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Natural Remedies
For Digestion
Article by herbalist
Dave
Hawkins, MH, CNC
One of the
biggest health complaints Americans make
deals with digestion. Whether it is
gastric reflux, gas, bloating, ulcers, IBS (irritable
bowel syndrome), etc., it all leads to discomfort, and
the current choice of therapy are medications
that will reduce the production of
HCl (hydrochloric acid).
Over 100
million Americans suffer from heartburn and
literally spend millions of dollars on OTC preparations
(mainly antacids) to try to stop it. Let’s look at
some of the causes and natural remedies that can bring
relief.
According to Dr. Patrick
Donavan, naturopathic physician, “There are many causes
of GI disorders, including dietary and nutritional
factors, food allergies, viral and bacterial
infections, parasites and stress. They can be
secondary to problems with the pancreas, liver or
gallbladder, all of which are involved in digestion.”
He further states that “Many of these disorders involve
inflammation of part of the digestive tract and this
disturbance can lead to
malabsorption and nutritional deficiency.”
I always say that I come
from the school of digestion. In all my years of
study, digestion of
food is critically important to good health.
We used to say “You are what you eat”
this is true but now we say “You are what
you assimilate”. Digestion and absorption
involve many processes and many organs. It all begins
in the brain when you begin to think about food.
Just the smell
of food will activate enzymes in the stomach
in preparation of what is to come. The first thing to
assess is the quality and quantity of the food
you are eating. The typical SAD
(standard American diet) of high fat, high
refined carbohydrates, laden with preservatives and
additives, as well as improper food combining, lack of
dietary fiber from fresh fruits and vegetables
are the leading cause of digestive disorders.
Because many
gastric disorders share the same symptoms
of inflammation, bloating, gas, cramps, constipation,
diarrhea, etc., the treatment protocols include dietary
restrictions, nutritional supplements, herbal remedies
and stress reduction. Some of the
main dietary factors causing digestive
disturbances are red meat, refined oils,
excessive salt, alcohol, refined sugar and carbonated
beverages.
It is interesting to
study the acid vs. alkaline quality of the foods
you eat. This balance is critical
to the elimination of negative symptoms.
There are charts available so you can learn
which foods to eat and which ones to avoid.
In regards to the natural energetic system approach to
healing, the following foods are beneficial in aiding
digestion. The grains of millet and corn, collard
greens, all squash, carrots, apples, oranges, salmon,
tuna and shitake mushrooms all have soothing
properties to the stomach lining.
Fresh juices have also been used and would include
carrot, celery and cabbage.
Some
other dietary guidelines are to restrict the amount of
fluid you drink with your meals.
Excessive fluids have a tendency to dilute the enzyme
juices of the stomach and dilute the
digestive power. Another recommendation is that if you
drink fluids with a meal that it not be iced. The
cold temperature inhibits the release of enzymes
needed for proper digestion. It is also advised to
not eat heavy fat or protein foods late at night.
The body is ready for sleep and repair, and when you
put these types of foods into the body at that time
they do not get broken efficiently.
Let’s look at some
herbal remedies for some of these types of disorders:
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Chamomile
– is a carminative (gas relieving),
nervine, antispasmodic,
anti-inflammatory herb used for travel sickness,
restlessness, diarrhea and ulcers. Can bed used in
tea form.
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Ginger
– is gas relieving, aids digestive process,
is a great anti-inflammatory and aids liver
function. Helps with bloating symptoms. One tsp
grated fresh root to one 8-ounce cup of hot water
steeped for 10 minutes. Drink shortly after meal
for best results.
The herbs
listed above are beneficial as teas or cooked within
the food you are eating. Ginger, fennel
and mint can be added to salad dressings or added in
cooking. I also use herbs like rosemary, thyme, basil
and oregano. They all have beneficial
properties to aid digestion.
There are two
other supplements that I recommend with
chronic gastrointestinal disorder and they are:
-
Probiotics
– these are beneficial
bacteria that live in the linings of our body,
specifically the digestive tract. They are helpers
to the digestive process and need to be nourished.
Good sources are naturally fermented foods, such as
sauerkraut, miso and
yogurt, etc. These are commonly referred to as
acidophilus or bulgaricus
strains of bacteria. If you supplement, make sure
that the bacteria are active and alive.
-
Enzymes
– digestive enzymes are necessary to break
down food. If your body has a lack of
them, it will be necessary to take them in
supplement form. They will contain pepsin,
papain,
betaine, hydrochloride
and pancreatin.
Another source of enzymes are
plant based and are in the form of protease,
lipase, amylase, cellulose and lactase. Taking
them with your meal will help your body to
assimilate your food better.
There are numerous
natural approaches to digestive disorders. As with any
type of therapy, educate yourself and seek the advice
of a naturally trained professional. One good resource
is the book Foundations of Health,
The Live and Digestive
Herbal by Christopher Hobbs
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