digestive system Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Improve Digestive Health for the Sake of 7 Other Systems

AHA Publisher — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 07:00:51 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Do you deal with digestive issues? If so, you don’t just deal with digestive issues. Digestive issues actually affect many systems in the body. On the flip-side, there’s great news! When you improve digestive health, you positively affect all those systems and whole body health! In fact, the health of your digestive microbiota (bacteria in your digestive tract) affects literally every other part of your body. Brain health. Metabolism and weight management. Immune health. Heart health. Blood sugars. Skin health. Although it may seem far-reaching, this area of medical research is changing the way we think about foods, bacteria, and human health. Here’s how improving digestive health improves your whole body, and how you can start today. Improve Digestive Health to Improve Whole Body Health – 7 Ways 1. ENERGY METABOLISM AND WEIGHT Amazingingly, the gut microbiota (healthy bacteria) contributes not only to how your body digests nutrients, but how it metabolizes, uses, and burns them. In fact, studies have found that altered gut microbiota has been associated with unhealthy weights and metabolic issues related to them (1). In fact, one study concluded that the use of a probiotic alone or together with a prebiotic influenced body fat mass in healthy adults with high weight (2). Another study followed to see if changes in the gut microbiota due to probiotic supplementation improved gut barrier function, metabolism, and obesity-related markers. The researchers found positive correlation in this study (3). When you improve digestive health, you encourage better metabolism! 2. BLOOD SUGARS The gut microbiota affects tissue physiology, metabolism, and function of both the immune and nervous systems. We found that intrinsic Altered blood sugars have a huge impact on individual health as well as our health as a society. Can a healthy digestive system help? Amazingly, our digestive tracts have their own “nervous system.” It is outside the central nervous system, and affects the health of systems throughout the body (4, 5). In animal studies, scientists investigated how changes in digestive nervous system cells (enteric-associated neurons) in the lower digestive tract affected glucose metabolism. Specifically, they looked at changes in the microbiota associated with the cells. They found that microbiota depletion led to loss of the neuron cells and impaired glucose regulation (6). While more research is needed, this leads us to believe impaired microbiota hurts glucose metabolism and blood sugars. This has implications for the metabolism, weight, and blood sugar issues that plague more than 50% of American adults. Improve digestive health and support glucose metabolism and healthy blood sugars! 3. IMMUNE HEALTH Before the industrial revolution, humans consumed natural, wild, and pre-agricultural foods. Since then, Western societies have relied on semi-processed and ultra-processed foods as the primary source of nutrition. This change has had a huge impact on the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract and gut health. In fact, The industrialized Western diet and changes in gut microbiota has been shown to have negatively impacted human digestive physiology and immune health (7). How? It’s estimated that 80% of your immune system “lives” in your gut. These immune components form the gut mucosal immune system, and consist of lymph nodes, lamina propria, epithelial cells. They make up a protective barrier for the integrity of the intestinal tract. Studies have found that depressed gut microbiota causes a significant immune system deficiency. On the other hand, healthy, viable microbiota play a vital role in the development and maintenance of a health gut immune system (8). How can you bolster your immune system? Focus on your gut. When you improve digestive health, you support your immune system! 4. BRAIN HEALTH The degradation of immune health that has followed poor digestive health doesn’t stop with immunity. Impaired immune responses in turn cause exaggerated neuroinflammation. This means inflammation of neurons in the brain. Neuroinflammation, unfortunately, is linked with brain impairment and dysfunction. In fact, many experts implicate the modern Western diet in the development of many health and brain issues including memory impairments, neurodegenerative issues, and depressed moods. This propagation of these brain and health impairments are amplified with the consumption of ultra-processed foods and excessive energy intake (9). There is growing evidence that this relationship may be more than just coincidental. In fact, researchers have found that the bidirectional signaling between the brain and gut is vital for maintaining homeostasis and regulation of the central nervous system (CNS) and enteric nervous system (ENS). This communication system between the gut-brain and the brain is called the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis (10). This means the health of each nervous system is dependent on the other. When you improve digestive health, you support healthy brain function. 5. HEART HEALTH Take note, cardiovascular illness is still the leading cause of death and disability in developed countries. In fact, it is responsible for approximately ⅓ of deaths in the United States and ¼ of the deaths in Europe (11). What’s more, we’re experiencing a steady increase in many risk factors for poor heart health, including blood sugar impairments, metabolic issues, and unhealthy weights (12). Does the human gut microbiota affect heart health? Microbial sequencing analysis has a lot of information about gut microbiota and heart health issues (13, 14). What’s more, studies also show that changes in gut microbiota affects metabolism, blood sugars, weight, and more (as described above) (15, 16). When it comes to direct effects on heart health, scientists know that gut microbiota produce numerous metabolites that are absorbed into the circulatory system while biologically active (8, 13). This means that gut bacteria communicates directly with organs through circulatory pathways, enzymes, and more, including the heart (17, 18, 19). Want to support heart health? When you improve digestive health, you support the health of your heart! 6. EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL HEALTH The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis doesn’t just affect physical health or physical brain function, it affects emotional and mental health as well. While the gut-brain and enteric neurons don’t seem capable of thought like the brain in our heads, they do communicate with the “big brain” in ways that affect emotions. According to a Johns Hopkins Medicine report, “The ENS may trigger big emotional shifts experienced by people coping with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional bowel problems such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, pain and stomach upset. Researchers are finding evidence that irritation in the gastrointestinal system may send signals to the central nervous system (CNS) that trigger mood changes” (20, 21, 22). In fact, doctors are reporting that they may have thought of the relationship between digestive issues and anxious or depressed moods backwards for years. In other words, we’ve thought that anxious and depressed moods may trigger digestive issues. Now, studies and anecdotal reports are finding that many people with serious digestive issues develop emotional and mental impairments at a higher-than-normal rate. Since 30-40% of our adult population deal with impaired digestion from time to time, this is a huge issue for mental health (23). What can be done? First, we can start with healthy digestion. When you improve digestion and gut health, you support your mental health. 7. SKIN HEALTH More and more people seem to be suffering from skin impairments, from eczema to psoriasis. Could our modern, processed diets and the resulting damage to the microbiota and immune system be one cause? Scientists are now studying the effects of probiotics and prebiotics on skin health. These studies include both topical and ingested formulations. Here’s what they are finding: Ingested and topical probiotics improve skin and gut microbiota. The skin ecosystem is a complex environment covered with many strains of bacteria. Some are beneficial, some are essentially neutral, and others are harmful or at least potentially harmful. Scientists have found pre- and probiotics can optimize, maintain and restore the microbiota of the skin in different ways. Topical formulations have a direct effect on the skin by enhancing the natural defenses of skin. Ingested probiotics have a positive effect on skin by supporting the immune system and reducing inflammatory responses systemically (throughout the body) (23). Ready for healthier skin? When you improve digestive health, you support skin health! How Can You Support Digestive Health? Start with a great probiotic supplement. Dr. Colbert formulated his Dr. Colbert Beyond Biotics™ with 12 billion healthy probiotic bacteria units that have been proven to encourage optimal digestive health in just 4 weeks! In fact, Beyond Biotics™ contains 3 clinically studied and tested probiotic strains consisting of 12 billion bacteria, supporting the immune response and natural defenses. If you want to encourage great health in all the systems listed above, this is where to start. Next, begin Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone Plan. It will teach you, step-by-step, how to improve your digestive health, support your entire body, and improve brain function, alertness and health starting today! Join Dr. Colbert in his challenge to prioritize your gut health. It can make all the difference to your whole body. Continue a Healthy Lifestyle with Beyond Keto! Dr. Colbert’s Beyond Keto program combines Keto Zone and Mediterranean foods to support gut health! In fact, studies have found the Mediterranean diet specifically improves gut microbiota and its associated metabolism functions (24). Get started with Dr. Colbert’s Beyond Keto today and supports digestive and whole-body health! Bottom Line It should be obvious. When you improve digestion, you positively affect every other system in your body. It could not be more important. If you need one health aspect to focus on, start here. Make your digestive health a priority today, and support the health of your entire body. To read the original article click here.

The post Improve Digestive Health for the Sake of 7 Other Systems appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Leaky Gut Syndrome: 7 Signs You May Have It

AHA Publisher — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 08:00:32 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – As more Americans are affected by poor diet choices, chronic stress, toxic overload and bacterial imbalance, it appears that the prevalence of leaky gut is potentially reaching epidemic proportions. The medical profession is just now agreeing this condition even exists, which is especially shocking considering that “intestinal permeability” (another name for leaky gut) has been discussed in the medical literature for over 100 years! Why should leaky gut syndrome concern you? In recent years, leaky gut has been called a “danger signal for autoimmune disease.” In this article, I outline a brief description of common leaky gut syndrome symptoms seen in people struggling with this condition. I also recommend a four-step process to help promote healing — including trigger foods to remove from your diet and beneficial supplements to add in. What Is Leaky Gut Syndrome? The father of modern medicine, Hippocrates, said, “All disease begins in the gut.” More than two millennia after his death, scientific research has now proven he was on to something all those years ago. For over three decades, study after study has been published (several thousand articles exist to date) discussing our growing understanding of immunity, gut function, and how modern diets and lifestyles negatively contribute to overall health by damaging the digestive system. I (and many others in the medical field) refer to this particular phenomenon as leaky gut syndrome. In the medical literature, leaky gut is also referred to as “increased intestinal hyperpermeability.” What Happens When You Have Leaky Gut? The intestines are protected by a single layer of specialized epithelial cells that are linked together by tight junction (or TJ) proteins. As one 2020 review explains, leaky gut symptoms are a consequence of intestinal TJ malfunction. These TJ proteins are the gateway between your intestines and your bloodstream. They control what is allowed to pass into the bloodstream from your digestive system. More than 40 different TJ proteins have now been recognized to play a role in gut health. TJ proteins have a very precise job. They have to maintain the delicate balance between allowing vital nutrients to enter your bloodstream, while remaining small enough to prevent xenobiotics (disease-causing substances like toxins and bacteria) from passing out of your digestive system into the rest of your body. Here’s how a report published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology describes the pathology of intestinal permeability: The intestinal epithelial lining, together with factors secreted from it, forms a barrier that separates the host from the environment. In pathologic conditions, the permeability of the epithelial lining may be compromised allowing the passage of toxins, antigens, and bacteria in the lumen to enter the bloodstream creating a “leaky gut.” Symptoms (Plus Related