Category: Digestive Health

Over the last thirty years, we’ve seen first-hand that in order to create and sustain wellness, we need to do more than just treat a symptom; we need to find the cause.

At Women to Women, we practice functional medicine because we know that everything in our bodies is interconnected.

Often, the cause is not immediately related to the symptom; the symptom may be the result of something that happened “upstream” which created a chain reaction of sorts. So while the symptom may be cause for concern, the bigger challenge is tracking down how, why and where it all began.

Over the past three decades that we’ve been in practice, I’ve seen over and over again the importance of maintaining a healthy digestive tract: so many different symptoms can present when the bacteria in our digestive system become imbalanced.

I am thrilled to see so much new research and information in the media these days about the important role our gut flora play in our health; it’s so exciting to see what we have learned and experienced first-hand at Women to Women begin to reach the mainstream and to hear others finally talking about it too.

While at Women to Women we’ve connected gut bacteria to mental and physical health for more than a decade, when most people think about mental health, they still think about brain chemical imbalances. But now new research is showing that the imbalance causing anxiety and depression (and a host of digestive and other health concerns) may not be in your head; it may be in your gut.

Let’s look at your gut and why it’s so important to your health.

What is your Gut?

Your gut is considered to be your entire digestive system including your stomach, colon, and intestines. We have 100 trillion bacteria (about 6 pounds worth) in our guts. In comparison, we have about 37 trillion cells in our entire body! While gut bacteria is often labeled as either good or bad, all bacteria play a role and are necessary but they must remain in balance so that no one group takes over.

Bacteria help us break down food, absorb nutrients, run our immune system (70-80% of our immune cells reside in our intestines) and our digestive system. When we have too many of certain kinds of bacteria, it can cause us digestive distresses, obesity, and now research shows, can even impact our mood.

The bacteria in our guts generally coexist peacefully but when we get out of alignment, stressed out, eat poorly, don’t sleep enough, or take medications such as antibiotics, we upset the delicate balance, killing off necessary good bacteria we need for health and allowing other bacteria to take over. That’s one powerful reason why our lifestyle choices and diets have such a huge impact on our health!

Antibiotics were developed to kill off potentially deadly bacteria and they may be one of the greatest discoveries of all time for extending our health. But antibiotics kill off all bacteria: they do not differentiate between good and bad or which bacteria play what role. That means every time we take an antibiotic, we lose healthy bacteria as well. If we eat poorly, have stress or poor sleep, we create the environment for less healthy or potentially harmful bacteria to grow and we shift the balance of bacteria in our systems.

Gut Flora and Weight

While we’ve known for awhile that stress, poor sleep, and an imbalanced diet can lead to bacteria imbalances, studies also show that eating junk food such as fast food will kill off healthy bacteria. A genetic epidemiology professor recently put his son on a McDonalds diet for 10 days as an experiment. He tested his son’s gut microbes and found 3500 species of bacteria before starting; by the end of 10 days, 1300 of the species had died.

In addition, the professor found that a new type of bacteria took control in his son and that the bacteria linked to obesity became present. Even more concerning was the fact that when the son resumed a normal diet, the species of bacteria that had been killed did not return! This will create an imbalanced environment in the gut that may lead to a host of potential health concerns over time if not corrected.

Fast food has been linked to obesity because we assume it’s all about eating too many calories. This study shows that the food itself may be altering gut bacteria balance and causing us to hold onto or gain weight. We’ve already seen lab studies showing that when mice receive bacteria from obese humans they become obese as well and headlines were made recently when a woman received a fecal transplant and became obese after the procedure. These studies show that being obese is not just about eating too much and lacking willpower!

Conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s and Colitis have long been connected to gut health but now we are beginning to see connections between gut flora imbalances and diabetes, heart disease and cancer as well. I expect we will see much more research on this in they years to come.

Gut Flora and Mood

In addition to all of the connections established already between health, disease and your gut, exciting new research has now also shown that our gut is actually responsible for how we feel (good or bad) and is even connected to mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression.

For a long time scientists thought that we might feel good or bad simply because of how our digestive tract was doing; it’s hard to feel good if you feel bloated or have cramping. Now, however, researchers have been able to show it’s even more than that. Bacteria in our guts are actually able to produce hormones such as serotonin, dopamine and other mood enhancers — or detractors — directly! These chemicals are not just produced in the brain: they are created in our guts as well!

It’s incredible to think that we have hormones being created in our digestive systems and not just our brains: our stomachs are actually creating or altering our moods! This helps explain why we have been able to treat menopausal women who experience anxiety and depression at Women to Women so effectively through our nutritional plan and supplements.

In fact, scientists now believe that the neurons in the gut produce as much dopamine and those in the head and about 95% of the serotonin in the body measured at any point in time is typically in the enteric nervous system, or the nervous system found in the gut.

In the future, gut bacteria research may lead to alternative therapies and treatments for a number of mental health concerns. I am excited about what we will learn in the years to come. In the meantime, however, if you suffer from anxiety and depression, I encourage taking a look at your stomach and not just your head.

I believe time and more research will connect many of our modern diseases and conditions including obesity and other mental health concerns to gut health. More than ever, research is proving that we truly are what we eat and that food is our greatest medicine or our most dangerous poison.

At Women to Women, we have found that eating whole foods, reducing stress, getting a good night’s sleep and taking high quality multi-vitamins will go a long way to supporting better gut — and overall — health. In addition, adding more fermented foods such as kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh and miso to our diets can help to restore gut balance.

I also encourage all my patients to take a high quality probiotic to support better gut health, especially if they are experiencing any symptoms. If you are struggling with digestive concerns, you need to restore balance in your gut flora. If you are struggling with weight gain or obesity, you may have a flora imbalance. And if you are experiencing anxiety or depression, you’ll need to balance the hormones being created in your gut as well as your brain with healthy probiotic support.

You don’t have to experience digestive concerns or suffer from mood imbalances. We’ve helped thousands of women to feel like themselves again. We can help you too. Between antibiotics, processed foods, stress, poor sleep, and food contamination, we could all use a little digestive health support and a good probiotic is an important part of maintaining and restoring healthy gut flora balance.

To learn more about our probiotic support, click here.

by Marcelle Pick OB-GYN, NP

Many of my patients make the needed dietary and lifestyle changes and find they continue to have digestive symptoms that simply do not go away. Our bodies are fascinating and understanding the digestive system is important to obtaining optimal health. We know that your bodies need food to provide it with energy, vitamins, and minerals. However, in order to use food, we must first break it down into substances that the various organs and cells in our body can use. This is the job of our digestive system.

If you experience digestive issues, like many do, it is important to get to the root cause of why you are having digestive issues. It could be something that is short lived and your digestive system is restored to health, but sometimes something deeper is going on, such as a bacterial or parasitical infection.

Below is a list of tests that you might encounter when you have digestive problems.

[banner id=”digestive-chronic-gi-system-1″]

Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA)

Comprehensive digestive stool analysis (CDSA) tests for digestive system function, absorption, gut flora, and the colonic environment. This test is needed for evaluation of chronic gastrointestinal (GI) issues, such as indigestion, dysbiosis, constipation, bloating, gas and diarrhea, to name a few. In addition, it can be recommended for serious bowel changes and systemic diseases. CDSA evaluates digestion of food particles, absorption of nutrients, the presence of bacterial or yeast infection, floral imbalance, intestinal immune function, and dietary fiber intake adequacy. A stool is generally gathered at home and sent for analysis.

