Got Good Digestion?

The digestive system is the foundation of health. Beginning with a proper diet and multiple processes of breaking down food to nourish our body including:

• chewing well
• allowing your saliva (a digestive aid) to mix with your food
• proper amount of stomach acid to further break down food
• mixing in healthy digestive secretions from the pancreas, liver and gallbladder
• absorption of nutrients through the gut lining of essential fats, minerals, proteins and other substances critical for optimal health
• a proper functioning large intestine including healthy gut flora
• finally regular bowel movements for proper elimination.

Digestion is a very important and complex function. When it comes to practices in prevention for health it is essential to understand and nurture good digestive function.

Obvious signs of a poor functioning digestive system include:

• heart burn
• a burning sensation in the stomach
• constipation
• diarrhea
• difficult or uncomfortable bowel movements
• gas
• hemorrhoids
• abdominal pain
• discomfort after eating
• digestive discomfort after a fatty meal (difficulty digesting fats)
• frequent belching

Here are some not so obvious signs:

 

• bloating or sensation of fullness
• gurgling sounds coming from the abdomen
• frequent throat clearing or a sensation of something stuck in the throat
• post-nasal drip
• bad breath
• tiredness after eating

 

Signs of Low Stomach Acid

Common signs of hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid) are belching, bloating, burning sensation after meals, feeling excessively full.

Using antacids to self-treat this problem will lead to further digestive weakness and poor absorption of nutrients, especially minerals which can lead to a variety of health issues over time such as asthma, adrenal fatigue, thyroid problems, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and skin problems to name a few.

Try the Zypan Test (zypan is an inexpensive digestive aid sold here at the clinic)

The Zypan Test is a simple home test to help determine if you’re troubled by low stomach acid.

1. Simply take one Zypan tablet with a meal.
2. If burning or tingling occurs, this confirms excess stomach acid ruling out low stomach acid. In this case, I would suggest using another supplement called Gastrex with a few additional supplements.
3. If digestion is improved or unchanged, take two tablets next meal.
4. If digestion is improved or unchanged, take three tablets next meal.
5. If no burning or tingling takes place, an excess acid stomach is ruled out confirming a low stomach acid condition.

If you had too little stomach acid you can see your digestion improve with this digestive aid with less burning, bloating, burping, reflux, heartburn, etc. You simply take 1-3 tablets of Zypan for about 4-6 months.

Usually, your body will improve its production of stomach acid, and you will no longer need Zypan. In some cases, you may have to continue taking Zypan as a digestive aid, but that is much better than diminishing your digestive efforts with antacids!

You can also try a similar test with apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons in a glass of water). If you confirm you have low stomach acid simply use Zypan along with some basic diet improvements – a good source of sea salt for needed minerals, foods rich in enzymes (lots of lightly cooked veggies or small amounts of raw veggies) and simple food combinations which are highlighted in a handout I offer patients called Food Combining for Maximum Digestion.

Struggling with an Ulcer?

If you’re struggling with an ulcer it’s best to go on an anti-inflammation diet for one to three months. Consider the following:

1. 21 Day Purification Program – Watch Video or Read More Here
2. Food Inflammation Testing – FIT Test

Food combinations also need to be considered to promote healthier digestion – consider calling for a diet consultation to find which foods work best for your individual health needs.

Eliminate all foods that produce inflammation.

Try taking three or four Gastrex capsules 15 minutes before each meal and at bedtime. Take three Okra Pepsin E3 capsules with each meal. If you have a very bad ulcer condition, drink eight ounces of fresh cabbage juice daily (to improve taste add a little apple juice). If you need individual guidance consider scheduling a diet/digestion consultation.

Under the practice of Traditional Oriental Medicine and acupuncture the proper function or “qi” of the digestive tract exhibits a downward movement. If conditions such as reflux, esophagitis, nausea, vomiting or hiatal hernia are present, it possibly can be diagnosed as “rebellious stomach qi”. Treatment focused on improving digestion and restoring the proper downward movement is necessary. Often simply correcting the low stomach acid can correct the rebellious stomach qi and related symptoms.

If you are unable to take the FIT test to identify “specific food sensitivities” you can try a general long-term elimination diet (6 months to a year) of wheat (Gluten), dairy, nuts, soy, and fried or greasy foods which may provide relief. Sugar is a big factor for many health issues and should be avoid or limited greatly. If you have sweet cravings, a sign of poor blood sugar level handling, this is a major concern that you should try to address.

If you continue with lower gut problems with symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea or constipation you will need to consider treating the large intestine, liver or gallbladder. A variety of natural whole food supplements can be helpful such as A-F Betafood, Livaplex, Lactic Acid Yeast, and Zymex but always test for low stomach acid first even with conditions such as colitis, IBS, diverticulitis and hemorrhoids. Chronic life long digestive problems could simply be from low stomach acid.