Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders
involve the stomach or the intestines, or both. For some these disorders
are temporary, but for others they are recurring. They range from
stomachache, gas, and bloating to IBS (irritable bowel syndrome),
diverticulitis, and other diagnosed diseases.
An unhealthy GI tract is the key
to many other diseases IMHO (in my humble opinion). Think about it! Let's use the analogy of
living plants compared to living human bodies. We've seen the comparison
of a plant that is fed the nutrients it needs and a plant that doesn't get
the nutrients it needs. The results are obvious. An improperly nourished
plant is stunted and sickly, and susceptible to disease.
Healthy plant roots are necessary
for the health of a plant. It is through the roots a plant is nourished.
A healthy GI tract is necessary for the health of our bodies. It is
through our GI tract we are nourished.
SWEET GI TRACTS
Were humans
created to be carnivorous? I'm not promoting vegetarianism, but let's
just give this some thought. If our intestines are longer than carnivores,
then that means when we eat animal flesh it has a lot more traveling to do
through our intestines before it is eliminated. The longer length of
travel encourages putrefaction. In other words, meat could begin to
sour right there in our intestines.
The first suggestion I would give
for a sweet GI tract is to lessen consumption of all meats and that
includes fish and chicken. Americans eat too much protein anyway.
Besides, contrary to popular belief, there is plenty of protein in
vegetables. A meatless meal every now and then is a healthy choice.
Better yet, try cutting your animal flesh meals down to three or four
a week. You'll feel so much better and you'll notice that you have
more energy. While you are cutting down on meat, don't be tempted to
overindulge on cheese or eggs. These two are also prone to linger too
long in the intestines.
Secondly, I would suggest lessening
consumption of processed carbohydrates and that includes sugars. I say
"sugars" because there are many sugars, and sugars are in many processed
foods. When grocery shopping, hit the produce section first. Then go to
the dried legumes and whole grains isle. Now build your menu around
these and you're off on a good start to sweet GIs.
Oh, and by the way, only sucklings,
infants, and young children have what it takes to properly digest diary.
Again, contrary to popular belief, some vegetables are very rich in
calcium that is much more digestible than dairy. Eat your greens and
let the calves have their milk. Bye bye Blue Bell.
Lastly, do what it takes to be
at peace especially when sitting down to a meal. A large percentage
of digestive problems could be alleviated through the emotional realm.
Stress, anxiety, fear, and other strong emotions can have a big impact
on the GI tract ... so 'chill' ... it ain't worth it!
HERBAL REMEDIES
German Chamomile (Chamomilla
recutita) is a good choice for children and adults alike. This calming
herb relieves indigestion, acidity, gas, bloating, colic, and is useful
for peptic ulcer, Crohn's disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. It can
also take care of hiccups.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
is especially effective when digestive problems are brought on by
emotional upsets especially nausea. It is relaxing, calming anxiety
and irritability. German research has shown that its volatile oils calm
the central nervous system and are strongly antispasmodic.
Anise (Pimpinella anisum) seeds
are useful for acidity, indigestion, digestive upsets, gas, bloating,
stomach spasm, and colic. They are also a good choice for infants and
adults alike. They are diuretic and antispasmodic. (Do not take during
pregnancy except in amounts normally used in cooking.)
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seeds
are diuretic and anti-inflammatory. Like anise seeds they are useful for
acidity, indigestion, gas, bloating, nausea, morning sickness, and
stomach spasm. They are also safe for children. Fennel seeds are also
helpful for weight loss. (Do not exceed the recommended dose.)
REMEDY # 1 -- Mix 3 parts German
chamomile or lemon balm to 1 part anise seed or fennel seed and make
an infusion using 1 tsp herb to 1 cup water. Drink up to 5 cups
a day.
Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus) root
has a gentle laxative effect and is useful for constipation and sluggish
digestion. It improves the flow of bile and has a cleansing, detoxifying
effect. Make a decoction using 1 tsp herb to 1 cup water and take before
bedtime. (Do not take during pregnancy or while breast-feeding.)
Chinese Rhubarb (Rheum palmatum)
root has a stronger laxative effect than yellow dock. It is used to
treat constipation where the muscles of the colon are weak. In small
doses, it is astringent thus reducing diarrhea. For constipation make
a decoction using 1 tsp herb to 1 cup water and take before bedtime.
(Do not take during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. Do not take
during menstruation, or if prone to gout or kidney stones.)
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
root is one of the most effective detoxifying herbs. It stimulates bile
and has major therapeutic benefits for many conditions including
constipation.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
root is a gentle laxative. It reduces stomach secretions, but produces
a thick protective mucus for the lining of the stomach making it a useful
remedy in inflammatory conditions. (Do not take during pregnancy, or if
anemic or suffering from high blood pressure.)
REMEDY # 2 -- Mix 3 tsp of dandelion
root and yellow dock root and 1 tsp of licorice and make a decoction with
3 cups of water. Drink 1-2 cups a day for persistent constipation. (See
cautions for each individual herb above.)
Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria)
is a digestive tonic that is useful for diarrhea. It is astringent,
bitter, and anti-inflammatory. Make an infusion using 1 tsp herb to
1 cup water and take up to 3 cups a day for no longer than 3 days.
(Seek professional help if diarrhea persists especially in a
child.)
Psyllium (Plantago spp.) seeds
and husks are well known as a remedy for constipation, but they are
also useful for chronic diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids,
ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and autotoxicity. They benefit the
whole GI tract. Soak the seeds in cool water overnight. Mix 1 tsp seeds
and husks with at least 1 cup water and drink 2-3 times a day, or mix
with food and then drink at least 1 cup of water.
HAPPY GI TRACTS TO YOU
You only get out of it what you
put into it! Give one of these suggestions a try even if you are not
experiencing any digestive problems. A happy GI tract is at the root
of your health.
Ooops! I almost forgot ... have
you had your garlic today? Garlic makes the GI tract happy, too!
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