Testing for food allergies and food intolerances

If you think you might have an intolerance or sensitivity to food, I suggest that you omit foods such as gluten eggs, corn, peanuts and dairy. These are the groups that usually cause allergic responses. However, there are many foods and food additives, in addition to the environment (within your body and externally), that can cause digestive symptoms.

Stay away from foods that irritate you and cause symptoms at the same time , I suggest that you take supplements to heal your gut integrity. This should work with most food sensitivities within 4–6 months, and you might be able to once again enjoy a food that used to bother you. Sometimes the sensitivity does not go away or it could be a “true” allergy that lasts for your entire life (called “IgE” allergies).

If you’ve tried following healthy nutritional guidelines, but you still have symptoms, you might want to consider testing for food intolerance or sensitivity. The following tests are used in functional medicine to identify food intolerances and sensitivities (IgG).

Laboratory /diagnostic tests for food intolerances

Intolerances/Allergies/Sensitivities (IGG/IGE)

Challenge or elimination diet

• IgG RAST to specific foods, such as milk, egg, corn, peanuts or wheat
• Celiac panel and genetic tests (HLA DQ2, DQ8)
• Organic acids (gut flora by-products, specifically)
• Breath testing for lactose and fructose
• Intestinal permeability testing (lactulose-mannitol)
• Stool analysis (absorption, digestion, inflammatory markers, microecology)
• Alletess testing will determine if you are sensitive to various foods and additives and possibly allergic.
• Gluten sensitivity and Celiac Disease

Gluten sensitivity, once rare, is more frequently identified today. Up to 30 percent of the population carries a genetic predisposition to gluten sensitivity and celiac. This causes an inflammatory/autoimmune response in your gut when you are exposed to gluten.

Try to eliminate gluten to help reestablish optimal digestive system function. You might be able to eventually reintroduce gluten-containing foods with minimal ill effect. There are others, however, who find they are healthier by remaining gluten-free, after they’ve healed their digestive problems. Women who have celiac disease, the most severe form of gluten sensitivity, and are exposed to tiny amounts of gluten have a response that damages the small intestine, impairs nutrient absorption, and leads to additional complications.

If you have been gluten free to heal your digestive system, try to reintroduce a small amount of gluten. If this causes your symptoms to return, you are probably gluten-intolerant or gluten-sensitive. You might consider genetic testing (genotyping) or autoantibody screening (serotyping), if you have a genetic susceptibility to celiac.

Laboratory and diagnostic testing for celiac disease

• Three-month trial of gluten elimination
• Celiac panel
• Anti-deaminated gliadin IgG and IgA
• Anti-gliadin IgG and IgA
• IgA anti-endomysium antibody
• IgA and IgG anti-transglutaminase ELISA (tTG)
• Total IgA (IgA deficiencies ten times more common in CD)
• HLA DQ2, DQ8 typing
• Intestinal biopsy

Parasite and pathogens testing

Many pathogens and parasites can upset your healthy digestive system and cause symptoms in the gut. There are some signs that indicate their presence, but the best way to find out for sure is to undergo testing.

If you can choose to have specialists evaluate your stool samples, that would be ideal. The greater the specialist’s experience with pathogenic organisms, the better equipped the pathologist will be to perform a thorough analysis that identifies any problematic organisms.

There are many labs in the United States and Mexico that screen for yeast overgrowth and the presence of ova (eggs) and parasites. The labs also test overall digestive function, including absorption and immune status.

Below is a list of some of the important pathogenic organisms that affect digestion.

Helicobacter pylori. This bacterial infection can cause bloating, belching, nausea, and pain in the stomach. Infection can lead to stomach ulcers and inflammation and an increased risk of stomach cancer. Your healthcare practitioner can request a test to find out if you have an H. pylori infection. This infection is treated with antibiotics and drugs that reduce acid.

Fungal dysbiosis/candidiasis. Molds and yeasts can stay in the body and grow under the “right” conditions. A well-known example is yeast, candida albicans, normally found in the digestive tract. Yeast grows when there is a digestive imbalance. Signs include oral thrush, vaginal yeast infections, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, and irritable bowel disease. Candidiasis can be diagnosed with a stool test. Treatment is with an antifungal enzyme supplement (such as Candex or oil of oregano), following a yeast-free diet, and taking a probiotic to reintroduce floral balance.

• Laboratory/Diagnostic testing for yeast and fungal Infections
• Antibody testing (Candida, specific molds, fungi)
• Fungal stool culture and stool smear (false negatives happen)
• Nasal swab fungal analysis
• Organic acids: D-arabinitol (false negatives happen)
• Room analysis for molds and fungi (Petri dish culturing)

Small-bowel bacterial overgrowth (SBBO). If you have symptoms of indigestion, especially gas and bloating, with diarrhea, irregularity and abdominal pain, this can signal bacterial overgrowth in your small intestine. Like candidiasis, this overgrowth is common, but it is the underlying conditions that favor those organisms, which allows the overgrowth to happen. This must be examined to be sure that the problem does not reoccur. The presence of SBBO can be verified using breath testing. SIBO is harder to diagnose but when treated can make a huge overall difference.

Parasites. Your GI tract has many good microbes, but harmful ones exist as well and can be the culprit to many symptoms. “Don’t drink the water” is good travel advice, but there are other ways to get a parasite infection, such infected pets, farms, contaminated foods or surfaces, even walking barefoot on contaminated soil can infect you with a parasite.

Intestinal parasites usually cause diarrhea and abdominal pain, with flatulence, cramps, blood or mucus in the stools. They also cause other symptoms (seemingly unrelated), such as fatigue, fevers, chills. There have also been symptoms like rashes, hives, arthritis, and foggy thinking.

When you talk with your healthcare provider, ask for a panel of tests to determine the specific organisms that are causing the infection, and then you can be treated just for that. Some of the more common organisms that cause trouble include giardia, klebsiella, cryptosporidia, blastocystis hominis, entamœba histolytica, and helminths (flatworms and roundworms). Sending a stool sample to a laboratory that specializes in ova and parasites (O&P) will return more accurate results than using a general lab. At Women to Women we often use Genova Diagnostics Comprehensive Parasitilogy CP x 2 test for our diagnostics.

Digestive biochemical deficiencies testing

You digestive system has an extraordinary way of using the nutrients that you provide your body. Good digestion needs biochemicals to breakdown, assimilate, and eliminate nutrients. These include digestive enzymes, regulatory digestive hormones, stomach acid, and bile acids. Women can be deficient because of long-term digestive imbalance or other genetic factors. The CDSA panel (described previously) includes an evaluation of enzyme and acid sufficiency.

Enzyme deficiencies are treated depending on the enzyme levels. Certain foods and herbs increase enzyme creation, while in other cases supplemental enzymes might be needed.