Conditions) According to one review focusing on medically reviewed research about intestinal permeability (among other sources), the chronic condition of hyperpermeability may be linked to numerous symptoms and health conditions, including some autoimmune diseases. What are the symptoms of leaky gut? Some of the most prominent signs you may have this condition include: Gastric ulcers Joint pain Infectious diarrhea Irritable bowel syndrome Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis) Small intestine bacterial overgrowth Celiac disease Esophageal and colorectal cancer Allergies Respiratory infections Acute inflammation conditions (sepsis, SIRS, multiple organ failure) Chronic inflammatory conditions (such as arthritis) Thyroid disorders Obesity-related metabolic diseases (fatty liver, type II diabetes, heart disease) Autoimmune diseases (such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, type I diabetes, Hashimoto’s and more) Parkinson’s disease Chronic fatigue syndrome Propensity toward weight gain or obesity Leaky gut may not directly cause any of these conditions — it’s more that people who have gut issues are more likely to have a number of other health problems. So while the scientific evidence has not yet proven that increased intestinal hyperpermeability is actually responsible for these conditions, it strongly suggests that leaky gut and other dysfunctions tend to occur simultaneously. Here’s more about some of these problems can develop due to gut dysfunction: 1. Food Sensitivities Some research suggests that intestinal hyperpermeability can cause the immune system to overproduce various antibodies, which may make some more susceptible to antigens in certain foods (especially gluten and dairy). In studies involving rats and human children, leaky gut and food allergies have been linked. Allergies are believed to be one of the most common symptoms. 2. Inflammatory Bowel Disease Researchers from Hungary uncovered in 2012 that elevated gut permeability is oftentimes localized to the colon in people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis. As far back as 1988, scientists suggested that Crohn’s disease may be more of a risk for people with leaky gut. A small study (observing 12 patients) discovered that zinc supplementation may help resolvethe TJ dysfunction in these cases, although more medically reviewed research is required on a larger scale to confirm these results. 3. Autoimmune Disease The key to understanding how leaky gut can cause autoimmune diseases is through research done on a protein known as “zonulin.” According to a one article published in the journal Physiologic Reviews: Zonulin is the only physiological modulator of intercellular tight junctions described so far that is involved in trafficking of macromolecules and, therefore, in tolerance/immune response balance. When the finely tuned zonulin pathway is deregulated in genetically susceptible individuals, both intestinal and extraintestinal autoimmune, inflammatory, and neoplastic disorders can occur. Eating certain food allergens, such as gluten, may trigger this dangerous cascade. University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers uncovered that gluten “activates zonulin signaling irrespective of the genetic expression of autoimmunity, leading to increased intestinal permeability to macromolecules.” The good news is that it seems possible to reverse these autoimmune reactions’ problematic immune responses. 4. Thyroid Problems One of the autoimmune diseases that leaky gut syndrome may directly affect is Hashimoto’s disease. Also known as “chronic thyroiditis,” this disorder is displayed with hypothyroidism (low thyroid function), impaired metabolism, fatigue, depression, weight gain and a host of other concerns. 5. Nutrient Malabsorption In my patients I saw at my Nashville chiropractic clinic from 2007 to 2014, I observed various nutritional deficiencies resulting from leaky gut, including vitamin B12, magnesium and digestive enzymes. Those common nutrient deficiencies are one reason why many functional medicine practitioners prescribe a whole-food multivitamin in addition to probiotics for people suffering from this condition. 6. Inflammatory Skin Conditions First described over 70 years ago, the “gut-skin connection theory” describes how increased intestinal hyperpermeability can cause a slew of skin conditions, particularly acne and psoriasis. Creams and drugs with endless lists of (sometimes dangerous) side effects are often prescribed for these skin disorders, yet there has been evidence for several decades that part of the root cause might exist in the gut. 7. Mood Issues and Autism According to a study published in the journal Neuroendocrinology Letters, intestinal permeability has been shown to contribute to various neurocognitive disorders. For example, the inflammatory response characteristic of intestinal hyperpermeability triggers the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other chemicals that are thought to induce depression. A study published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience described the “vicious circle between immune system impairment and increasing dysbiosis that leads to leaky gut and neurochemical compounds and/or neurotoxic xenobiotics production and absorption.” The authors go on to describe findings from a number of studies that point to their theory that autism may be connected to problems in the microbiome, particularly within the first year of life. It is actually now a common hypothesis in modern science. Causes What is the main cause of leaky gut? As explained above, it occurs when certain tiny particles that should never be able to enter your bloodstream start to make their way through due to dysfunction of the mucosal barrier in the gut. There also commonly are abnormalities in the gut stemming from antimicrobial molecules, immunoglobulins and cytokine activities. This presents a major problem, as the vast majority of your immune system is found inside the gut (sometimes called the microbiome). The result is a disruption of acute inflammation and sometimes autoimmune reactions. A normal part of your immune response that serves to fight infections and diseases winds up over-performing, leading to chronic inflammation, which is at the root of most diseases. Some of the underlying causes of leaky gut include: Genetic predisposition — Certain people may be more predisposed to developing this condition because they are sensitive to environmental factors that “trigger” their bodies into initiating autoimmune responses. Poor diet — Especially a diet that includes allergens and inflammatory foods, such as unsprouted grains, added sugar, GMOs, refined oils, synthetic food additives, conventional dairy products and alcohol. Chronic stress Toxin overload — This includes “chronic stressors,” such as high drug and alcohol consumption. We come into contact with over 80,000 chemicals and