NATURAL RELIEF FOR

PRESENTED BY

 3430-D Anderson Hwy., Powhatan, VA  23139 ~ 804-598-5352

www herbalconsultant.com

DEBBIE MARKEL, CH, CNHP

Certified Herbalist, Certified Natural Health Professional

 *Watch closely for the themes that reoccur throughout this document.  A winning formula for digestive health will be apparent by the end of this session.

 CONSTIPATION

 Regular bowel movements remove toxins from the body.  The main cause of constipation is lack of fiber and fluids in the diet.  Other causes could be inadequate exercise, aging, muscle disorders, poor diet, diseases, taking iron or calcium supplements, and some drugs.  Some of the side effects from chronic constipation include appendicitis, bad breath, body odor, coated tongue, depression, diverticulitis, fatigue, gas, headaches, hemorrhoids, hernia, indigestion, insomnia, obesity, and varicose veins.  Other diseases that could result from the toxic waste build-up could be Diabetes, meningitis, myasthenia gravis, thyroid disease, candidiasis, migraines, fatigue, and ulcerative colitis.  Skin problems like acne have also been linked to constipation.  In addition to herbs, there are various dietary and lifestyle changes and supplements that can relieve occasional or chronic episodes of constipation.  Some of the more common are as follows:

1. Flaxseeds – In Germany, their Commission E (similar to the U.S. FDA) authorizes flaxseed to treat chronic constipation, IBS, diverticulitis, and general stomach discomfort.  There have been double-blind studies to back up the results.  The usual dose is 5 grams of whole seeds that have been ground just prior to use and taken with at least 8 oz. of water up to 3 times daily.  Kids ages 6 – 12 can take ½ the adult dose.  There are no known adverse effects or drug/herb/supplement interactions.

2. Acidophilus – Maintaining the proper amount of “good” bacteria in our colon can keep things running smoothly.  Almost all of us have taken antibiotics at one time or another, which kill ALL bacteria, both good and bad.  Sometimes just putting back some of the “good” live bacteria, like acidophilus and bifidus, can improve colon health.  Take a dose that contains at least 1 billion live bacteria from 1 – 3 times daily.

3. B Complex vitamins – All B’s assist healthy digestion.  Take a B-50 or B-100 complex every day. 

4. Chlorophyll – This supplement which is the substance that makes plants green has a detoxifying action in the colon.  Taking the maximum recommended dose often helps fairly quickly.  Doses vary by brand.

5. Essential Fatty Acids (fish, flax, or primrose oils) – Keeping the right amount of Omega 3 fatty acids in our system will enable it to function optimally.  They affect our digestive system by decreasing inflammation in the gut.  Take from 1 – 3 grams daily depending on need.  Consult a healthcare professional if you take blood thinning medications like Coumadin or Warfarin.

6. Magnesium – Magnesium relaxes muscles and has a mild laxative effect.  Sometimes just 400 mg before bed works like a charm.  Up to 1000 mg (1 gram) can be taken if needed.

7. Eat high fiber foods – Fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains are important sources of soluble fiber.  Oats work well, as do beans, figs, and prunes.  Grains and seeds contain insoluble fiber which is also necessary for a healthy digestive tract.  High-pectin foods like apples, carrots, beets, bananas, cabbage, citrus fruits, dried peas, and okra.

8. Drink more water – 64 – 80 oz. a day will keep food moving through your system more effectively.

9. Eat a low fat diet – No fried foods or hydrogenated fats.

10. Limit the following, which are difficult to digest & contain no fiber – Dairy products, meats, white flour, processed foods, sugar, sodas, artificial sweeteners, salt, coffee, or alcohol.

11. Get exercise – Physical activity speeds the transit time of foods going through the digestive process.

12. Go to the bathroom at the same time every day – Over time, this can “train” your body to know when to eliminate.

13. BE CAREFUL OF LAXATIVES – It is very easy to become laxative-dependent.  Fiber supplements, however, are not habit-forming.  Some, like Epsom salts and milk of magnesia, actually wash minerals out of our bodies.