If you have low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria), your stomach doesn’t produce enough hydrochloric acid – needed to breakdown proteins in your food and assimilate them in your intestines. The acid also fends off pathogens that you ingest. Unfortunately, the symptoms of low stomach acid and excess stomach acid are similar. Many women use acid suppressants, such as TUMS, before the real problem is discovered. This deficiency can often be corrected by using betaine-HCl supplements. It is available over-the-counter, but betaine HCl should only be taken with the guidance of a functional medical practitioner. If you use it improperly, it can cause harm.

This article has reviewed just a few of the indicators of GI tract dysfunction and disease progression. Other digestive system concerns that can be tested include sufficiency of bile acid production, markers of malabsorption and dysbiosis (such as organic acids), markers of oxidative gut stress, and sensitive markers of bowel inflammation (such as calprotectin and lactoferrin). Careful analysis will help determine and treat the cause of digestive illness. Many systemic issues are helped by understanding that the gut health and ill health can affect the entire body.

Don’t suffer with embarrassing and uncomfortable digestive issues any more! Take our quiz and get started today on alleviating those symptoms!

by Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP

It is not uncommon in my practice to have women come in with new physical complaints after major life events like having a baby. Ellen is a perfect example of one of these cases. She was diagnosed at a young age with lactose intolerance, and managed her symptoms quite well. She even went through not one, but two pregnancies without any issues and was able to digest dairy-products. She thought she had overcome the condition, until symptoms presented again at a particularly stressful time in her life. She was a young mother of two, her newborn had difficulty nursing, she was working full time, and had many uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms every time she ate – gas, bloating, even diarrhea. She was exhausted, irritable, and it all impacted her daily life.

As Ellen told me her story, I thought it sounded more like leaky gut, a digestive disorder that is not always at the top of many clinicians’ diagnosis list, but more common than you think.

Our digestive system influences everything. From controlling digestion and protecting us from hostile bacteria, to communicating with the brain – sending physical signals such as gas or hunger, and emotional feelings such as anxiety, stress, and even love. This complex union moving through the gut is often referred to as our body’s second brain, affecting our health physically and psychologically.

Not a “thinking” brain, our digestive tract actually has its own reflexes and senses, working hard to move things through our body, absorbing nutrients, and removing waste. Because of this complicated system of nerves and chemicals, sometimes these exchanges of information can veer off track.

It isn’t hard to notice when our gastrointestinal tract is off, changes in digestion can impact our daily lives. Whether it’s gas and bloating, cramps and diarrhea, fatigue, or even joint pain or skin rashes, symptoms can be uncomfortable, embarrassing, even debilitating.

More than half of my patients come in with complaints relating to a digestive imbalance, and many times I can attribute it to leaky gut syndrome.

[banner id=”digestive-chronic-gi-system-1″]

What is leaky gut?

Leaky gut is a condition affecting the lining of the intestines, creating a dysfunctional environment for proper digestion. It is also called “increased intestinal permeability”, because with leaky gut, the intestines lose some of their ability to filter nutrients and other substances. When this happens, particles of incompletely digested foods, bacteria, other waste by-products may leak through the intestines into the bloodstream. It is usually caused by some form of damage to the intestinal lining.

Our intestines are lined with cells, which are sealed together by something called “tight junctions”. In healthy intestines, these junctions work like gatekeepers, which essentially allow or prohibit particles to move through the gut and into the circulatory system. With leaky gut syndrome, particles can slip through the cells and tight junctions and literally leak into bloodstream or lymphatic system, and move freely throughout the body.

When the body recognizes these foreign substances and detects something is wrong, the immune system kicks in, and tries to fight what it perceives to be danger in the intestines. This causes inflammation and inhibits functioning. In this situation, a woman’s ability to digest food and absorb nutrients is decreased, and her immune system can become compromised. Impaired immune functioning here is extremely important, as our guts contain tissue known as gut-associated lymphatic tissue (GALT) which helps protect us from antigens causing food allergies as well as microbes carrying disease.

When the body is continually trying to repair itself from the effects of leaky gut, it can be caught in a never-ending cycle, especially when the source of the problem is not diagnosed. For example, if unrecognized food allergies are creating leaky gut, and the same foods are consumed over and over, a self- perpetuating, inflammatory cycle will be triggered, and the intestinal lining cannot heal.

Chronic inflammation in the intestines is a concern, because of the potential for its link to many serious disorders ranging from depression, osteoporosis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis to Alzheimer’s, heart failure, and more. Leaky gut may be also be linked to other gastrointestinal problems such as irritable bowel disease, Crohns disease or celiac disease, as well as immune system disorders such rheumatoid arthritis, and even asthma. That’s why I stress to my patients the importance of sharing all of their symptoms and concerns, no matter how small they may seem. As we examine each of the symptoms, we can figure out what may be causing them, and how to relieve them.

How do you get leaky gut?

Sometimes digestive problems originate early in our lives–such as lactose intolerance or food sensitivities. The problems may ebb and flow, especially during busy or stressful times. Other times we can develop issues related to taking certain medications or medical treatments that may have caused damage in our gut. Things like radiation, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, and even long term use of aspirin and antibiotics can wreak havoc with our intestinal flora, or the “good bacteria” that keep our digestive system functioning properly.

Any abundance of toxins in the system can burden our bodies. It is important to recognize imbalances and try to repair them naturally, before they lead to other disease and disorders.

How can I fix it?

In functional medicine, we look at the underlying causes of a disorder, and address it with a patient-centered focus. We evaluate lifestyle factors, environment, genetics, and history, and address individual aspects with a systems-oriented approach. The Institute of Functional Medicine developed a tool for clinicians to use when treating digestive disorders, called the Four “R” Program: remove, repair, replace, and reinoculate. I have added a fifth “R”, regulate. This method highlights effective ways to heal digestive imbalances.

1. Remove: Undertake an elimination diet

First we must stabilize and smooth the digestive tract. A 14-day detox cleanse is a gentle approach that helps eliminate common allergens, such as dairy, soy, gluten, sugar, yeast, and alcohol. It can help determine which foods may be contributing to symptoms. At Women to Women we work in partnership with our patients to help them manage and maintain an effective cleanse.

2. Replace: Investigate digestive aids

Oftentimes, using soothing digestive herbs, digestive enzymes, or other digestive supports, can help protect the lining from further damage, and coat the intestines while they heal. A functional medicine clinician can help determine which supports are best for each patient’s unique needs.

3. Reinoculate: Rebalance your gut flora

Friendly bacteria are important, and a well-colonized gut is vital to good digestive health. The good bacteria help abate the less-friendly ones, that lead to sickness and disease. Probiotics are an important way to re-introduce proper flora to the intestines. Proper diet, including fiber-rich foods also establish microfloral balance.

4. Repair: Rebuild your intestinal cells

There are many ways to repair and rebuild the intestinal cells and lining. Medical research continues to explore ways to advance this healing, naturally. Studies have shown glutamine is helpful for maintaining the structure and function of the intestine, and has been shown to improve damage from radiation and chemotherapy. Other therapies include methionine and N- acetyl cysteine, larch, kiwifruit, and zinc to aid in healing. It is important to work with a clinician to establish the best ways to treat and repair your digestive tract.

