Bill Morris, RPh, CCN
Nutrients for Gastrointestinal Support
My aim in treating patients with these issues is to feed the body the nutrients that it needs for healing. The body wants to be in a state of health. If you supply it the building blocks that it needs, the body will try to heal itself. Here are 4 of the issues that I try to address:
Digestive enzymes If your food doesn’t get absorbed, how are you going to get the nutrients that you need to heal? Digestive enzymes break down protein, carbohydrates and fats, which are the main food groups. The enzyme formula that I use also has DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice), which helps in healing gastritis and inflammation of the stomach. It also contains 2 herbs, which are slippery elm and marshmallow root. These herbs protect the stomach’s natural mucus lining from hydrochloric acid.
Probiotics The body’s immune system is centered in the gut. Probiotics help to digest food, rid the body of foreign invaders, and make the B vitamins and vitamin K.
The gut is also the “second brain” in the body – it helps with mood, focus and concentration. There are many prescription drugs and over the counter products that can cause an imbalance in the health of the gut. This is called dysbiosis. Dysbiosis can cause inflammation in the body, decrease immune system activity, and allow yeast, candida, parasites, and worms to grow. I use a minimum of 15 billion probiotic blend of lactobacillis and bifidobacterium. The surface area that we are trying to treat is the size of a tennis court. Therefore, therapy should be 2 capsules at bedtime for 6 weeks.
Ground Flax Seed Fiber Formula I use a formula of ground flax seed because it is an excellent source of fiber and has anti-inflammatory properties. This formula also has the anti-inflammatory herbs, slippery elm and marshmallow root. L-glutamine is the principle fuel for the lining of the gut, the enterocytes. It also contains prebiotics to help probiotics flourish. The usual dose is 1 scoop in 6 ounces of water daily.
Aloe Vera 99.5% Pure Leaf Juice (needs to be refrigerated after opening) The gut is lined with epithelial cells. Just like a burn on your skin, which is also made of epithelial cells, the burn responds to topical aloe vera juice application. I use 1 capful 3 times daily, continuously, to help burning esophageal reflux and inflammatory bowel issues.
There is a synergistic action with all of the above treatments. My goal is to feed the body what it naturally has and needs to digest food and stimulate the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response. The immune system is intricately involved in this process. This is a basic treatment for gastrointestinal issues, but every person is different, and would need an individual treatment plan.
*The information provided here is meant to be used in conjunction with the advice of a healthcare provider, who can help develop a treatment plan that is designed to address your unique health concerns for an optimal outcome.
Bill Morris, RPh, CCN, is a registered pharmacist with 41 years of experience and 17 years of experience as a Certified Clinical Nutritionist that specializes in supplements, herbals, homeopathy, and natural approaches to disease.
Originally printed in Positively Haywood by Vicinitus; vicinitus.com