GALLSTONES

Our gallbladder stores the bile secreted by liver which mixes with food when it passes through the small intestine.  The incorrect balance of bile acids, cholesterol, and phospholipids in bile can result in gallstones forming.  More often than not, these stones are harmless and cause no symptoms, but when they become lodged in a bile duct, they become painful and cause nausea and pain.  Most are cholesterol stones and a few are stones made of calcium salts.  The presence of gallstones could cause inflammation of the gallbladder that results in pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting.  Usually they occur in the evening and can feel like a heart attack.  To treat gallstones, the following may help:

1. Essential Fatty Acids (fish, flax, or primrose oils) – Keeping the right amount of Omega 3 fatty acids in our system helps prevent gallstones from forming.  They affect our digestive system by decreasing inflammation in the gut.  Take from 1 – 3 grams daily depending on need.  Consult a healthcare professional if you take blood thinning medications like Coumadin or Warfarin.

2. Lecithin – Lecithin, which is an ingredient in bile, helps emulsify fats so they can be digested easier.

3. B Complex vitamins – All B’s assist healthy digestion.  Take a B-50 or B-100 complex every day.

4. Vitamin C – This vitamin has been shown in studies to prevent gallstone formation.  Take 500 – 1000mg daily as a prophylactic.

5. Digestive enzymes – Aids in digestion and are useful for almost every digestive disorder.  The aging process prevents our stomachs from producing adequate amounts of enzymes, which break down fats, proteins, dairy products, and carbohydrates for assimilation.  Take with meals or after meals as directed.

6. Eat a diet low in sugar – People who eat lots of sugar are more likely to form gallstones.

7. Eat a low fat diet – No fried foods, animal fats, or hydrogenated fats.

8. Limit the following, which are difficult to digest and contribute to gallstones – Dairy products, meats, white flour, processed foods, sodas, artificial sweeteners, sugar, salt, coffee, or alcohol.

9. Eat a cleansing diet – Eating a diet that is 75% raw foods with the addition of applesauce, a few eggs, yogurt, broiled fish, and beets can prevent stones from forming.

10. Do a gallbladder cleanse – Taking 3 tablespoons of olive oil mixed with the freshly-squeezed juice of 1 lemon or some fresh grapefruit juice before bed and again in the morning will help stones pass.  This cleanse can make you feel a little nauseas and queasy and will give you diarrhea, so don’t plan on going anywhere for at least 24 hours.

11. Another gallbladder cleanse – Drink at least ½ gallon of pure, unsweetened apple juice daily for 5 days.  This cleanses the liver.  Eat only raw foods during this time.

12. Get exercise – Physical activity can reduce the risk of gallstones by 20 – 40%.

GERD/HEARTBURN & INDIGESTION

While related, GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) are a little different.  Symptoms of GERD include burning and pain in the stomach and/or the chest, and can include bloating, gas, shortness of breath or an acidic feeling in the back of the throat.  Even nausea can be a symptom of GERD.  Indigestion, however can show up as abdominal pain, allergic symptoms, belching, feeling bloated, a burning sensation after eating, chronic bowel irritation, fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, gas, insomnia, joint and muscle pain, nausea, rumbling noises, skin disorders, sugar cravings, and vomiting.  Heartburn can show up with indigestion, too.  There are numerous causes of indigestion, including certain foods and beverages, medications, food intolerances, lack of “good” bacteria, ulcers, malabsorption, and more.  We need stomach acid in order to digest our foods properly, so taking an antacid, or acid-blocker, is actually more harmful than helpful.  Also, as it is essential to have enough of each type of digestive enzyme to break down our foods for assimilation.  Some of the treatments for GERD and indigestion are:

1. Digestive enzymes – Aids in digestion and are useful for almost every digestive disorder.  The aging process prevents our stomachs from producing adequate amounts of enzymes, which break down fats, proteins, dairy products, and carbohydrates for assimilation.  Take with meals or after meals as directed.

2. Acidophilus – Maintaining the proper amount of “good” bacteria in our colon can keep things running smoothly.  Almost all of us have taken antibiotics at one time or another, which kill ALL bacteria, both good and bad.  Sometimes just putting back some of the “good” live bacteria, like acidophilus and bifidus, can improve digestive health.  Take a dose that contains at least 1 billion live bacteria from 1 – 3 times daily.