toxins every single year, but the worst offenders for causing leaky gut include antibiotics, pesticides, tap water, aspirin and NSAIDs. I recommend buying a high-quality water filter to eliminate chlorine and fluoride and look to natural plant-based herbs to reduce inflammation in your body. Bacterial imbalance — Also called dysbiosis, which means an imbalance between beneficial and harmful species of bacteria in your gut. A large body of evidence now shows that gut microbiota is important in supporting the epithelial barrier and preventing autoimmune reactions. At least 10 percent of all gene transcriptions found in intestinal epithelial cells that are related to immunity, cell proliferation and metabolism are regulated by gut microbiota. Medical Definition/Research Do most conventional doctors support the idea that leaky gut is real? Not exactly, as it the topic remains controversial. WebMD refers to leaky gut as “something of a medical mystery.” This isn’t surprising, since it’s not a diagnosis that most doctors have been taught in medical school. “From an MD’s standpoint, it’s a very gray area,” says gastroenterologist Donald Kirby, MD – director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the Cleveland Clinic. In his opinion, “Physicians don’t know enough about the gut, which is our biggest immune system organ.” However, a roundtable review quotes the researchers at seven different European universities in 2014 agreeing upon the following: Alteration of the gut barrier seems to have multiple consequences facilitating the onset of a variety of diseases depending on other hits and on genetic or epigenetic constellations, respectively. The growing significance of the gut barrier and bacterial translocation raises the questions of how we can improve gut barrier functions and gut microbiota. While it’s encouraging that science is coming around to leaky gut syndrome being a real problem, we are by no means at a point where there are standard diagnostic tools for testing and treating this problem. This means that MDs are often left with no other choice than to follow what they believe to be the “safe path” and prescribe drugs that only treat symptoms. For example, medications (like proton pump inhibitors or antacids) can be used to manage symptoms like acid reflux medications, but these drugs don’t solve the root problem. Because there is so much unknown about leaky gut syndrome, it’s critical that you understand what leaky gut is and what to look out for in case you or a loved one is affected by it. The good news is that many functional and integrative medicine practitioners have a greater understanding of this condition than they did even a decade ago. How to Get Rid of Leaky Gut (Treatment) Several leaky gut syndrome tests are available that can help confirm a diagnosis and point you in the right treatment direction. Tests are helpful for identifying specific sensitivities and uncovering which types of toxins or deficiencies are contributing to your symptoms. Available tests include: Zonulin or Lactulose Tests IgG Food Intolerance Test Stools Tests Organic Acid Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies Tests Lactulose Mannitol Test What leaky gut treatments are available? After years of research and patient care, I developed a four-step process for helping treat leaky gut. I cover this process in my leaky gut diet and treatment plan. If you’re concerned that you or a loved one may have this condition, I encourage you to read the detailed instructions, food suggestions and recommended supplements listed in that article. The basic steps to healing leaky gut are as follows: Remove foods and factors that damage the gut. Replace these...

The post Leaky Gut Syndrome: 7 Signs You May Have It appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone System

AHA Publisher — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 08:00:35 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Did you know there’s one system in your body that’s responsible for the health of all other systems? Sure, if your nervous system or cardiovascular system fails, the whole body fails. However, there’s one system that functions to maintain the health of all other crucial organs. This one system is the digestive system. Your digestive health is paramount to your entire body’s health, and specifically your brain’s health. Unfortunately, it’s estimated that 60-70 million Americans suffer from chronic digestive issues each year (1). Some are severe. Some are more minor. All impede everyday life to some extent and affect every other system in the body. It’s for this reason that Dr. Colbert has created an amazing system to help you care for your digestive health: Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone System. This complete kit includes the best probiotics available, a two-fiber supplement powder for complete digestive health, and Dr. Colbert’s Gut Zone book. With the Healthy Gut Zone System, you’ll learn how digestive health affects your entire body and what you can do to keep yours in top-notch shape! Digestive Health, Brain Health and Beyond Amazingly, your digestive health has direct implications for your brain health. In fact, it’s now known that: Gut inflammation promotes brain inflammation and declining function An unhealthy digestive tract promotes illness in other parts of the body Healing your gut can reduce brain fog, increase alertness, support youthful memory, and energize the body and brain Immune function is dependent on a healthy digestive tract Healthy digestion is first responsible for nourishing your body, from your hair to your toes. What’s more, there is an incredible gut-brain connection that impacts your brain health directly. In fact, your digestive tract is home to 75% of your immune system. The health of your brain depends on strong immunity and a healthy gut-brain connection! Are you convinced? Ready to take care of your digestive health above all else? Here are 5 steps you can take today to optimize digestive health and therefore, whole-body health with Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone System. 