Our gastro-intestinal system

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It’s a crappy topic.

That’s my weak attempt of being humorous with a serious topic: Our gastro-intestinal system. When functioning optimally, the digestive and elimination system is breaking down nutrients, fats and proteins to fuel the body and then eliminating what is no longer needed.

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But why are there so many breakdowns in the GI tract? Acid reflux, constipation, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), bloating, discomfort and pain are a few of the system failures. There are millions of men and women taking remedy for said problems and this number is growing rapidly. In fact, the antacid pharmaceutical industry alone, is making over $10 billion annually!

With so many people not functionally properly in our well-designed bodies that should be running optimally, we have to ask… what is the root source? Einstein says the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result but with all our antacids, laxatives and acid inhibitors, the numbers with GI problems rise and the treatment protocol stays the same.

Perhaps the popping of the pill isn’t the answer at all?

Food can be our greatest medicine or biggest poison. A diet high in acid producing food can cause an array of illness and disease. In fact, not only is a high acidic diet difficult for our GI system, it is also linked to cancer. Limiting dairy, refined sugar, processed food and meat is recommended by many health professionals. For acute symptoms, reducing acidic fruits and vegetables such as oranges and tomatoes, eliminating chili powder/spicy food and lowering coffee/caffeine consumption is also helpful. A fiber rich diet with fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains also keeps the elimination system working more effectively.

Antacids effectively “block” stomach acid, but at the same time, they block the absorption of nutrients and can hinder proper digestion, possibly making indigestion worse, according to Phyllis A. and James F. Balch in “Prescription for Nutritional Healing.” Besides interfering with digestion and nutrient absorption, both prescription and over-the-counter heartburn medications can have startling side effects. According to Phyllis and James Balch, many popular antacids contain aluminum compounds, which can cause constipation or magnesium compounds, which can cause diarrhea and can actually cause the stomach to create more acid than usual, once the antacid wears off.

If your acidity is out of hand, some practitioners recommend taking a half to one teaspoon of aluminum-free baking soda in very warm water on an empty stomach upon rising. Doing this every day for three weeks can bring the stomach and body into a more alkaline state. (Note: Due to the sodium bicarbonate, you should consult your Naturopathic or Allopathic Doctor first).

Eating food closest to its whole form is also the easiest to digest. Our fast-paced world, while best intentions were laid for quick food, has over processed our fast food options. This has become very difficult to digest, since some of the ingredients aren’t even “food”. This can cause difficulty with our own digestive enzyme production in our bodies, making it challenging to break down the food and therefore elevating acidity, constipation (or some experience diarrhea) and malabsorption of vitamins and nutrients needed for the body to function at its best. So, if needing fast and on-the-go food options pack a cooler with bananas, apples, nuts and pre-made healthy meals such as wraps.

If you have had persistent indigestion and acidity, then perhaps you could consider supplements such as Turmeric and Bromelain (GI anti-inflammatory) and digestive enzymes, taken with food to assist with breakdown, for easier digestion. Both can be found at health food stores.

Over half the population has experienced constipation, with estimated 20% experiencing it chronically. Most often when people encounter constipation there is an inadequate consumption of water. The 8×8 rule is the easiest to follow: Eight ounces of water, eight times a day. Or, fill a 2L container of water and make sure it is done by the end of day. To avoid an abundance of nocturnal urination, try to get the water in by supper time. Drinking hot water with our meals can also assist with indigestion, saving the cold water for in between your meals. Adding fresh grated ginger to your water also adds a natural digestive aid.

The symptoms – abdominal pain, bloating and frequent trips to the bathroom — sound like a bad case of food poisoning but for millions suffering with irritable bowel syndrome, they are a daily reality. It is now estimated 1 in 5 people have IBS. Treatment can be difficult, but many clinical trials have shown that perhaps the drug of first choice in IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) is peppermint oil. It is believed that the peppermint oil can cause a soothing effect on the contractions of the intestinal system. Peppermint can be taken in capsule form or using an organic pure therapeutic grade oil in water. It is best taken in the morning on empty stomach.

Taking probiotics can be a wonderful holistic addition to maintain our digestive health by adding the good bacteria back in and assist to maintain a bacteria-balance. There are two main probiotics: Lactobacillus: This may be the most common probiotic. You’ll find in yogurt and other fermented foods. Different strains can help with diarrhea and may help with people who can’t digest lactose, the sugar in milk. Bifidobacterium: You can also find in some dairy products. It may help ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Probiotics can be taken for situational diarrhea such as viral or from the side effects of medication. Antibiotics, although helpful to kill unwanted bacteria, can also strip the healthy and good bacteria in our gut and can cause diarrhea.

A holistic approach wouldn’t be complete without examining the possible emotional root cause of GI tract ailments. Over 25 years in health care (both modern medicine and holistic) has shown me that when investigating the history of the whole person, often there is chronic stress or anxiety or a difficult challenging situation that they are unable to “digest” associated with GI tract dis-ease.

Internationally renowned author and lecturer, Louise Hay suggests in her best-selling book “You can heal your life” that all physical problems have a probable emotional cause. In the book glossary, Haye suggests that constipation can be caused by feeling stuck and refusing to release old ideas while diarrhea can be attributed to fear and rejection. The book claims that indigestion and stomach pain could be related to fear, dread and anxiety.

Perhaps the next time you experience imbalance in your GI tract, check in with your body and your mind, and remedy from a holistic approach, where needed.

(Happy Healthy YOU is a wellness column by Kelly Spencer: writer, life coach, yoga & meditation teacher, holistic healer and a mindful life enthusiast! If you would like to see an article on a specific topic, please email kelly@indigolounge.ca).