5. Regulate

Finally, we need to pay attention to how we feel when we eat, where and how we eat, and of course what we eat. First, we should avoid anything that we know causes GI upset. We should have our meal in a relaxed setting, eat slowly, and chew our food thoroughly. Digestion begins with an antibody in our saliva called secretory IgA (sIgA), which is an indicator of digestive immune function. Found throughout the digestive tract, sIgA is our first line of defense against bacteria and along with relaxed, healthy eating, is important to our entire immune system.

With time, patience, and a little extra help, Ellen was able to heal her leaky gut. Her life turned around, and she began to enjoy eating again, as well regain confidence that she could go out without fear of running to the bathroom! Leaky gut syndrome is not yet fully understood, but is real. The symptoms may be different for everyone, but identifying and isolating the cause can help eliminate this distressing disorder. I firmly believe digestion is the foundation of our overall health, and by nurturing and improving this very important function naturally, we can open the door to better health.

by Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP

There is tremendous confusion around the term gluten sensitivities vs. actual celiac disease, and generally, conventional medicine continues to ignore the diagnosis of gluten sensitivity. In the standard community, the advice given to patients with celiac disease is to be strictly gluten-free for life, while those with a sensitivity may just cut back and reintroduce it again later, and having it in smaller amounts is also considered acceptable. From my perspective and that of many of my functional medicine colleagues, the line between the two is not so distinct. Imagine that celiac lies on one end of the spectrum and gluten sensitivity falls at the other end and of course there are many degrees in between. And even a mild sensitivity to gluten, it is now understood, may (depending on the circumstances), develop into something more significant such as full-blown celiac symptoms.

Celiac disease is most often associated with significant anatomical changes within the lining of the gut, specifically the small intestines. A wide range of symptoms can be present before a diagnosis and there is always presence of certain antibodies in the blood, particularly antiendomysial, and anti–tissue transglutaminase antibodies. For many years the gold standard to obtain a positive diagnosis was to obtain an intestinal biopsy. The more damage and irritation to the gut, the more likely the antibodies would be elevated. But what has become more apparent is that not everyone with gluten sensitivity had dramatic changes, and of more interest is that modern medicine has still not done a very good job of testing and accurately diagnosing this condition.

Recent studies have reported that about 46% of celiac patients are actually misdiagnosed, and many of them, especially those with “classic” GI symptoms, 59% are told they have some form of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS.  The best part of all of this is that more sensitive tests have been and are being developed. In the works is a saliva test which you can do at home to check for antibodies associated with gluten sensitivity. As always, knowing early on that you are reacting to gluten can go a long way to prevent damage to your intestine, from constant exposure to repeated gluten, as well as negative effects elsewhere in the body.

[banner id=”digestive-chronic-gi-system-1″

Gluten-associated Disorders

Autoimmune disorders are ten times more likely in celiac patients than in the general population.

Here are some common ones:

•  Type 1 (autoimmune) diabetes
•  Thyroid disease
•  Addison’s disease
•  Cardiomyopathy
•  Sjögren’s syndrome
•  Autoimmune liver disease
•  Osteoporosis
•  Rheumatoid arthritis
•  Hair loss

Although until recently there was no understanding of the term gluten sensitivity, it is now more frequently identified and accepted today because of its prevalence. There is even an insurance code for the diagnosis.

Up to 30 percent of the population carries a genetic predisposition to gluten sensitivity and celiac disease. This causes an inflammatory/autoimmune response in your gut when you are exposed to gluten. Gluten is an antigenic protein found in many grains that are part of the wheat family and includes other grains such as rye and barley.

Laboratory and Diagnostic Testing for Celiac Disease

•  Three-month trial of gluten elimination
•  Celiac panel
•  Anti-deaminated gliadin IgG and IgA
•  Anti-gliadin IgG and IgA
•  IgA anti-endomysium antibody
•  IgA and IgG anti-transglutaminase ELISA (tTG)
•  Total IgA (IgA deficiencies ten times more common in CD)
•  HLA DQ2, DQ8 typing
•  Intestinal biopsy

by Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP

The science of using botanical remedies to treat health conditions is finding its way back into mainstream medicine. Nature’s healing properties, found in plants, herbs, roots, and flowers have been an essential part of restoring health for centuries, long before we could reach for pills from grocery store shelves.

Phytotherapy, or medicine using herbs and plant materials, is helpful for many conditions, but especially digestive imbalance. It’s amazing how these natural materials can soothe symptoms of heartburn, nausea, bloating, gas, diarrhea, morning sickness and more. Not to mention it’s less toxic to the body! Let’s explore some of these herbal remedies and the way they help our GI system.

[banner id=”digestive-chronic-gi-system-1″]

How botanicals soothe

Our digestive system is often referred to as our second brain. It is a key player in our nervous system functioning and is well connected to stress and anxiety. Our gut tells us a lot about how we are feeling and what is going on with us emotionally. That’s easily recognizable when we get butterflies in our belly, or nervous stomach, when we are anxious, or when we have surges of acid reflux when we are upset. When our digestion becomes disrupted from stress, botanical nervines, or plant remedies have a beneficial effect on the nervous system, and offer digestive relief in several ways.

Botanical nervines reduce the stress response, which positively impacts our gut. The stress response is when the sympathetic nervous system is triggered, turning off other bodily functions that are not required in an emergency. Even if it is not a true emergency, our body responds as if it is, when we feel stress. When our nervous system is revved up, our bellies break down, and herbs can help correct this process.

While we still do not know exactly how these natural antidotes work, we do know that certain botanical nervines have complementary actions depending on what is going on in the body at a certain time. In other words, they have biphasic or adaptogenic effects helping them work as both relaxants and stimulants. Relaxant nervines help relax contracted or constricted tissues relative to the nervous system, and stimulant nervines stimulate the slow or stagnant tissues in relation to the nervous system. This is amazing! There are many other types of botanical nervines that provide nutrition to the nervous system as well. These and all herbal remedies come in many different forms – capsules, teas, powders, tinctures, infusions and more. Here are some of the most common methods used to capture the healing properties of medicinal plants.

Forms of herbal preparations

Tisane (or tea): This is an herbal tea brewed in water from any plant materials other than the true tea plant (Camellia sinensis).

Tincture (or solution): This is an extract prepared by placing botanical plant material in a jar with a form of alcohol, vinegar, or glycerin, that is stored (and periodically shaken) for two weeks or longer to capture active healing constituents.

Decoction: mashed or ground up plant materials are boiled and then strained.

Infusion: similar to a tisane or decoction, an infusion is more potent. Botanical materials are steeped in oil or boiling water for an extended period of time.

These forms of herbal preparation are part of the natural process of utilizing phytotherapy to heal. Now let’s look at some of the best botanical remedies that work wonders to aid digestion.

Botanical nervines

• Peppermint (Metha x piperita, Mentha ssp.)

The use of herbs in the mint family, such as essential peppermint oil, may date back as far as ancient Greece. Thousands of years later, scientific research continues to validate its use as a digestive aid. It works by utilizing the aromatic oils and phenols that are present within the tiny glands scattered along the fuzzy stems and leaf surfaces of the plant. The enteric coating on peppermint oil capsules allows the oil to pass undegraded through the upper regions of the GI tract where it soothes, and to the lower intestine where it acts as a smooth-muscle relaxant. It can provide relief for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), calm digestive spasms, relieve gas, and reduce pain and discomfort.

