Quick Help for Gastrointestinal Problems

For food to be used inside the body for energy, growth and cellular repair, it must first be broken down into tiny molecules so that the body can absorb them. The digestive tract contains glands which produce enzymes. Digestion begins in the mouth where saliva and enzymes break down starches and carbohydrates. The saliva in the mouth secretes an enzyme called ptyalin which converts starch into a sugar called maltose. Starch digestion then continues in the stomach for about 2 to 3-1/2 hours. In the duodenum portion of the small intestine, the starch is then mixed with pancreatic enzymes produced by the pancreas - These enzymes travel to the duodenum through the common bile duct from the gallbladder. One of these enzymes is called amylase, which helps in the next phase of starch digestion. When starch reaches the small intestine intestine, an enzyme called maltase converts the starch into a sugar called glucose. Glucose is the form of sugar the body uses for energy. 

Our body also needs to break down proteins in order to extract amino acids. Protein is not digested in the mouth like starch but begins in the stomach whereby gastric juices are produced and contain an enzyme called pepsin. The stomach also produces a strong acid called hydrochloric acid. The pepsin in the stomach converts proteins into what are called peptides. When it leaves the stomach, it passes through the duodenum and receives from the pancreas an enzyme called trypsin. Inside the small intestine there is an enzyme called erepsin. Erepsin finishes the conversion of peptides into amino acids. Proteins that leave the stomach undigested cannot be digested anywhere else in the digestive tract. For this reason, undigested proteins can turn into toxins and result is allergies due to undigested protein. Things that suppress digestion of protein are eating ice and drinking liquids with meals. Ice shocks the body, causing the stomach to stop or reduce the production of digestive juices. Drinking liquid with meals a primary cause of poor digestion.

Fat digestion also begins in the stomach. Gastric juices of the stomach lining produce an enzyme called lipase which splits fat down into its components. Hydrochloric acid also helps digest fat. When fat leaves the stomach, bile from the liver and pancreas act upon the fat to continue the digestive process. Fat is converted into fatty acids, which are broken down into glucose for energy. Fat takes the longest time to digest of any food.  

Non-starchy vegetables digest differently from starchy vegetables due to the fact that they don’t need a large amount of pytalin or alkaline base.

Fruit is one of the foods especially designed for the human body. Some people have problems with fruit and eliminate it from their diets because they think it is high in sugar or they develop a bloated or gaseous condition. It is really the result of improper food combining. Fruit must pass through the mouth, stomach, and into the small intestine were the enzymes are converted to glucose. However, when fruits are eaten with other foods and the digestive tract is not empty, the fruits tend to ferment. The rule for fruit is to eat it alone or leave it alone. Do not eliminate fruit from your diet since the role of fruit is to cleanse the system.

Many gastrointestinal problems are the result of eating the wrong foods, improper food combining, food intolerances, an imbalanced microbiome, dehydration, and poor elimination. It is important to address the symptoms of gastrointestinal problems, but getting to the root cause of the problem is equally important. A foundational plan involves eating foods which are nourishing to the body, staying hydrated and avoiding constipation. The definition of constipation is going a day without having at least one bowel movement. If you are putting a moderate amount of food at each meal inside your body, it should coming out of the body each time. When food sits inside the body too long it can ferment and become toxic to the bowel.

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UNDERSTANDING CONSTIPATION: CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND SOLUTIONS 

 What is Constipation?

* A condition characterized by infrequent or difficult bowel movements

* Ideal bowel movement frequency  is 1-3 times daily, depending on meal intake

* Normal stool  should be soft, formed, and pass easily

Key Symptoms and Causes:

* Hard, round stool  indicates dehydration and constipation

* Transit time  should be less than 24-36 hours for food to exit the body

* Primary causes include :

      * Insufficient water intake

      * Lack of dietary fiber

      * Stress

      * Intestinal inflammation

KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

Dietary interventions :

      * Increase water consumption

      * Eat fiber-rich foods (vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains)

      * Consider fiber supplements like Metamucil

      * Magnesium hydroxide alone or combined with Vitamin C can be used long term which used in the proper amounts. Back down on the amounts if you get diarrhea.

Herbal solutions :

      * Probiotics and digestive enzymes, especially if there has been long term constipation which has been caused by intestinal inflammation and disruption of the Microbiome in the intestines. 

      * Triphala (Ayurvedic formula), a gentle laxative and tonic containing three fruits can be used long-term

      * * If stress has lead to a spastic bowel then herbs such as marshmallow, 

      * If stress has lead to a spastic bowel, herbs like chamomile, valerian, milk thistle, burdock can be beneficial

      * Cholalagogue herbs can increase the amount of bile in the duodenum which can stimulate the tease and secretion of bile from the gallbladder having a laxative effect.  Examples are barberry, burdock, dandelion, milk thistle and turmeric.