3. Essential Fatty Acids (fish, flax, or primrose oils) – Keeping the right amount of Omega 3 fatty acids in our system helps digestion function property.  They decrease inflammation in the gut.  Take from 1 – 3 grams daily depending on need.  Consult a healthcare professional if you take blood thinning medications like Coumadin or Warfarin.

4. B Complex vitamins – All B’s assist healthy digestion.  Take a B-50 or B-100 complex every day.

5. Calcium carbonate or chelate with magnesium and potassium – These have an alkalizing effect that binds up stomach acid.  Take as follows: 300 mg calcium, 200 mg magnesium, and 100 mg potassium twice daily.

6. Charcoal – This helps eliminate gas.

7. Betaine HCL (Hydrochloric acid) – If we’re not producing enough stomach acid, we can put it back.  Take as directed at the beginning of each meal.  DO NOT USE FOR GERD – JUST USE FOR INDIGESTION.

8. Foods to avoid: Citrus fruits and juices, carbonated beverages, fats, fried foods, white flour, processed foods, sugar, artificial sweeteners, mints, tomatoes, onions, highly seasoned foods, salt, coffee, or alcohol.

9. Wait 3 hours after eating before lying down.

10. Chew your food thoroughly.

11. Drink more water – 64 – 80 oz. a day will keep food diluted.  Do not drink fluids WITH meals.  They dilute the enzymes needed to digest foods properly.

12. Get more exercise – Be careful not to exercise within 3 hours of eating, however, to give food time to digest

13. Avoid aspirin or other related OTC medications – These have a tendency to irritate the lining of the stomach.

14. Eat room temperature foods – Foods that are too cold or too hot can cause gastric discomfort.

TEST YOURSELF – Do you need enzymes or HCL?  Place your hand just underneath your sternum (breastbone).  Move your pointer finger 1 inch down and about 1 inch to the left, just under the left edge of the rib cage.  Press in deeply.  If you feel pain or tenderness, you need more HCL.  Do the same thing on the right side.  If you feel pain or tenderness on that side, you need digestive enzymes.

RATINGS BY CONSUMERS FOR GERD

 RATINGS BY CONSUMERS FOR INDIGESTION

 Ginger (Zingiber officinale)    9.2 (6)

Apple Cider Vinegar    9.1 (2

Lactase Enzyme Supplements    8.9 (3)

Probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus; Bifidobacterium etc.)    8.7 (3)

Enzyme Formulas (Digestive)    8.7 (6)

Diet: Gluten-free    8.3 (5)

Diet: Lactose-free    8.1 (6)

Soy Protein Food Products    8.1 (1)

Antacids: Pepto-Bismol etc. (Bismuth Subsalicylate)    7.7 (2)

Reglan etc. (Metoclopramide)    2.7 (9)

 (All ratings found at www.remedyfind.com)

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

IBS is the most common digestive disorder seen by physicians.  Its symptoms are gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.  Abdominal pain can be quite intense and can often be triggered by eating.  Sometimes IBS is related to another condition, such as candidiasis, diabetes, gallbladder disease, lactose intolerance, or other food intolerances.  Note the findings in the following study from the journal Gastroenterology [April 1992;102(4):Part II/A530]: Two-hundred and forty-two patients with irritable bowel syndrome and no other organic causes were evaluated for the presence of lactose malabsorption and the effect of a lactose restricted diet on abdominal symptoms. Sixty-seven percent of the patients had a positive hydrogen breath test. The lactose restricted diet lead to: (1) complete remission of symptoms in 43% of the irritable bowel syndrome patients, versus none of the controls, (2) a partial improvement in 41% of the irritable bowel patients, versus 30.4% of the controls, and (3) no improvement in 15% of irritable bowel patients, versus 69.6% of the controls.  Some things that can help are

1.                   Try a food elimination diet – Try eliminating foods that are known to cause intolerances or allergies: corn, dairy, egg, finfish, shellfish, tree nuts (such as almonds, pecans, and walnuts), wheat, peanuts (a legume), seeds, and soybeans.  Wait 2 weeks, then add back 1 food for 3 or 4 days and see how you feel.  If you don’t experience any symptoms, add back another food and continue this until you identify which food is causing the problems.