Peppermint tea may be the most widely used form of this herb. The flavor and aroma in peppermint tea add to the soothing effects on digestion. You can even use it in place of dessert. Its natural sweetness is a nice way to end the evening meal, and has no adverse reactions.

Topical use of peppermint can also provide healing relief. Soak a clean town in hot water with a few drops of peppermint oil and rest the warm towel on your abdomen for 20-30 minutes two or three times daily. This comforting compress can help soothe bloating, and the aromatic smell can also quell headaches and the nervous system.

Note: Peppermint is usually well-tolerated at recommended dosages, but too much enteric-coated peppermint may have adverse effects. Please ask a qualified herbalist or naturopathic doctor for advice about dosage, especially if you suffer from kidney stones, hiatal hernia, or GI reflux.

• Chamomile (Matricaria recutita, M. chamomilla, Chamomilla recutita)

This botanical nervine is often referred to as “mother of gut”, and is a very popular remedy for digestive issues, even used in newborns to help soothe colic related to lactose intolerance. Scientific studies indicate that the extracts of dried chamomile flowers help with spasmolytic and anxiolytic effects, which together with chamomile’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can treat acute and chronic GI distress. Although the studies on humans are limited, it has shown to be effective for cramps of the digestive organs.

There are numerous chemical compounds found in chamomile flowers, including apigenin, which is linked to GABA receptors in the brain, where it may help influence and calm our central nervous system. (Anti-anxiety drugs and barbiturates target GABA receptors and do their work there).

Chamomile can be used singly or in combination as a tincture, tisane, or homeopathically. Although it is considered safe and usually well tolerated, it may cause allergic reactions in those with sensitivities to the onion, celery, and sunflower families.

• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)…Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)…Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

Lemon balm is a member of the mint family, used for centuries to relieve dyspepsia, spasms, gas, and induce calmness. Rosemary has similar effects, soothing spasms and the leaf is used to treat dyspepsia. Both of these plants contain a polyphenol compound known as rosmarinic acid. Many medicinal plants of different species share biochemical similarities in their active constituents.

Valerian carries the nickname “all-heal”. It is used in combination with other herbs to treat a range of GI symptoms, including IBS, constipation, gas, cramps, nausea, and viral gastroenteritis. But is is also known for its effects on nervous sleep disturbances as well as restlessness.

These botanical nervines are generally well tolerated to reduce symptoms of digestive imbalance. There are many other herbal aids that lend support to our digestive system. Here are some common ones.

Other herbal aids for digestion

• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

The leaves of this plant are widely used in Mediterranean and mid-Eastern parts of the world, rooted in traditional Ayurveda practices. Preparations from fennel seeds and leaves may not only help, but prevent heartburn, gas, bloating, and constipation. It also may promote the secretion of digestive enzymes for diminished appetite. It is recognized as safe, and rarely causes side effects or allergic reactions. Also used for infants with colic, it is given in tea in combination with other herbs.

• Ginger root (Zingiber officinale)

The history of ginger root as a digestive aid is quite interesting. Its use as a medicinal property dates back to Emperor Shen-Nong in 2000 BC China. Since then, ginger root has remained in use to help calm the digestive tract, reduce nausea and vomiting, and strengthen the stomach and intestines.

Extensively studied worldwide for centuries, scientists have compiled much experimental data. The chemical compounds called ginger ales, function as inhibitors of prostaglandins, or pro-inflammatory chemicals. The active constituents are thought to contribute to anti-nauseant, anti-ulcer, antioxidant, and anti-motion sickness and gastric secretory and anti-secretory, qualities.

Used in the form of ginger root or ginger juice, ginger ale, ginger root power, or ginger tea, these formulations help pregnant women with morning sickness, people who suffer from motion sickness, and have even been used experimentally by astronauts in space!

Digestive bitters

Digestive bitters are made from aromatic herbs, barks, fruits, and roots, and formulated into a tincture, distillation, or an infusion. Bitters aid in digestion through enhanced production of digestive enzymes, soothing intestinal inflammation and irritation, and by nutritive support of the epithelial lining in the GI tract. Digestive bitters have a range of medicinal qualities, and the formulations have been handed from generation to generation.

Swedish bitters are well known throughout the western world and used for many indications. Its origins in 16th-century Europe offer many recipes combining botanical ingredients into tinctures and used as spirits. Preparations originally included aloe, myrrh, saffron, senna leaves, camphor, angelica root, and rhubarb root. Now they contain things from around the world, including turmeric, cardamom seed, milk thistle seed, fennel seed, dandelion root, gentian root, ginger root, and other ingredients. Citrus essences are often added for flavor.

Angostura bitters made from the bark of the angostura tree and used in cocktails, were originally used for belly ailments but are now included in many cocktail recipes. A few drops added to mineral water does make a tasty concoction to aid digestion, and is a good alternative to alcoholic beverages and sugary sodas.

Digestive herbs for life

These are just a few of the ways you can find digestive relief with botanical remedies. Phytotherapy is an age-old and tried mechanism to help heal the gut. These remedies are still being researched and cultivated to improve their effects as antidotes to the mild GI upset that we all occasionally experience. As always, if symptoms persist or change, be sure to visit your practitioner for proper guidance. Treatments using botanical medicine can be as individual as you are, so it helps to work with a practitioner of functional or Oriental medicine, a naturopath or herbalist. More serious digestive disorders including chronic acid reflux, Crohn’s, peptic ulcers or parasitic infections, necessitate help from a qualified practitioner to ensure safety and success.

by Marcelle Pick, OB-GYN, NP

The major function of the digestive system is to break down food and provide a means by which the nutrients can be absorbed in the body. Nutrients that are liberated by this process allow the body to grow, heal and function on a day-to-day basis.

Unfortunately it is very common for this process to be disrupted (known as dysbiosis). A wide range of factors can influence how well the digestive system function — including dietary habits, medications, and emotional wellness — and most people are affected by at least one of these factors. In fact, an estimated two-thirds of women suffer from gastrointestinal problems, which often lead to malabsorption.

What makes this so important is that much of your health is riding on your body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Healing the GI tract and ensuring that the digestive system is functioning properly is a necessary first step to reaping the benefits of good nutrition.

So let’s take a look at how a healthy digestive system works, and how this delicate process can be disrupted. This is the first step towards improving your digestive health.

[banner id=”digestive-chronic-gi-system-1″]

The healthy digestive system

Digestion begins in the mouth, where the teeth break up food and mix it with saliva. Salivary enzymes initiate the breakdown of food into usable forms, particularly the initial digestion of fat and starch.

The stomach mechanically churns food, breaks up and emulsifies fat, and exposes the molecules to multiple enzymes such as hydrochloric acid and pancreatic juices.

The resulting semi-digested slurry is passed from the stomach to the small intestine, whose membranous surface could cover a football field if stretched flat. The small intestine is filled with billions of bacteria (some three and a half pounds — equal in size and functional importance to a major organ) some friendly, some not. Friendly bacteria promote good health and protect the body from the unfriendly bacteria.

