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June 19 , 2008
Dear Friend,
Digestive problems such as heartburn, gas, and constipation are considered minor nuisances—until they happen to you. And while countless over-the-counter remedies crowd drugstore shelves and promise relief, they don’t address the underlying causes of these digestive complaints. In fact, in some cases, they can make symptoms worse!
The good news is that there are simple, safe, and effective ways to not only relieve discomfort, but to actually prevent gastrointestinal problems from occurring in the first place. Let’s start with the “curse of a guilty stomach,” otherwise known as indigestion.
Taming the Flame of Indigestion
Overeating is usually to blame when it comes to indigestion. Yet, some foods cause more problems than others—including chocolate, alcohol, and most things fatty or fried. That’s because they cause the valve in the esophagus to relax, allowing painful stomach acid to back up. Other foods that can cause heartburn are citrus fruits, tomato products, and coffee, which directly irritate the esophagus.
In addition to avoiding these foods, you can also prevent heartburn by chewing your food thoroughly and eating slowly. Drinking a lot of water will also help as it soothes your esophagus and flushes out stomach acid.
If you do suffer from heartburn, avoid reaching for an antacid or H2 blocker such as Zantac or Pepcid. These drugs change the acidity of your stomach, and can actually impair digestion. A much better solution is deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL). This herb stimulates normal defense mechanisms of the GI tract by increasing the production of the protective mucosal cells lining the intestines. I recommend chewing 2 of these tablets 20 minutes before meals.
Another traditional balm for an upset stomach is chamomile. Tea from the flowers of this common plant has a pleasantly relaxing effect and also relieves indigestion, heartburn, and flatulence. Peppermint works similarly. Steep teabags for five to 10 minutes, and sip slowly. Both provide a soothing end to any meal.
The Flatulence Factor
Bloating, belching, and flatulence aren’t only uncomfortable—they can be downright embarrassing. The only way to avoid these issues altogether is to stop eating and drinking. That’s because intestinal gas is an inevitable byproduct of digestion.
But what’s interesting is that some of the most nutritious foods are the most problematic. Beans, cruciferous vegetables, and grains all contain raffinose sugars that our bodies are unable to digest. But rather than avoiding these foods altogether, take Beano with meals. Beano contains the missing enzyme that enables our bodies to break down these sugars before they reach the large intestine where gas is produced.
If bloating is a problem, try supplementing with digestive enzymes: protease (which breaks down protein), amylase (which breaks down carbohydrates), and lipase (which breaks down fat). Bromelain from pineapples and papain from papaya are also helpful.
Restoring Regularity
At least four million Americans suffer from constipation, and we spend more than $500 million a year on laxatives to alleviate this problem. But guess what, folks? Laxative use breeds laxative dependence, making the problem worse.
In most cases, constipation is the result of a poor diet exacerbated by an inadequate intake of fluids and insufficient exercise. Some drugs cause constipation, but more often than not a low-fiber diet is the culprit.
The first step in treating constipation is to increase your intake of fiber-rich plant foods. Fresh vegetables, fruits, beans, and legumes should make up the “bulk” of your diet, as the fiber in these foods increases both the frequency and quantity of bowel movements. You should also make sure to drink plenty of water and get some exercise most days of the week.
These simple changes should be enough to produce regular, healthy bowel movements without the need for laxatives. For occasional constipation, use a bulk-forming product such as psyllium seed or ground flaxseed.
I’m constantly researching new solutions for digestion—and a number of other important health conditions—in my monthly newsletter, Health & Healing. The July issue is hot off the press and you won’t want to miss my informative dental hygiene Q & A or my in-depth discussion on how to avoid the leading cause of lower-limb amputation. If you’re not already a subscriber, you can click here to find out more.
Here’s to your health,
Julian Whitaker, MD
In Today’s Health Update
Just in Time for Summer—Sleep Soundly Again
It seems like nearly every week another study comes out linking adequate sleep with good health. If you have trouble sleeping, Dr. Whitaker has a solution that really does the trick. Restful Night Essentials gives you a unique combination of nutrients and calming herbs that works quickly and naturally to induce healthy, high-quality sleep. You’ll feel its effects the very first night. The best part? It’s completely safe and non-habit forming.
Keep Your Summer Sweet
Sweet treats and summer go hand in hand. However, if you are watching your waistline or minding your glucose levels, you’ll want to steer clear of sugar. Why not opt for a healthy alternative: xylitol. This natural plant sugar is just as sweet as sugar with one-third the calories. Better yet, it doesn’t affect blood glucose levels as severely as sugar, and it’s good for your teeth!
No More Remembering to Order—And No Running Out!
With the free EasyShip Program, you can have all your supplements arrive at your door—right on time, exactly when you want them. Plus, you’ll save 10% on all orders, and pay far less in shipping. Just call 1-800-722-8008, and we’ll set it all up for you right now.
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