipation
The predominant cause of this common and uncomfortable situation is a low fiber diet. By simply following my natural protocol for constipation, you can safely restore healthy bowel function.

 More on constipation.

Diarrhea
Whether diarrhea is acute or chronic, I don't recommend typical over-the-counter remedies, which work either by slowing the muscular action of the intestines or by absorbing excess water. These drugs have potentially serious side effects, including absorption of the very toxins your body is trying to expel.

 More on diarrhea.

A properly-working digestive system helps you absorb the nutrients in your foods and supplements more easily, and break down dairy products and other hard-to-digest foods. It also supports your immune system, and gives your overall health a powerful boost. For a complete list of Dr. Whitaker's top recommendations for digestive health, click here.