5 Steps to Optimal Health 1. Take Care of the Good Bacteria Forty trillion. This is the number of bacteria in your body. Most are in your intestines. And, most are there to help you. It’s time to start helping them. How? It’s simple, really. The first thing to do is to replenish and fortify your healthy bacteria with probiotic supplements and foods. Within Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone System, you’ll receive Dr. Colbert’s Beyond Biotics Ultra Blend. Beyond Biotics is a probiotic supplement that contains live, viable probiotic bacteria in pill form. It is specifically beneficial to modern-day humans since we have many food-supply, environmental, and chemical compounds that harm our digestive tracts and bacteria. Both anecdotal reports and studies show that probiotics help acute digestion symptoms. They can also produce beneficial effects on the bacteria in the gut (2). What’s more, they can affect other health issues within the body as they improve digestion comfort, nutrient absorption and microbiota (3, 4, 5). In addition, Dr. Colbert’s Gut Zone Book emphasizes healthy foods you can consume to fortify your digestive tract’s healthy bacteria. These include Divine Health® Fermented Greens Supremefoods, plain yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha, tempeh, and more. Don’t leave your healthy bacteria to fend for themselves. Fortify them with probiotics each day. 2. Fortify Your Digestive Tract with Fiber Next, you can fortify your digestive tract with fiber. Dr. Colbert’s Keto Zone® Fiber Zone is included in the Healthy Gut Zone System. Dr. Colbert’s Keto Zone® Fiber Zone is a delicious fiber powder specially formulated using 2 of the most powerful, important fibers available. First, it contains psyllium husk. Psyllium husk is made of both soluble (70%) and insoluble fibers (30%). This means twice the benefits. It acts as a prebiotic, feeding and fortifying healthy gut bacteria. Its insoluble fiber passes through the digestive tract, providing bulk and softness to stools. This encourages digestive health, reduced inflammation, and a healthy gut-brain connection (6). Next, Fiber Zone contains inulin. Inulin is a prebiotic fiber. Like psyllium, it feeds the healthy bacteria and cells in our digestive tracts, making them stronger and healthier (7). Together, these fibers work to reduce hunger cravings, support healthy digestion, encourage optimal weight, support bone health and optimize the gut-brain connection (8). In addition, following Dr. Colbert’s Gut Zone Book, eat healthy high fiber and prebiotic foods. These include berries, artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, greens, onions, garlic, leaks, cacao, flaxseeds, hemp heart seeds, nuts, and more. 3. Nourish With Collagen Collagen is another great food for your digestive health! In fact, collagen supports healthy digestion, joint health, vibrant skin, healthy weight, and more! In particular, those who suffer from leaky gut syndrome can find relief by adding collagen to their diets. With this digestive issue, toxins, allergens and large particles are able to pass from your gut into your bloodstreams, causing negative reactions. Collagen can help fortify connective tissue in the protective lining of the digestive tract. It heals it and helps it seal out the offending particles. Further, it supports better digestive health in those who suffer from inflammatory digestive issues, acid reflux, and more (9). Keto Zone® Collagen Powder is a great source of collagen. It is enzymatically hydrolyzed, or predigested, for effortless digestion and full absorption into the body. It is derived from chicken and marine peptides, and contains Types I, II, and III collagen. This combination of collagen supports the formation of elastin in the body, which is critical in fighting against wrinkles and sagging skin. 4. Avoid Harmful Substances Did you know some substances you consume actually harm digestive health? Some foods, drinks, and environmental contaminants harm or destroy digestive cells, healthy bacteria, and more. These include: Sugar: Sugar can harm the digestive tract in a few ways. First, it promotes the growth of harmful Candida albicans which can lead to leaky gut and other digestive issues (10). Next, high-sugar diets increase gut permeability, degrades healthy gut barriers, increases spleen weight, and increases inflammatory immune response in animal studies (11). Man-Made Artificial Sweeteners: Chemical artificial sweeteners have been widely used in “diet foods.” Unfortunately, they can have negative effects on gut bacteria. Animal and human studies have shown that aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, and other artificial sweeteners can impair gut bacteria (12) allowing other microbes to take over (13). If you use sugar substitutes, make sure they are natural ones like sugar alcohols: xylitol is safe and does not seem to affect gut bacteria (13). Antibiotics: In recent years, there has been a push to drastically reduce the use of antibiotics in humans and animals. Most doctors have been urged to only prescribe antibiotics only when necessary, and with much less frequency than in previous decades. The overuse of antibiotics has been shown to 1) hurt the gut by wiping out healthy bacteria, and 2) lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In fact, the World Health Organization is also working to reduce the antibiotics that humans consume. It is recommending that routine antibiotic use in animals is stopped and reserved only when the animal is sick (14). Alcohol: Unfortunately, alcohol, especially in large quantities, can negatively affect the bacteria colonies in the gut. In fact, many people who abuse alcohol have impaired nutrient absorption, poor digestion, and discomfort. When used in moderation, bacteria colonies can remain healthy. But, overuse of alcohol can destroy them (15). Nicotine: Nicotine is harmful to digestive health. It has been associated with excess reflux, peptic ulcers, and a decrease in colon strength. What’s more, smokers experience higher Helicobacter pylori infections (16). While you use the tools in Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone System, you will learn to also avoid these compounds that harm your digestive system. 5. Be Active, Hydrate, and Reduce Stress Your lifestyle choices make a difference in the health of your digestive system. First, exercise can improve digestion. Movement and gravity helps food naturally move through your intestines. On the other hand, a sedentary lifestyle actually harms the digestive system. When we sit all day, our digestive tract is kinked. This makes natural, healthy digestion more difficult. Make sure to get up frequently and include physical activity each day to support healthy digestion. Next, healthy digestion depends on the presence of fluids. Water helps break down food, lubricates the digestive tract, reduces constipation, and keeps your cells healthy. Make sure to drink water throughout each day. Lastly, chronic stress can have a negative effect on digestion. In fact, chronic stress can decrease the blood flow to the intestines, slow nutrient absorption, and even change how the bacteria in your gut function. One way to reduce stress? In addition to daily de-stress strategies, make sure you stay hydrated! Dehydration is linked to elevated cortisol levels. Bottom Line You can improve your digestive health, support your entire body, and improve brain function, alertness and health starting today! Join Dr. Colbert in his challenge to help the millions of Americans that suffer from digestive issues. Try Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone System now and enjoy better digestion! To read the original article click here.

