Digestive issues have become so commonplace in our society today that it’s hard to find someone who doesn’t have gut issues.  Although the most common problems are acid reflux, constipation, gas, bloating and IBS, there’s another digestive monster that can quietly sneak up on you and you might not even know you have it.

I just saw an advertisement for a special pillow for acid reflux sufferers.

Apparently, this pillow keeps your upper half slightly elevated while you sleep so that gravity can work its magic and keep your stomach contents where they belong during your slumber.

Although this pillow has gotten rave reviews and it sure is a much safer answer than crippling your stomach acid with drugs, I still have a question:

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.  So there will be a lot of “awareness” being trumpeted to the masses—mostly telling people to get their colonoscopies, watch for changes in bowel habits and basically hope your number doesn’t come up in the colorectal cancer lottery.  Well, I have a lot more to say than that.  Here’s what people should really be “aware” of:

Every now and then, we all feel a little sluggish, whether we’re fighting a virus, not sleeping well, or staying up late working or studying.  But it's quite a different story when your stomach is sluggish.

If I were to ask you how you use the toilet, you’d likely think I’m a bit strange.

OK, I’ll be more specific.  Do you look at what’s in the bowl before you flush it away?

When did it become normal, heck even expected, for people to suffer from digestive problems?

I see this in my practice ALL the time.  I ask people, “How is your digestion?” and they say OK, but then go on to mention how they frequently have gas, bloating and heartburn, and at least occasional constipation.

Newsflash: THAT’S NOT NORMAL!