2.                   Add more fiber - Fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains are important sources of soluble fiber.  Oats work well, as do beans, figs, and prunes.  Grains and seeds contain insoluble fiber which is also necessary for a healthy digestive tract.  High-pectin foods like apples, carrots, beets, bananas, cabbage, citrus fruits, dried peas, and okra.  Taking fiber supplements, like psyllium, flaxseeds (ground), and oat bran will make a big difference.

3.                   Avoid alcohol and tobacco – These products irritate the linings of the stomach and colon.

4.                   If you do have a flare up – Switch to a bland foods diet like oatmeal, applesauce, and cooked vegetables.

5.                   Charcoal – This helps eliminate gas.

6.                   Acidophilus – Maintaining the proper amount of “good” bacteria in our colon can keep things running smoothly.  Almost all of us have taken antibiotics at one time or another, which kill ALL bacteria, both good and bad.  Sometimes just putting back some of the “good” live bacteria, like acidophilus and bifidus, can improve digestive health.  Take a dose that contains at least 1 billion live bacteria from 1 – 3 times daily.

7.                   Essential Fatty Acids (fish, flax, or primrose oils) – Keeping the right amount of Omega 3 fatty acids in our system helps digestion function property.  They decrease inflammation in the gut.  Take from 1 – 3 grams daily depending on need.  Consult a healthcare professional if you take blood thinning medications like Coumadin or Warfarin.

8.                   B Complex vitamins – All B’s assist healthy digestion.  Take a B-50 or B-100 complex every day.

9.                   Foods to avoid: Citrus fruits and juices, carbonated beverages, fats, fried foods, white flour, processed foods, sugar, artificial sweeteners, tomatoes, onions, highly seasoned foods, salt, coffee, or alcohol.

10.               Wait 3 hours after eating before lying down.

11.               Chew your food thoroughly.

12.               Drink more water – 64 – 80 oz. a day will keep food diluted.  Do not drink fluids WITH meals.  They dilute the enzymes needed to digest foods properly.

13.               Peppermint Oil Capsules – These have an anti-spasmodic effect and relieve IBS pain.

14.               Avoid aspirin or other related OTC medications – These have a tendency to irritate the lining of the stomach.

15.               Eat room temperature foods – Foods that are too cold or too hot can cause gastric discomfort.

PEPTIC ULCERS

Recently, it has been proven that ulcers are caused by bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).  In fact, the researchers who discovered this cause were awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine just this year.  Because of this, in 90% of cases, it is easy to cure ulcers completely.  Antibiotics are routinely prescribed by doctors for this condition, but for those who want an alternative approach, taking deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is as effective as antacids for treating peptic ulcers.  If you do have flare-ups, however, the following could be helpful:

1.       Avoid alcohol and coffee – These products irritate the linings of the stomach and colon.

2.       Eat small, frequent, bland meals – Rice, yogurt, well-cooked dark green leafy vegetables are all easy to digest.  The vegetables contain chlorophyll which helps heal ulcers.

3.       Foods to avoid: Citrus fruits and juices, carbonated beverages, fats, fried foods, white flour, processed foods, sugar, artificial sweeteners, tomatoes, onions, highly seasoned foods, salt, coffee, caffeine, or alcohol.

4.       Chew your food thoroughly.

5.       Drink more water – 64 – 80 oz. a day will keep food diluted.  Do not drink fluids WITH meals.  They dilute the enzymes needed to digest foods properly.

6.       Avoid aspirin or other related OTC medications – These have a tendency to irritate the lining of the stomach.

7.       Essential Fatty Acids (fish, flax, or primrose oils) – Keeping the right amount of Omega 3 fatty acids in our system helps digestion function property.  They decrease inflammation in the gut.  Take from 1 – 3 grams daily depending on need.  Consult a healthcare professional if you take blood thinning medications like Coumadin or Warfarin.