The post Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone System appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Is Toxic Poop A Myth or Reality?

AHA Publisher — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 07:00:18 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – “Toxic poop” is a term used to describe guck and impacted fetal matter that has built up in someone’s colon over the course of months or even years. We hear about the potentially dangerous effects of toxic poop most often from people who promote colon cleanses in order to rid the body of lingering waste. In fact, the man who came up with term toxic poop, a naturopath named Richard Anderson, was the creator of a popular colon cleanser. So is it a real thing? Let’s find out below, along with tips for keeping your digestive system healthy so toxicity is less of a concern. Is Toxic Poop A Myth? Is poop really toxic? Not exactly; at least not in the vast majority of cases. While it’s possible for some people to have dysfunctional gastrointestinal tracts that are associated with toxicity, this is rare and not a problem amongst many adults. The concept of toxic poop has been thrown around the natural health space in recent years in a way that’s misleading and confusing. Companies who promote and sell colon cleanses claim that adults can have anywhere from 5 to 20+ pounds of residual poop hiding within their guts, supposedly contributing to issues like weight gain, fatigue, brain fog and more. But toxic poop has never been proven to be real, and in fact, the available evidence suggests it’s simply a myth. One of the biggest arguments against the existence of toxic poop is the fact that medical professionals who have performed surgeries, treatments and autopsies on thousands of people’s colons — including radiologists and gastroenterologists— have not found fecal matter encrusted in anyone’s colons or intestines. As one gastroenterologist told The Wall Street Journal, “I’ve seen a lot of colons and the notion that people have pounds of feces and evil toxins built up in there is pure fantasy… Claims for colonics and other forms of cleansing just play to people’s fears and desire to lose weight.” So while constipation, and sometimes GI infections, are a real concern for some people, but pounds of hidden toxic poop? Not so much. The Toxic Megacolon Even though the idea of toxic poop may seem a little outrageous, many medical experts agree that it’s still possible for people’s colons to become somewhat “toxic”environments — in other words, unhealthy — due to habits like eating a poor-quality diet and ingesting certain drugs and chemicals. However, this doesn’t mean that people are walking around carrying pounds of impacted poop in their bodies. One rare condition that can lead to a very unhealthy colon is called “toxic megacolon,” which is a complication of severe colon disease or infection. According to Johns Hopkin’s Medicine, “toxic megacolon can be deadly because it puts you at risk for infection throughout the body, shock, and dehydration.” This condition is not very common at all, but when it does occur, it’s life-threatening and must be treated right away. How do you know if you have toxic megacolon? Signs and symptoms caused by toxic megacolon include: Swelling of the belly Stomach pain Fever Rapid heart rate Shock Diarrhea and sometimes changes in stool color Severe inflammation fo the colon Toxic megacolon is usually triggered by other gastrointestinal diseases, including ulcerative colitis (a type of inflammatory bowel disease), Crohn’s disease, or infections in the colon caused by the germ called C difficile. Sometimes poor circulation to the colon, colon cancer , diabetes, kidney failure, COPD or poor immune function might also play a role in its development. How to Get Rid of Toxic Poop So how do you get rid of toxic poop? What you’re really trying to do is keep your colon and intestines in good shape, thereby reducing constipation, bloating and other GI issues. By eating a healthy diet, exercising, managing stress, and generally taking care of your digestive and immune systems, you should stay “regular” in terms of elimination and detoxification, and therefore you don’t need to rely on colon cleanses. 1. Consume Plenty of Fiber A high-fiber diet is often the number one recommendation for promoting regular bowel movements and keeping the colon healthy. High-fiber foodsinclude vegetables, fruits, beans/legumes, nuts, seeds and 100% whole grains. Here are some of the best sources of fiber to focus on: All beans, pulses or legumes like peas, chickpeas, black beans, etc. Avocado Sweet potatoes and winter squash Apples and pears Berries Figs and prunes Chia and flax seeds 100 percent unprocessed grains like oats, bran and quinoa Veggies like leafy greens, broccoli, artichoke, peppers, mushrooms, etc. 2. Drinks Lots of Water Water is absorbed by fiber in your GI tract and helps to keep your body hydrated, which assists in elimination. The best way to stay hydrated is to drink enough water throughout the day, but other low-sugar/no-sugar fluids can also help, such as coconut water, 100 percent fresh juice, herbal teas, bone broth and seltzer. Warm or room temperature liquids (as opposed to very cold drinks), especially when consumed first thing in the morning, tend to stimulate digestion. When you need a simple home remedy for constipation, try some warm water infused with lemon, sea salt and a bit of raw honey, or warm coffee in moderation or bone broth. 