GI Health is a Battlefield

Veterans' battles are hardly over once they're out of a war zone. Many continue to struggle on the homefront with obesity, diabetes, drug addiction, alcohol addiction, food addiction, stress, depression, obsessive behavior, and chronic pain.

In fact, the Department of Veterans Affairs reports more than 70 percent of the 7.5 million veterans receiving its health benefits are overweight. Some 20 percent have diabetes, which can lead to blindness, amputations, kidney failure, and cardio-vascular problems.

To combat this trend, the VA enacted MOVE, a national peer-to-peer program that teaches vets how to plan meals and read food labels, and gives them a personalized exercise program designed to work around combat injuries or physical limitations.

Considering the severity of the challenges many vets face, problems like flatulence, heartburn, loose stools, or constipation seem to pale by comparison. Plus, most of the information on these conditions makes them appear unrelated to other physical or mental health issues.

However, there's a strong brain/gut connection that impacts overall quality of life. Sure, many health issues stem from the widely consumed, over-refined, and detrimental standard American diet. And some people are predisposed to particular conditions through certain genetic traits.

But none of this negates the fact that physical health begets mental health, and vice versa. It's almost foolhardy to try and correct severe issues without first promoting bodily health. This requires special attention to the efficiency and effectiveness of how we extract nutrients from foods we eat, and how we dispose of the waste in short, the health of our GI tracts.

That's why the MOVE program is spot-on. It approaches health holistically for suffering veterans. In fixing the body first, they increase their chances of healing the spirit too.

Remember, the quality of your health is a direct result of the quality of the nutritional resources used to support your health. Indeed, optimal health is manufactured; it doesn't, and can't just happen spontaneously.

With that in mind, start implementing small changes in your own lifestyle. Include wholesome, organic, unrefined foods and pure water in your diet. Exercise regularly. Take premium quality dietary supplements, including products that promote digestive health. Make sure to get plenty of fresh air and sunshine.

And most importantly, think happy thoughts. Then victory will be yours.