A healthy digestive system is very important, and probably the most important factor to good health. It is thru the process of digestion that the body obtains needed nutrients to remain healthy and functioning properly. And just as importantly, it is thru digestion that toxic substances are destroyed, broken down and eliminated from the body. If anywhere along this process things go wrong, then trouble is sure to follow. There is so much to talk about concerning digestion that I will focus on just a few important aspects to make you aware of it's importance.
1. Food must be broken down properly, in order for the body to utilize the nutrients to build the body and maintain function. Improper digestion starts first in the mouth, when we rush thru a meal and don't chew our food sufficiently. Food then it travels to the stomach, it is there that enzymes are secreted to break the food down into smaller particles. One of the biggest problems we face in maintaining good digestion is when we eat a meal when we are stressed, anxious or uptight. When this happens our bodies cannot secrete enough enzymes to properly break down the meal. It is interesting to note, that stress depletes the vitamin B-5 (pantothenic acid) as well as the mineral zinc, both of which are needed to make digestive enzymes. Another problem that follows is that the stomach fails to produce enough of an enzyme called hydrochloric acid, this allows yeast and parasites that arrive on our food to survive in the stomach, rather than be destroyed by the acid. It was once thought that stress caused an ulcer, then they found H. pylori bacteria and blamed them, but actually, I think it is stress, that lowered enzyme output, that allowed the H. pylori to grow and live happily in the stomach.
The following supplements help to support proper digestion in the stomach:
Food Enzymes (#1836-9) This a full spectrum enzyme that helps to digest proteins, carbohydrates and fats in the stomach. It contains hydrochloric acid (HCL) to help with protein digestion and destroy yeast and parasites. This enzyme is best for people over age 30, under moderate stress, and have symptoms of poor digestion on a somewhat regular basis. These people usually have low hydrochloric acid output, the most common symptoms being: bloating, belching, or gas immediately after a meal, a sense of fullness or fatigue after a meal, undigested food in the stools, mild indigestion, constipation or diarrhea on a regular basis. Start with 1-2 enzymes per meal, if your symptoms are not aggravated, or they improve, try 2-3 with larger meals, some people require 3-4 enzymes with their largest meal. If you have taken too many, you will feel a warm feeling in your stomach, simply cut back on the dose with the next meal. Eventually, your own output of HCL will improve and you should be able to cut back on the amount needed. If taking food enzymes increases a feeling of burning or indigestion in the stomach then you may have an irritated mucus lining in the stomach. I recommend using the following formulas:
Gastro Health (#917-9) This formula will soothe an irritated stomach lining and promote healing. The herbs in the formula includes deglycyrrhizinated licorice root (DGL) which has been shown in studies to be more effective in the treatment of ulcers than Tagament or Zantac. This is partially because DGL helps the cells of the stomach to return to normal functioning as well as heal them quickly. The herb Inula racemosa has been added to the formula because it is effective against the H. pylori bacteria, as well as relieving indigestion and soothing the digestive tract. Pau D'Arco was added to the formula as it is effective against the yeast which is almost always present when the stomach lining is irritated. Capsicum and cloves where added to promote circulation in the stomach area. Even though the formula is specific to ulcers with H. pylori present, I use this formula whenever I find irritation in the stomach. Typically 2 before each meal, thru two bottles, will work wonders. Proactazyme Plus (#1525-0) This is a full spectrum enzyme like Food Enzymes but it does not contain any hydrochloric acid. This is a good enzyme to use while you are working on healing the stomach lining, it will not cause any burning or irritation and is appropriate for those who are on any type of antacid medications. 2 per meal will help improve the breakdown and assimilation of your food. I also use proactazyme for teenagers who have problems digesting foods or have food allergies. This is usually brought on by stress, teenagers tend to internalize their feelings and the energy they hold in tends to go straight to the stomach area. Aside from stomach upsets, they often will get stomach pains and irritable bowel. I have found Slippery Elm (#670-7) to soothe the digestive tract along with Proactazyme Plus to improve digestion to work very well. 1 of each per meal. Since this condition is brought on by stress, try to come to the root of the emotional problem and discuss it, as well as supporting the stress. The formula Adrenal Support (#1507-0) works well for teens, 2 per day is enough. I would recommend Nutri-Calm (#4803-3) or The Time Released Multiple (#1619-5) for B-vitamins however, when the stomach is upset like this the body usually cannot tolerate a straight B-Complex without having nausea. The Adrenal support contains some B-vitamins but does not bother the stomach like the other two formulas.
Note: If taking any B-Complex or Multiple causes stomach upset, nausea, or gas, it is very likely that yeast has settled in your stomach lining. The yeast feed directly on the B-vitamins and create gas as a product of their metabolism. This is most common in adults that have had symptoms of low HCL output for many months, though it is becoming more common in teenagers as well. There may be other signs of yeast infections in the body such as vaginal yeast infections, toe nail fungus, or scaly skin conditions. In this case I would use the Gastro Health (#917-9) to heal and improve stomach function, along with some Yeast Fungal Detox (#508-9) at 3 per day thru one bottle to help destroy the yeast. If you suspect problems with yeast have been going on for some time I recommend adding Protease Plus (#1841-7) to your program. Protease is a powerful protein digesting enzyme. Since yeast is protein coated, the protease literally attacks the yeast to gobble it up, it also cleans up the toxic by products left from the yeast. If some H. pylori bacteria or parasites are present in the digestive tract the protease will go after them as well. In addition, the protease will help improve digestion of any protein containing foods. After one month one this program you should be able to add discontinue these products and add in Food Enzymes for better digestion. At this point I would also go thru one bottle Probiotic Eleven (# 1510-1) to restore the friendly bacteria to your digestive tract. This particular formula contains some of your typical friendly bacteria such as acidophilus and bifidophilus, but also 9 others that are particularly good for those who have suffered from digestive problems. Take 3 per day thru one bottle, keep refrigerated. Teens can use 1 per day.