Needless to say, a number of factors may go awry. Because the intestinal tract plays a key part in nutrient absorption, any problem there can affect the function of the entire body and our overall health.

Dysbiosis

When the intestines contain the balance of good and bad bacteria that is optimal for good health, they are described as being in a state of symbiosis. Alternatively, dysbiosis (a contraction of the term “dys-symbiosis ”) occurs when this balance is upset. Dysbiosis can result from a deficiency of good bacteria or an overgrowth of harmful organisms. In either case, organisms that are not usually predominant in the intestines, such as unfriendly bacteria, yeast (candida) and protozoa, actually induce disease by altering nutrition patterns in the body.

Dr. Leo Galland and a number of others believe, as I do, that optimal health requires that the intestinal flora maintain a healthy balance between allowing the more than 400 organisms that usually reside there and preventing the overgrowth of any particular one.

Signs and symptoms of dysbiosis, malabsorption and other GI problems

When the digestive system is out of balance, the following symptoms may occur:

•  Bloating, belching, burning, flatulence after meals
•  A sense of fullness after eating
•  Indigestion, diarrhea, constipation
•  Systemic reactions after eating
•  Nausea or diarrhea after taking supplements
•  Rectal itching
•  Weak or cracked finger nails
•  Dilated capillaries in the cheeks and nose in the non-alcoholic
•  Post-adolescent acne or other skin irritations such as rosacea
•  Iron deficiency
•  Chronic intestinal infections, parasites, yeast, unfriendly bacteria
•  Undigested food in the stool
•  Greasy stools
•  Skin that’s easily bruised
•  Fatigue
•  Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation)
•  Chronic vaginitis (vaginal irritation)

Some authors have speculated that other symptoms, such as impotence, loss of libido, infertility, muscle atrophy, cramps and joint pain, are also linked to malabsorption. A fair amount of research supports this connection.

What are the major causes of intestinal dysbiosis?

The delicate balance that makes up the ecology of the intestines can be disrupted fairly easily. Here are some of the most common factors that contribute to dysbiosis.

•  Stress
•  Diets that are quite poor or imbalanced and lacking nutritional supplementation; imbalanced diets may be extreme in carbohydrates, fat, or animal products
•  Food allergies or sensitivities (these may in turn be a byproduct of dysbiosis)
•  Frequent antibiotic or drug therapy
•  An immune system that is suppressed; this can occur for a number of reasons, including emotional stress
•  Intestinal infections
•  Parasite infestation
•  Inflammation

It’s important to emphasize that if our intestinal tract were balanced, infestation would rarely occur — even if we were exposed to parasites — as the immune system would work naturally to keep the parasite population under control and in balance. However, eating spoiled or heavily infested food will make even a healthy system sick.

Like your hormones, the flora in your digestive system are easily prone to upset and disruption by external sources. This is where stress, self-criticism, and anxiety come into play by changing the pH level (the acid/alkaline balance) in your intestines. The intestinal tract is noticeably one of the first areas of the body to react to fear or personal stress (think of the nausea and/or loose-bowel feeling that can accompany stage fright). In a balanced system, once the stress is reduced, the pH straightens out and symptoms may disappear. In a weakened system, such as occurs under unrelenting stress, the intestines stay irritated and contribute to chronic discomfort.

Why are women more prone than men to GI distress?

In the United States and other Western cultures, women are two to three times more likely to seek out medical help for digestive disorders than men. There is still a lot of research to be done on this topic, but preliminary data suggest that ovarian hormones (estrogen and progesterone) influence digestion.

Most of us are familiar with the bloated feeling that may occur around our period. Some of this feeling may be attributed to how slowly our stomach and intestines empty during the last two weeks of the cycle compared to the first two weeks. Research points to the fact that transit time slows significantly during the last two weeks of a woman’s monthly cycle (the luteal phase) with a marked rise in digestive complaints right before a period starts. Post menopausal women often see a similar delay. Based on this information, it appears that a decline in ovarian hormones is strongly linked to a rise in symptoms of GI distress.

Next steps

Healing your digestive system is one of the simplest ways to see big improvements in your health — and there are many steps you can take on your own to get started.

by Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP

When I started my practice in the early 1980s, I was amazed at the number of women who suffered from constipation, diarrhea, increased gas, bloating after eating, fatigue and the many other symptoms of gastrointestinal distress.

It wasn’t long before we realized this was a women’s health issue. Research indicates that gastrointestinal distress is twice as common in women as in men, that women have a greater incidence of complicating factors (like fibromyalgia, migraine, and heartburn) and that for some women, symptoms follow their menstrual cycle.

In the past I often referred patients to gastroenterologists. Frequently they came back to me with the diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and the recommendation that they should make dietary changes, increase fiber in their diet and use Metamucil. Too often these changes brought them no relief. I was aware at that time that stress could play a part in their discomfort, and made suggestions accordingly. But this also did not seem to be very effective. This kind of distress is considered a non-serious “functional condition” (meaning not a disease) in the professional medical community. But as a veteran of visits to third-world countries, I knew from personal experience how uncomfortable and frustrating these symptoms can be.

It is now my belief that IBS is just the beginning of the story, not the conclusion. I think IBS is being used by doctors as a catch-all diagnosis for a complicated host of symptoms that need to be explored in depth before the root cause (such as yeast, parasites or food sensitivities) can be identified and treated. Because of my own experience with GI distress, I now test for parasites in every woman who comes into the clinic with a diagnosis of IBS or similar symptoms. You may be surprised to learn that 40% of these women prove to have parasites — even though many have never left the United States.

Let’s talk about how these symptoms arise and what you can do about them.

An unwelcome souvenir

In the mid 1980’s I went to Mexico and got what is known as “Montezuma’s Revenge.” I returned to the U.S. and realized I had all the symptoms that my patients had been complaining about. So I did a stool test which was sent to the hospital. I was surprised when the test indicated nothing abnormal.

Being the person that I am, I did not stop there, but began to explore within the alternative medical community what options were available. I found a chiropractor who recommended a lab in Arizona. Sure enough, this stool test came back indicating parasites. She then effectively treated me and also recommended staying away from particular foods to which I had become sensitive. My symptoms disappeared. So began my real awakening to the alternatives for women who suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms that cannot be explained as irritable bowel syndrome or simply secondary to anxiety.

Role of the gastrointestinal tract

The major function of the gastrointestinal system is to break down food and establish a means by which the nutrients can be absorbed in the body. Nutrients that are liberated by this process allow the body to grow, heal and function on a day-to-day basis. In the mouth, the teeth break up the food and mix this with saliva. Salivary enzymes initiate the breakdown of food into usable forms, particularly with fat and starch digestion.

[banner id=”digestive-chronic-gi-system-1″]

by Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP

Eating a healthy well-balanced diet is the foundation for our optimal health. In the fast paced world we live in, it can be difficult to prepare one healthy meal – let alone three of them a day. The healthier the foods are that we eat, the easier it will be for our bodies to digest them and extract the nutrients it needs for us to maintain optimal health. Yet if we skip meals or eat unhealthy meals – an occasional splurge is to be expected – we need to know that in order for our body to work for us, it needs our help. The digestive tract is a complex system and sometimes regardless of what we eat, it needs some help. This article is meant to help you understand how the digestive system works, how specific digestive enzymes work, and what we can do if we find ourselves having problems with our digestive system.

