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FIND LORNA'S PRODUCTS
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Taming Tummy Troubles The American College of Gastroenterology says that over 50 million Americans are suffering with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), 20 million persons have stomach ulcers and 60 million suffer heartburn. More than 1 in three are plagued with common digestive problems. The International Foundation for Bowel Dysfunction says that IBS is second only to the common cold as a cause of absenteeism from work. Greasy fried foods, a lack of fiber-rich foods, enzyme-depleted processed foods and just too much food period make up the mainstay of our diet. We are often in such a hurry when we eat that we barely chew our food before we swallow it. Treating our stomach like a human garb orator has negative consequences. Dietary inadequacies are directly linked to the development of gastrointestinal diseases. Irritable bowel syndrome, also called spastic colon, is a disturbance of the colon or large intestine, where alternating bouts of chronic diarrhea or constipation occur. Often IBS is confused with a much more serious group of bowel diseases called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) a general term used for Crohn's and ulcerative colitis where inflammation of the bowel causes anemia, fever, weight loss. We have all experienced the odd bout of heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, gas, bloating, burping, abdominal cramps and constipation. Ignoring these complaints may lead to the more serious intestinal distress. Dr. Sherry Rogers in her book No More Heartburn, Kensington Books 2000 says 90 percent of symptoms can be alleviated with simple dietary changes, the elimination of allergy-causing foods and candida albicans, stress reduction and immune enhancement. Food and the Gut Reaction While diet is the main factor in aggravating intestinal distress, food allergy is another. Common allergens include wheat, eggs and dairy products. Celiac disease is the most serious form of food allergy to gluten-containing grains. Food allergies can also be exacerbated by 'leaky gut syndrome'. An overgrowth of organisms like candida albicans that upset the delicate balance of good gut flora is thought to cause 'leaky gut syndrome'. When the gut lining is damaged bacteria, invaders and undigested food enters the blood stream causing the immune system to mount an assault on the invaders causing an inflammatory and allergic response. To help you make a relationship between the foods you eat and digestive symptoms write down everything you eat for a couple of weeks in a 'diet diary'. Avoiding foods that aggravate your condition will allow your gut time to heal. Intestinal Invaders Wreak Havoc Over 60 percent of our immune system is actively working around the gut to keep parasites, bacteria and other organisms under control. By regulating our immune system to more effectively destroy invaders we can protect our digestive tract. Parasites, bacteria and viruses have been implicated in many digestive disturbances. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are now an accepted cause of stomach ulcers. Crohn's disease (see below) may be caused by bacterial infections. Viruses can cause stomach flu and parasites have been known to keep many tropical vacationers locked in the bathroom. Relief from digestive troubles is often sought in the form of antacids, anti diarrhea medications, laxatives and much stronger prescription medications. The good news is that natural remedies provide safe, effective relief for gut complaints. Relief Provided by Mother Nature Peppermint Cools Distress Ross Pelton, R.Ph., pharmacist and clinical nutritionist and coauthor of The Nutritional Cost of Prescription Drugs published by the Morton Publishing Company, evaluated the research data on peppermint, he states, "Peppermint tea has been used in treating children's digestive problems such as colic, gas and upset stomach. The enteric coated oil of peppermint is used routinely in Europe to reduce cramping, to relieve gas and to increase bile, with its most prevalent use in irritable bowel syndrome." Dew MJ, Evans BK, Rhodes J. Peppermint oil for irritable bowel syndrome: a multicentre trial. British Journal of Clinical Practice. 