Improving Symptoms of IBS and Overall Digestive Health
Millions of Americans suffer with gastrointestinal symptoms like heartburn, bloating, gas, constipation (less than 1-2 bowel movements per day), GERD, diarrhea, pain and ulcers. The key to good health stems from a balanced diet appropriate for your unique constitution, effective digestion, nutrient absorption and good elimination. It seems so simple, yet so many people suffer from poor health as a result of poor digestion.
Digestion is literally the cornerstone of our health. If we are consistently having any discomfort or problems, something is wrong. We must look deeper to heal the root cause, not just the symptom, or we will have to deal with a laundry list of subsequent health issues down the road.
Poor digestive health weakens the immune system, causes nutritional deficiencies, hormonal/endocrine imbalances and a weakening of all organ function. It also creates an additional toxic load for the body to deal with and dramatically lowers how effective the body can convert food into a usable form of energy.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is one of the most commonly diagnosed ""dis-eases"" related to digestion in our country. In my opinion, IBS is a doctor's way of saying, ""Something is severely wrong with your digestive system, I have no idea what it is and I have no plans to figure it out"". It is NOT a diagnosis, but rather a copout, and if not handled appropriately, will lead to exponentially worse dysfunction in the body.
When someone comes to me labeled with IBS, I test them for food sensitivities, not food allergies, but sensitivities. A food sensitivity might not produce an overt outward reaction like breaking out in hives, but it does lower the immune system and irritates intestinal lining, making it susceptible to microbial invasion. Overtime, consistent consumption of these foods will wear the body down.
I also look for intestinal permeability and pathogens like bacteria, parasites, yeast (Candida Albicans) and fungus. Nine times out of 10, it is one or more of these issues that must be addressed and resolved for total recovery and optimal health. This month's 'Featured Video' by Dr. Mark Hyman echos my belief and is a refreshing allopathic take on IBS. While I do not agree with his pharmaceutical approach to anti-fungals because I see them as only a temporary fix, I do agree with everything else.
We should all take stock to improve digestion on a daily basis as a barometer to our total health. This is our one life to live - why not live it the best that we can?
Here are my top 10 recommendations to improve your digestive health immediately!
Avoid the use of NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin, Advil, or Motrin. Instead use natural remedies like Boswellia and Tumeric.
Limit alcohol intake to 3-5 drinks per week or preferably, less. Alcohol irritates and damages the stomach.
Avoid chronic stress - evaluate where it comes from and take steps to minimize it in your day-to-day life. It is possible.
Avoid unnecessary medications and stomach aids. Instead take a two-ounce shot of Braggs Raw Apple Cider Vinegar for heartburn or acid reflux. It will stimulate increased hydrochloric acid production as well as shift your pH to a more alkaline position.
Get on a good probiotic. I like Ethical Nutrients Intestinal Care DF, 2 pills on an empty stomach for regular maintenance.
Try the Ayurvedic herb triphala for gentle, natural and effective relief for constipation. It can be taken daily and consistently and is non-habit forming.
DO NOT combine fruit and grain together (i.e - oatmeal and blueberries). Fruit should be eaten alone because it digests the quickest. When we add grain to fruit, the fruit is forced to ""wait"" in the intestines which makes it ferment, causing gas. Regular gas leads to yeast overgrowth and an imbalanced pH, both linked to cancer.
Take a good super foods green supplement for daily cellular detoxification.
Get an IgG blood test for food sensitivities and allergies.
And last, but certainly not least, avoid poor dietary choices. Don't restrict yourself completely but rather follow my 80/20 rule and put your health and well-being first!
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