3. Tackle Constipation Holistically (Exercise, Manage Stress, Limit Inflammatory Foods) Constipation can be caused or worsened by things other than your diet, such as high stress levels, being sedentary or taking certain medications. Physical activity increases muscle activity in your intestines, so try to fit in more movement and formal exercise most days of the week, especially in the morning if this is when you usually go to the bathroom. Stress can also interfere with gastrointestinal health by increasing muscle tension, increasing levels of “stress hormones” like cortisol, causing blood sugar levels to rise, altering your appetite, and even changing your gut microbiome. Some ways to relieve stress include: breathing exercises, yoga (try these yoga tips for constipation), meditation, prayer, spending time outdoors, reading and writing a journal. Your digestion and colon health can also suffer if your diet includes lots of processed foods that offer little fiber or nutrients. These include foods that are common in the “Standard American Diet” such as: processed meats (like cold cuts or hot dogs), cheeses, sweetened cereal, breads, pasta, chips, fast food, ice cream, fried foods made with trans-fats, and too much alcohol. 4. Consider Fiber Supplements/Natural Laxatives If Needed If the steps above don’t do enough to keep your digestion on track, you may benefit from certain fiber blends or supplements that promote bowel movements. These “natural laxatives” work in ways such as adding bulk to stools and stimulating intestinal contractions. Classic fibers include psyllium husk, flax seed, fennel seed, slippery elm bark and apple pectin. It’s important to drink plenty of water when adding these to your routine. Here’s a bit about the benefits of these supplements: Sprouted chia seeds and flaxseeds: high in fiber and healthy fats, plus they help to absorb water. Try to consume about 2–3 tablespoons of seeds (soaked ideally to help release nutrients) daily with water or liquid, and consider taking 1 tablespoon daily of flaxseed oil. Psyllium husk: a natural constipation treatment because it’s high in fiber and helpful for forming stool. When combined with water or another liquid, psyllium husk swells and produces more bulk. Cod liver oil: a traditional remedy used upon waking is taking 1 tablespoon of cod liver oil or flaxseed oil mixed with 8 ounces of fresh pressed carrot juice to stimulate bowel movements. Aloe vera juice: helps to reduce inflammation and improve the frequency of bowel movements. Take 1/4 cup twice daily while adjusting the amount based on symptoms. Don’t be surprised if you experience changes in stool consistency and color once you start making improvements to your diet and lifestyle. What color is detox poop? Poop may become green or different shades of tan and brown if you’re experiencing diarrhea. Some people may also pass black stools if they are using colon cleansing products due to mucilaginous fiber in the products themselves combined with black bile from the liver. This should clear up with a week or so, but if it doesn’t and you notice other symptoms, cut back on these supplements and see if things improve. Risks Be cautious about using any colon cleansing products or treatments, including colonics, that can often have side effects. For example, some that contain laxatives or ingredients such as guar gum (which are also promoted as being capable of curbing your appetite) that can cause side effects like esophageal and intestinal blockages, as well as diarrhea and dehydration. Be sure to add fiber to your slowly while drinking lots of water in order to help your body adjust. Consuming lots of fiber without drinking enough fluids may actually digestive issues worse, so drink up! Final Thoughts Most health professionals don’t believe that toxic poop is a real thing, however people can still have other colon and intestinal problems due to eating a poor diet, stress, low immune function, infections and other factors. How do you know if you have a dysfunctional colon (also called a “toxic megacolon”)? Toxic megacolon is due to complications of severe colon disease or infection which can cause swelling, pain, diarrhea, fever and other symptoms; it’s rare but life-threatening. To keep your GI tract healthy: eat lots of fiber, drink plenty of water, avoid processed foods, manage stress, exercise, and try fiber supplements or natural laxatives if necessary. To read the original article click here.