1984, volume38, pages 394-8. Nutrients are Essential Nutrient deficiencies are commonplace among those with gastrointestinal disorders. A multi-vitamin with minerals, an antioxidant supplement and extra zinc should be taken to replenish nutrient stores. Iron deficiency anemia is often present in bowel disorders and you should have a blood test to determine your iron status. Damage to the surface cells of the digestive tract often impairs vitamin B12 absorption. B12 injections may be required to ensure optimal absorption. Probiotics Enhance Immunity Poor nutritional choices and excessive use of antibiotics have weakened the body's ability to attack and destroy potential disease-causing bacteria, parasites and viruses. Probiotics, including lactobacillus acidophilus, have been shown to increase gamma-interferon, an important immune-enhancing protein that prevents viruses from replicating. Also, noted was a reduction in inflammatory responses of the gut. Another important immune protein called IgE is very effective at destroying parasites. Its action was significantly enhanced when lactobacillus bulgaricus was added to the diet. Immune Regulation New evidence has found that inflammatory factors secreted by the immune system are associated with damage to the intestinal wall and increased inflammation in bowel disease. Several studies have shown that when large doses of omega 3 rich fish oils were taken a reduction in inflammation occurred. Curcumin, the yellow pigment in tumeric has also been found effective at lowering the inflammatory factors associated with inflammation in the body. By normalizing immune function and halting inflammatory cytokines we can put an end to inflammatory bowel diseases. Most digestive problems are not serious but if you have rectal bleeding, fever, sharp abdominal pain or intestinal obstruction consult your physician immediately. If not, adopt as many of the tips for repairing your digestive tract and enjoy freedom from intestinal distress. References:
 Halt heartburnHeartburn is anything but harmless. It carries a 43 percent higher risk of developing esophagus cancer compared to those who do not suffer heartburn or indigestion. To reduce heartburn let your belt out a couple of notches, raise the head of your bed a few inches from the foot, chew your food, stop smoking, don't drink with your meal and loose a few pounds. Aid digestion Take digestive plant enzymes with every meal and gas, bloating and bowel movements will improve. You may not produce enough stomach acid to break down your food properly resulting in bloating and indigestion. Hydrochloric acid supplements with meals may alleviate this condition. Don't dilute your stomach acid or enzymes by drinking during your meal. Enhance Immunity Either alone or in combination colostrum, maitake D-fraction mushroom and echinamide, are effective at enhancing under active immune function. Reduce stress Intestinal flare-ups, colitis, Crohn's and excess acid production are often associated with increased stress. The connection between stress, the immune system and inflammation is now clear. Do whatever it takes to reduce your stress levels. Meditation, yoga, breathing exercises and/or a walk in the park can help reduce the intestinal affects of stress. No NSAIDS Using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs increases your risk of upper gastrointestinal ulcer, bleeding and digestive difficulties. Nature's Pain Killers by William Cabot, MD and Carl Germano, RD, Kensington Books 1999 recommends willow bark, boswellia, turmeric, pycnogenol and more as safe alternatives to NSAIDS. Diet is Everything Eat 7-10 half-cup servings of organic, fruits and vegetables every day. If you don't eat raw vegetables regularly, start by steaming your vegetables. Eat one half cup of acidophilus-rich yogurt everyday unless you are lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance is a common cause of tummy troubles. Stop all dairy products for six weeks and see if your gut distress is relieved. Drink soymilk instead. Cut out the white pasta, white rice or white flour. Tea and lemon Get your digestive juices flowing by starting your day with a cup of herbal tea with a teaspoon of fresh-squeezed lemon juice fifteen minutes before your breakfast. Switch to herbal tea, coffee aggravates gut problems. Drink peppermint, fennel or ginger tea to soothe a troubled tummy. Eat small meals Big meals are hard to digest. Eating small meals throughout the day will not only help heal stomach problems but keep your blood sugar in a healthy range. Sit, relax and enjoy your food - remember digestion begins in your mouth. Say No to Fake Sugars Look for the herbal sweetener stevia at your health food store. Sorbitol and other artificial sweeteners can create gas, bloating and increased diarrhea. White sugar has been found to reduce the activity of certain immune cells that fight bacteria, viruses, parasites and cancer. As little as 1 teaspoon of white sugar inactivates these important immune cells for up to six hours. Fabulous fiber Combat constipation and control diarrhea with increased fiber from: ground flax seeds, psyllium, guar gum, or pectin can be added to your daily regimen. Drink 6-10 glasses of purified water everyday especially if you are taking fiber supplements. 
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