      * If constipation is temporary it can be relieved with stimulant laxative herbs like cascara sagrada or senna, which puts moisture into the stool and decreases transit time.

 Long-Term Management:

      * Maintain hydration and balanced diet

      * Address root causes of constipation

      * Manage stress levels

      * Avoid long-term use of stimulant laxatives

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UNDERSTANDING DIARRHEA: CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND SOLUTIONS

What is Diarrhea?

• Excessively loose, watery, and frequent bowel movements

• Typically a sign of the body is attempting to eliminate toxic irritants or allergens

KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

Dietary Interventions:

Hydration and Electrolyte Replacement:

• Stay well-hydrated. Replace lost electrolytes through:

•     Vegetable broth

•     Homemade chicken soup

•     Electrolyte drinks (e.g., Pedialyte)

Absorption and Toxin Removal:

• Use fiber blend (short-term solution)

• Activated charcoal for severe cases (caution: can cause constipation)

Herbal Solutions:

1. Astringent Herbs (contain tannins)

• Helps tone and contract tissues

• Prevents fluid loss

• Examples:

• Bayberry

• Comfrey leaf

• Yellow dock root

• Peppermint

• Slippery elm

• White oak

• White willow

• Black walnut

• Green tea

• Red raspberry leaf

• Mullein

Preparation: Steep in hot water for 10 minutes

2. Antimicrobial Herbs:

• Garlic

• Goldenseal

3. Soothing Herbs:

• Chamomile tea

• Ginger tea

• For infants/children: Slippery elm or marshmallow

4. Probiotics and Enzymes:

• Effective for treating diarrhea

• Helps balance microbiome

• Travel tip: Carry digestive enzymes and probiotics

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

1. Infectious Causes

• Look for herbal products with antimicrobial properties

2. Parasitic Causes

• Common after foreign travel or drinking contaminated water

• Requires:

• Medical check-up

• Anti-parasitic treatments (natural or prescribed)

IMPORTANT CAUTIONS AND WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL HELP

• Short-term natural remedies only

• Seek professional medical advice for:

•     Chronic or continuous diarrhea

•     Severe or prolonged symptoms as risk of dehydration

-     Diarrhea alternating with constipation (possible irritable bowel syndrome)

•     Diarrhea after foreign travel as potention for parasitic infections

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Overview

Notes on natural treatments and herbs for managing nausea, with a focus on carminative herbs and ginger's effectiveness.

Carminative Herbs for Nausea

List of Carminative Herbs

• Anise

• Clove

• Ginger

• Cinnamon

• Lemon balm

• Lavender

• Peppermint

Preparation Methods

• Tea Infusion:

• Place herb in hot water

• Let steep for 10 minutes

• Drink slowly

• Essential Oil Method:

• Add 1 drop of peppermint or clove essential oil to hot water

• Sip slowly

Ginger: Most Studied Herb for Nausea

Effectiveness

• Pregnancy-Induced Nausea:

• 1.5 g per day effective

• Proven safe with no side effects

• Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea:

• 1/2 to 1 g three days before and after chemotherapy

• Showed 40% decrease in nausea

Motion Sickness Prevention

• Take 6-8 capsules of powdered ginger

• Take 45 minutes before travel

• Proven more effective than Dramamine

Additional Helpful Remedies

• Activated charcoal

• Slippery elm

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Overview

• Common condition with disputed medical recognition

• Characterized by real and challenging symptoms

Symptoms

• Cramping

• Pain

• Bloating

• Gas

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

Natural Treatment Approaches

Aloe Vera

• Anti-inflammatory and soothing to gastrointestinal tract

• Uses:

• Internal consumption

• Topical application

• Mouth wash and gargle

• Beneficial for inflammatory bowel problems

• Recommended: Organic Aloe Vera juice from inner filet and leaf

Dietary Management

Elimination Diet

• Remove:

• Wheat

• Gluten

• Dairy

• Sugar

• Processed foods

Supplementation

• Probiotics: Daily to restore gut microbiome

• Digestive enzymes: Up to three times per day

• Fiber supplement: Daily

• Magnesium: For constipation (use carefully)

Herbal Remedies

Peppermint

• Helps manage IBS symptoms

• Effects:

• Slows gastrointestinal tract

• Inhibits smooth muscle cell contraction

• Reduces pain

• Recommendation: Use enteric-coated tablets to prevent heartburn

Additional Recommendations

• Consult holistic-minded care provider for:

• Food sensitivity testing

• Intestinal permeability testing

• Gut flora evaluation

Key Takeaway

IBS can be managed through a comprehensive approach of dietary modifications, natural supplements, and targeted herbal remedies.

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