As a nation, we spend $10 billion dollars a year on heartburn/acid reflux medicine such as Nexium and Pepcid AC (NPR, Healthinc, May 2015). Sixty million people have some form of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), while more than 5 million people suffer from daily constipation, resulting in 2 million doctor visits and $725 million a year for laxatives, anti-spasm meds and fiber supplements, such as Metamucil (Gastroenterology Association). These remedies often have a yo-yo effect, with days of constipation followed by days of diarrhea, and cause other side effects. And every day, millions of Americans complain of gas, feeling bloated, and/or ongoing stomach upset (Washington School of Medicine). Why all the tummy troubles?

Lifestyle, food choices, and daily habits often cause these stomach symptoms. This month, we'll discuss some of the most common culprits.