When we put food in our mouths, our digestive track starts the miraculous process of transforming that food into usable nutrients, uniting a combination of biochemical players whose job it is to carry out the task. Very importantly, the digestive enzymes play a substantial role in the digestive process, as the all-important “cleavers” that turn big food molecules into smaller ones and allow us to absorb vital nutrients that our bodies need to function properly. Without these enzymes, much can go wrong.

Just as each of the nutrients in the food, what we eat and the beverages we drink have the important job of regulating our daily activities – which include providing an ample amount of energy, creating new body tissues, and cleansing our system of toxins and free radicals that can make us sick. Each member of the digestive tract team has a specific purpose.

If one member of the chemical team is not able to do its job correctly, it can throw off the whole digestive system – causing troubling symptoms such as bloating, gas, nausea or diarrhea, and a sense of constant fullness, thereby making it harder to eat regular meals. If the symptoms continue, it could lead to a more chronic condition such as acid reflux, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, IBD diverticulosis or Crohn’s disease.

In other digestive health articles we describe the leading role of hydrochloric acid in our stomachs, as well as the protective role of the very important crucial role of the micro flora in our guts. So let’s take a closer look at how and where the different types of digestive enzymes, sometimes called the “sparks of life,” do their job so you can see if digestive enzyme supplements are necessary and can benefit your digestive health.

[banner id=”digestive-chronic-gi-system-1″]

What are the specific functions of digestive enzymes?

Each digestive enzyme works best in a specific environment, and each section of the digestive tract offers that unique environment so that the enzymes can work in harmony to carry out their jobs, which result in a healthy digestive system. The following list describes a brief overview for what, in reality, is a very complex process of how the digestive tract and digestive enzymes work.

• The mouth. As soon as we eat, the salivary amylase in the mouth starts the digestive process by breaking down bigger starch molecules (polysaccharides) into smaller ones, called maltose and dextrin.

• The stomach. As food moves through the digestive tract to the stomach, the gastric juices that are made up of hydrochloric acid and pepsinogen, are then secreted by the parietal and chief glands in the stomach’s lining. The job of hydrochloric acid in the stomach is to dissolve the food, kill unwanted and sometimes harmful microorganisms, and convert the pepsinogen into the stomach enzyme called pepsin. This is important to remember as hydrochloric acid is the culprit for acid reflux. Pepsin is a proteolytic (protein-breaking) enzyme, and it’s job is to help unwind and breakdown molecules of protein into smaller subcomponents. The majority of proteins are big molecules made up of units called amino acids. Oftentimes amino acids are referred to as the “building blocks of life.” Pepsin depends on the acidic environment of the stomach, which is why it has to do the majority of it’s work there.

• The small intestine. From the stomach, the partially broken down food gets pushed into the upper section of the small intestine, called the duodenum. At this stage of the digestive process, only a few of the proteins and carbohydrates have been broken down, while all of the fats that were consumed remain fully intact. This is where the pancreatic enzymes have to work their magic. The pancreatic enzymes trypsin and chymotrypsin digest additional members of the protein family, and function best in the more alkaline environment that the small intestine provides. The other pancreatic enzymes include pancreatic amylase, which continues breaking down starches into maltose, and lipase, which begins to digest fats into glycerol and fatty acids. In our practice, a lack of these particular enzymes can contribute greatly to increased bloating and difficulty digesting foods, especially fats. Peristalsis, or the wave-like action of the smooth muscles of digestion, keeps this whole process moving along, and from here, the food moves down the section of the small intestine called the jejunum, where most of the absorption takes place.

• The large intestine. What remains of our food then proceeds to move into the large intestine, also called the colon. Several important functions take place here, such as the absorption of water and sodium, as well as the ongoing manufacturing and absorption of micronutrients with the help of the intestinal flora. The remainder of food that is left is then turned into stool and eventually exits the body via the rectum. This complex process can have many things that can go wrong, so it is easy to understand that much can also be done to improve the function of the digestive system as well.

By now, all the digestive enzymes have had their moment in the digestive limelight. Therefore, it is easier to see how each part of the digestive process is equally important, from chewing our food to the process of micronutrient uptake. It would make sense that we would take our time while eating instead of rushing through meals on the go or skipping meals and replacing them with a quick snack that is lacking in nutrition. If or when something goes wrong, your body will let you know by displaying one or more of the following symptoms: bloating, gas, cramping or possibly vomiting, heartburn, constipation, having a sense of fullness all the time and diarrhea to name just a few. If you suffer from these symptoms on a regular basis, there are some digestive enzyme supplements we have found helpful to act as a bridge until you find the cause of the deeper issue, which we don’t advise you put off. Digestive enzymes are great to help your digestive problems – however, if there is a more serious problem at work, it needs to be treated.

Are digestive enzymes safe to take?  Which are the best digestive enzymes?

Certain enzymes should not be used by people with a history of certain digestive disorders, such as peptic ulcers. We strongly recommend that you work with your healthcare practitioner to find the best solution for your unique situation. However, there are a few safe exceptions, such as papain and lactase, as mentioned below. In addition, it is important to remember that healthy digestion starts with healthy eating habits.

Betaine HCl is a combination digestive aid comprised of betaine, a vitamin-like substance, and hydrochloric acid. The digestive enzyme pepsin is often included in betaine HCl products. This digestive enzyme can be useful in treating patients with digestive issues such as acid reflux (GERD) — particularly those who have been found to have hypochlorhydria, a condition where the stomach does not produce enough acid. Betaine HCl is occasionally prescribed for patients with other forms of indigestion such as heartburn and gas, as well as rosacea, asthma, yeast, allergies and sensitivities. Subsequently, healthy digestion depends on your stomach’s ability to dissolve large chunks of food and a highly acidic environment is necessary for this process to take place. The high acid content of betaine HCl can cause irritation of the stomach, and should only be taken during the middle of a meal That means eat a quarter to half of your meal then stop and take the supplement and finish your meal. Because this digestive enzyme can significantly change the pH in the stomach, we recommend betaine HCl be used only under the guidance of an experienced healthcare practitioner.

Multi-enzyme products (supplements) contain a wide spectrum of enzymatic ingredients; some of them support the action in the stomach while others work to boost the enzymatic action that happens further down the digestive tract. Listed below is an alphabetical list of just some of the several enzymes that these products can contain:

•  Alpha-galactosidase
•  Amylase
•  Bromelain
•  Cellulase
•  Glucoamylase
•  Hemicellulase
•  Invertase [Sucrase]
•  Lactase
•  Lipase
•  Maltase
•  Papain
•  Peptidase
•  Protease
•  Phytase

For the best results, consult a holistic healthcare provider for support with choosing a complete digestive enzyme product. One we regularly recommend to our patients at the clinic is Plantzyme by Metagenics. Other companies, such as Thorne, Standard Process and Zymogen, also have products that are very effective, but you can also get good results from other products that are found in any health food store near you. You also always have the option to purchase products containing individual enzymes. Remember, each of these enzymes can target certain bonds in proteins, sugars, and other macromolecules to break them into their components. For example, lactose, a milk sugar, is poorly tolerated or not tolerated at all by many people all over the world.