 FOOD INTOLERANCES

Food intolerances are not food allergies.  Intolerances are our bodies’ inability to process certain foods and is probably an immune-system response.  Allergies are quick responses that can be severe, like coughing, sneezing, vomiting, itching, rash, swelling, hives – or even anaphylactic shock.  Food intolerances can be developed at any stage of life, particularly in middle-age when our digestive enzyme production diminishes.  The problems caused by food intolerances aren’t just uncomfortable – like gas, bloating, constipation, cramping, or diarrhea – but can also cause nutritional deficiencies when food isn’t totally digested or absorbed.  There are 4 main types of food intolerances as shown in the following chart from www.foodintol.com:  

The only food intolerances that may be helped with supplements are yeast sensitivity caused by Candida infections and lactose intolerance.  Digestive enzymes containing lactose may help dairy intolerance.  Candida infections can usually be cleared by observing a very restrictive diet and using acidophilus supplements.  For gluten and sugar sensitivities, the offending foods must be totally eliminated for total relief to be obtained.  Celiac disease is a VERY serious disease that can cause extreme weight loss and constant diarrhea.  It should be diagnosed by a physician to be sure what the problem is.

Some people who are lactose intolerant may still be able to eat yogurt, which has beneficial bacteria, or hard cheeses like Parmesan or Romano, which are lower in lactose and easier to digest.  People who don’t’ eat dairy should supplement with a good calcium-magnesium-Vitamin D product or eat much higher quantities of calcium-rich foods, like apricots, blackstrap molasses, broccoli, collard greens, kale, salmon, sardines, spinach, tofu, and yogurt.

 THE THEMES – DID YOU FIGURE THEM OUT??

1. Essential Fatty Acids (fish, flax, or primrose oils) – Keeping the right amount of Omega 3 fatty acids in our system will enable it to function optimally.  They affect our digestive system by decreasing inflammation in the gut.  Take from 1 – 3 grams daily depending on need.  Consult a healthcare professional if you take blood thinning medications like Coumadin or Warfarin.

2. B Complex vitamins – All B’s assist healthy digestion.  Take a B-50 or B-100 complex every day.

3. Digestive enzymes – Aids in digestion and are useful for almost every digestive disorder.  The aging process prevents our stomachs from producing adequate amounts of enzymes, which break down fats, proteins, dairy products, and carbohydrates for assimilation.  Take with meals or after meals as directed.

4. Eat a diet low in sugar – People who eat lots of sugar are more likely to form gallstones.

5. Eat a low fat diet – No fried foods, animal fats, or hydrogenated fats.

6. Limit the following, which are difficult to digest and contribute to gallstones – Dairy products, meats, white flour, processed foods, sodas, artificial sweeteners, sugar, salt, coffee, or alcohol.

7. Eat high fiber foods – Fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains are important sources of soluble fiber.  Oats work well, as do beans, figs, and prunes.  Grains and seeds contain insoluble fiber which is also necessary for a healthy digestive tract.  High-pectin foods like apples, carrots, beets, bananas, cabbage, citrus fruits, dried peas, and okra.

8. Drink more water – 64 – 80 oz. a day will keep food moving through your system more effectively.

9. Get exercise – Physical activity speeds the transit time of foods going through the digestive process.

10.  Wait 3 hours after eating before lying down.

11. Chew your food thoroughly.

 DIGESTION-FRIENDLY DIETS

The Mediterranean Diet

The Vegetarian Diet

 (For food pyramids of these, go to:

http://www.e-guana.net/organizations.php3?orgid=61&typeID=193&action=printContentItem&itemID=1521)

 OTHER ALTERNATIVE HELP FOR DIGESTION

From ShawnMarie, CMT, Aromatherapy Specialist

Whole-Istic Health (804) 677-0805; www.wholeistichealth.com

MASSAGE and ACUPUNCTURE – While not working directly on digestive disorders, massage and acupuncture work similarly to chiropractic by stimulating the nervous system and immune system to help the body function more effectively.  Relaxation experienced during massage and acupuncture can also allow the body systems to let go of stress hormones that interfere with proper digestion.

A good article about how massage works on the body’s autonomic nervous system is at http://www.softspeak.com.au/maspap98.htm.

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