If you or someone you care about has chronic digestive issues (bloating, diarrhea, constipation, cramping, gassy etc.) there is a fairly simple regimen that helps many people, is risk free and doesn’t involve thousands of dollars in testing.
Try incorporating this into your lifestyle routine:
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- A gluten free diet – a good book to read is “Wheat Belly” by William Davis, MD
- Avoid all cow’s milk (replace with almond milk)
- Take a daily probiotic to replenish healthy gut bacteria (and also help the immune system). Anyone who takes antibiotics for any reason (sinus infection, pneumonia etc.) should also stay on probiotics for a week or two during and after taking them.
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What are Probiotics? Probiotics are the good bacteria in some of the foods you eat, such as yogurt, kefir, dark chocolate, miso soup, pickles, tempeh, sauerkraut, etc. These beneficial forms of gut bacteria help stimulate the natural digestive juices and enzymes that keep our digestive organs functioning properly. Certain stomach illnesses and antibiotics‚ deplete the number of good bacteria found in your digestive tract so your body must find a way to replenish its supply in order to promote good digestive health and enhance your immune system.
If you’re not regularly consuming foods that consist of probiotics‚ you might benefit from taking a supplement probiotic like the one we carry, Ortho Biotic by Ortho Molecular. Probiotic supplements may strengthen your immune system while reducing gas and diarrhea. Some of the active ingredients in Ortho Biotic include:
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- Lactobacillus acidophilus—a strain of bacteria that naturally occurs in your stomach and has the ability to create an environment in which it’s unsuitable for unhealthy bacteria to live; additionally‚ it may play a role in producing the chemicals necessary to the digestive process.
- Bifidobacterium bifidum—may have an impact on immune response while promoting an environment that bad bacteria can’t withstand and playing a role in digestion.
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus—a form of friendly bacteria used for the treatment and prevention of diarrhea; it may also be beneficial if you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or a similar condition.
One last thing, try to keep a journal of what you eat and drink, what medicines and supplements you take and daily events. In time, you may see a correlation between one or more of these factors and episodes of digestive problems. A good website to do this is myfitnesspal.com.
I am looking forward to hearing your results at your next appointment or consultation.
– Dr. Rich Sinda