Issues relating to digestion and ‘gut’ health send more people scurrying off to see the doctor than just about anything else. Hippocrates the ‘father’ of medicine said, ‘all disease begins in the gut’, and he wasn’t wrong.
When our digestive system is in trouble we can experience many symptoms; simple indigestion, allergies and intolerances, reflux, heartburn, ulcers, irritable bowel or autoimmune diseases such as Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s. Reflux and heartburn are probably the most common, and standard treatments include simple antacids and the 'heavy hitting’ drugs such as Losec.
The question is, do you have too much stomach acid or too little? Here’s a simple way to find out more about your stomach acid status. Next time you have stomach pain try swallowing a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. If the pain goes away, you may have too little stomach acid. If the pain worsens, you may have too much stomach acid or an ulcer. Either way, I would be consulting a nutritionally aware doctor.
As we age, we produce a lot fewer enzymes than we need for optimal digestion. A 70 year-old produces half the amount of a 20 year-old. Amylases are enzymes that break down carbohydrates, proteases break down proteins and lipases break down fats. Enzymes can help minimise indigestion, acid reflux, bloating and gas. They also help with the production of stomach acid. Low enzyme levels can accelerate ageing, cause weight gain and they are linked to several chronic illnesses. I take an enzyme supplement daily with each meal. It’s a simple fix for a number of digestive issues.
For ulcers, which are often diagnosed with gastroscopy, my 'go to' option here is fresh cabbage juice made from whole organic cabbages. It tastes awful but it’s incredibly soothing and it’s amazingly effective. There have been studies done in prisons using cabbage juice for people with ulcers and the results were surprising. Deglycyrrhizinated Liquorice (DGL) is also excellent; best in a chewable form. Mastic Gum and Slippery Elm are also very helpful.
Candida (yeast overgrowth) is a major problem in the western world. Candida can disrupt the balance of the gut flora which can totally upset the digestive system. To test for Candida at home, have a glass of water by your bedside overnight. First thing in the morning rinse your mouth out with some of the water and swallow. Gather some saliva in your mouth and spit into the glass of water.
Keep an eye on the water for 30 minutes paying particular attention in the first few minutes. If you have Candida overgrowth you may see ‘strings’ hanging down from the saliva, cloudy specs suspended in the water or heavy looking saliva at the bottom of the glass. Getting rid of Candida involves a very strict diet and some key supplements such as Berberine, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Olive Leaf Extract and probiotics. With commitment it can be done.
Another challenge for the digestive system is SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth). This can happen when pathogenic bacteria travel back from the colon into the small intestine. SIBO can cause many unpleasant symptoms including abdominal bloating or distension, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Diagnosis involves a breath test which is analysed in Australia. The test can be ordered online at www.sibotest.com. As with Candida, a strict diet must be followed together some supplements and a special antibiotic may be necessary.
For autoimmune diseases such as Ulcerative Colitis, and Crohn’s, have a chat with the doctor about the use of Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) as soon as possible after diagnosis. There is a lot about LDN on the internet. A good place to start is www.ldnscience.org. There is also a lot one can do with diet www.theboydclinic.co.nz
FOOD MATTERS is the best documentary ever made about nutrition. Email me and I will send you a copy on DVD.
John Appleton 09 489 9362 john@johnappleton.co.nz
www.johnappleton.co.nz