People who suffer from lactose-intolerance, and occasionally want to be able to eat or drink dairy products, can choose to supplement their daily diets with lactase tablets or foods that include lactase. This is a safe and effective way to allow their digestive system to assimilate this milk sugar into it’s usable components. This can help prevent the bloating and discomfort afterward that they would otherwise experience, while allowing them to enjoy dairy products!

Pregnant women, who find themselves feeling nauseous upon waking in the morning or after eating a meal, may discover that taking a mild digestive enzyme such as papain (a proteolytic enzyme extracted from papaya) can sometimes help suppress the nausea for these women. Papain has also been found to sometimes help to settle the stomach when motion sickness is the cause. Isn’t it wonderful that something as safe and simple as papaya enzyme can solve these common problems? Some women find that using ginger will greatly help to relieve these symptoms as well.

Consult your healthcare provider for guidance in choosing an individual digestion enzyme best suited to fit your specific needs. Understand though, that it takes a special practitioner, fluent in this type of medicine, to know and understand how important enzymes can be with the entire digestive process. Having a basic understanding of the digestive process is very important in understanding how our day-to-day choices can impact our overall health. If you suffer from digestive problems, the information provided in this article can help you talk to your healthcare provider about using digestive enzyme supplements to assist you as you work to find the root cause of your digestive problems. It is a wonderful place to start to see if things improve.

In reality, the digestion process is a much, much more complicated process than we can cover within in the scope of this article. What is really important to remember, as we continue our fast paced life – is to slow down. You can give your digestive team its best shot by chewing your food carefully and for longer than 5 seconds. This will also allow you to fully enjoy your food, and it will allow your body to break it down into digestible components. When you respect the role of your digestive enzymes, you are honoring yourself with the gift of full nourishment, which leads to an overall sense of well-being.

Having to suffer with a digestive disorder can disrupt our entire life. A digestive disorder can make us feel anxious about going out in public – never knowing when we may have to use the restroom, always looking to see where the restroom is and mentally estimating how long it would take to reach it if need be. It is disheartening to pull our favorite dress or suit out of the closet to find that we are so bloated we will not be able to wear it to a special event. The fear of embarrassing ourselves, spouses/partner and child at a school function because of the gas – especially if it is expelled in an unflattering way.

Digestive problems can cause as many emotional disturbances in our life as the physical ones can. Oftentimes people who are not plagued by digestive problems do not understand why we may pass gas in public, or accidentally bump into someone in a mad dash to the restroom. These events can cause us to miss out on a lot of great things in life – but they don’t have to. With the proper care and support from our healthcare practitioner and a commitment to ourselves – we can lead normal, happy and healthy lives.

For more information, browse all of our articles on digestion and GI health.

by Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP

One woman’s amazing story of gastrointestinal relief

When Sarah first came to see me, she was a 45 year old woman who suffered for more than five years with gastrointestinal pain as well as discomfort. This included her body alternating between constant diarrhea and constipation, sensitivity to particular foods, persistent bloating, extreme flatulence, and probably environmental allergic reactions, uncommon exhaustion, as well as upper respiratory issues.

Sarah was a married woman, who more than likely was married to an alcoholic. Not only that, but Sarah also lived in a home that her husband purchased before they were married and she resided in this home with her husband and his mother. His mother happened to have furnished the entire home before Sarah moved in. Years before Sarah came to see me she already started doing internal healing work. She was curious to examine how she could create boundaries for herself in her current home, as well as if this was the best home for her to live in.

Sarah requested a food allergy and food intolerance panel performed. I spoke with Sarah, and we discussed performing a CDSA along with a CP x2 with a purge. The testing suggested that she suffered with Candida (yeast), which is an overgrowth of the bacteria’s unbalanced intestinal flora plus she had several food sensitivities. Immediately, I opted to put Sarah on numerous dietary supplements including probiotics. I also asked that she avoid the food allergens that her test revealed and she was quickly placed on a yeast-free diet. None of this is easy to do, but the results are life changing for many.

She quickly began to feel healthier than she ever had in her life. Sarah was not suffering from constipation, diarrhea, abdominal bloating or discomfort any longer. She told me that her energy levels were better than she could ever remember. Not only that, but Sarah shared with me that she felt at least 20 years younger!

Sarah is now able to create the boundaries she desires in her life. She made the changes in her relationship that she wanted to make. She also made the changes in her home life she felt were necessary for her to continue moving in a positive direction. As Sarah demonstrates, when you feel better, it is easier to take the steps needed to improve your life.

During her last visit, Sarah told me that she finally feels as though she has reached a sense of balance in her life. She truly understands now that she has accomplished her internal balance emotionally by looking at her issues that kept her feeling “stuck.” She also completed the outer pieces that she needed to do which included getting her physical problems in order. Sarah explained how she felt that her inner life and biological issues were finally aligned and balanced. I predict that Sarah will no longer have problems in her future with dysbiosis.

 

[banner id=”digestive-chronic-gi-system-1″]

by Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP

pH balancing foods

Combined with our articles about pH balance and digestion, this chart of acid/alkaline forming foods will help you gain a better understanding of the effect that individual foods have in terms of digestive pH.

There are a lot of such lists out there, a few more definitive and reliable than others, and contradictions among them do show up, however the basics are fairly consistent. This list is just a sampling an overview of which foods fall on either side of the pH scale. From this basic understanding you could start to assess how pH may be playing a part in your personal health and diet picture.

All humans have this in common: when the body is under threat or not functioning well, it communicates that fact by way of physical symptoms. And the one irritating symptom that is most common is stubborn weight gain—weight that just won’t budge, no matter what you do. In fact, weight gain as a symptom of a body out of core balance is so ubiquitous that I’ve coined my own term for it: toxic weight. You gain toxic weight when your body and mind are overburdened, and you won’t ever lose it permanently until you unburden yourself.

[banner id=”digestive-chronic-gi-system-1″]

Chart of alkalizing foods

Alkalizing vegetables
AlfalfaBarley  grassBeets and beet greensBroccoli Cabbage Carrot Cauliflower Celery Cucumber Fermented veggies (Sauerkraut, kim chee) Garlic Green beans Green peas Kale	KohlrabiLettuceMushroomsNightshade veggies (Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, etc.) Onions Peas Pumpkin Radishes Sea vegetables Spinach Sprouts Sweet potatoes Wild greens
Alkalizing fruits
AppleApricotAvocado Banana Berries Cantaloupe Cherries, sour Coconut, fresh Currants Dates, dried Figs, dried Grapes Grapefruit Honeydew melon Lemon	LimeMuskmelonsNectarine Orange Peach Pear Pineapple Raisins Raspberries Rhubarb Strawberries Tangerine Tropical fruits Watermelon
Alkalizing protein
AlmondsChestnutsMillet	Tempeh (fermented)Tofu (fermented)Whey protein powder
Other alkalizing foods
Apple cider vinegarBee pollenGreen juices Lecithin granules	Mineral waterMolasses, blackstrapProbiotic cultures Soured (cultured) dairy products

For more information, read our informative article, “The Truth About pH Balance“.