The post Is Toxic Poop A Myth or Reality? appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Tuna Pasta Salad with Kalamata Olives and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

AHA Publisher — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 07:00:22 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – Like tuna mac and cheese, tuna pasta salad is an easy way to take a classic pasta dish and significantly up its protein content. No matter your age or athletic activities, getting enough protein in your diet is important for everyone. Signs of a protein deficiency can range from moodiness to poor sleep to slow healing. This tuna macaroni salad recipe is a perfect and delicious way to get more protein in your diet. Plus, it’s such an easy dish to make. Key Ingredients But wait, is this recipe healthy? Tuna pasta salad, also called tuna macaroni salad or tuna noodle salad, is as healthy as the ingredients you put into it. In this case, we use a low-mercury tuna, gluten-free pasta and a whole lot of nutrient-rich ingredients, including olives, tomatoes, bell pepper, capers and red onion. This cold tuna pasta salad recipe is perfect to make on a Sunday evening, so you have a quick and easy, yet well-balanced and healthy, lunch option for the week ahead! Tuna is very high in protein as well as anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. It’s also rich in important nutrients, like: vitamin D selenium niacin riboflavin vitamin B12 vitamin B6 potassium zinc magnesium As a rich source of niacin, tuna is excellent for cardiovascular health and balancing cholesterol levels. Niacin is also key to the healthy function of the skin, nervous system and digestive system. Tuna’s impressively high vitamin B6 content means it’s a great choice for brain function, mood, energy levels and blood flow. There are actually several varieties of tuna, and some can definitely be healthier than others. For example, Atlantic bluefin tuna’s high mercury content — plus its near extinction due to overfishing — lands it on my list of 17 Fish You Should Never Eat + Safer Seafood Options. Mercury poisoning is definitely a concern when it comes to eating seafood. It’s an important topic in general, but it’s especially important when it comes to young children and pregnant women since excessive consumption of mercury-contaminated fish is known to have major negative effects on a child’s development. So, what about canned tuna? There are two main varieties of canned tuna you can find on store shelves: white albacore tuna or light tuna, which is typically skipjack. According to data from the Environmental Protection Agency, canned light skipjack tuna usually has about a third of the mercury levels of albacore canned tuna. The EPA labels light canned tuna as a “best choice,” while white albacore canned tunas is a “good choice.” For kids, the EPA recommends that a “best choice,” like light canned tuna from skipjack, can be eaten two times per week in the following amounts: Age 2: 1 ounce per serving Age 6: 2 ounces per serving Age 9: 3 ounces per serving Age 11 and up: 4 ounces per serving The Food and Drug Administration recommends that women of childbearing age (between 16 and 49 years), especially pregnant and nursing women, eat two to three servings of “best choices” or one serving of a “good choice” fish per week. Again, light canned tuna makes the best choice list, while white albacore is on the good list. For more information, check out the FDA’s Eating Fish: What Pregnant Women and Parents Should Know. If you’re going to eat tuna, look for tuna that is light and skipjack. However, beware of light canned tuna that is from yellowfin tuna because this is said to have higher mercury levels similar to albacore. In addition to tuna nutrition benefits, some other nutritional highlights of this creamy tuna pasta salad with veggies recipe include: Brown rice pasta: Pasta made from brown rice does provide carbohydrates like other pastas. However, brown rice pasta is gluten-free, and it is also full of vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber and protein to balance its carb content. Red onion: A red onion provides beneficial onion nutrition — plus it is especially high in quercetin, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Bell pepper: Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C and vitamin A. They are also high in carotenoids called lutein and zeaxanthin. Research has shown that increased consumption of these carotenoids may decrease the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. How to Make Tuna Pasta Salad Macaroni salad with tuna doesn’t require any serious culinary skills, so this recipe is friendly to even the most novice of cooks. To prep for this recipe, you’ll need to have the olives, tomatoes, onion and peppers chopped up. You’ll also need to have your pasta cooked according to the package directions and allow it to cool down before adding it to the mixture. That’s it! Now you’re ready to combine everything together. First, you can add the cooked pasta and tuna to a large bowl. Add in the red onion. Toss in the Kalamata olives. The bell pepper (red, green and/or yellow) can go in next. Add in the capers. Last but not least, add the Paleo mayonnaise and Dijon mustard to the bowl. Mix it all together until well-combined. Before serving, top the macaroni tuna salad with chopped green onions and microgreens for a boost of flavor and nutrients. If you’re not going to eat the tuna pasta salad right away, keep it covered and refrigerated until ready to serve. Enjoy! Tuna Pasta Salad with Kalamata Olives and Cherry Tomatoes DESCRIPTION Like tuna mac and cheese, tuna pasta salad is an easy way to take a classic pasta dish and significantly up its protein content. INGREDIENTS One 12-ounce box brown rice macaroni pasta, cooked Two 5-ounce cans wild-caught tuna ½ red onion, chopped ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted ½ cup bell peppers, chopped 2 tablespoons capers 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced ⅓ cup Paleo mayo ⅓ cup Dijon mustard ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper TOPPINGS: ½ cup green onions, chopped ¼ cup microgreens INSTRUCTIONS Cook the pasta and chop the veggies. Add all the ingredients to a large bowl, mixing until well-combined. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. Top with chopped green onions and micro greens. NOTES Top the salad with green onions and microgreens if you choose for added flavor and nutrition. If you want to avoid mayo, you can use mashed avocado as the binder. Feel free to customize this recipe with your choice of vegetables added. To read the original article click here.

The post Tuna Pasta Salad with Kalamata Olives and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Always Have A Bloated Stomach? Here Are 10 Reasons Why

AHA Publisher — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 07:00:29 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Stomach bloating is so common these days that it’s been called an “epidemic.” If you frequently deal with distention, digestive discomfort and a bloated stomach, you probably want to know: Why do I feel bloated all the time? With most people’s poor diets, high levels of stress, need for daily medications and exposure to various pollutants, it’s no wonder they suffer some sort of bloating more days than not. While a bloated stomach is certainly uncomfortable — even embarrassing when it comes along with gas or the need to run to the bathroom — it might be an even bigger deal than you think. Below we’ll look closer at reasons you may deal with an inflated belly, plus discuss bloated stomach remedies, such as foods to focus on and those to avoid. Causes What is stomach bloating a sign of? Can it point to an underlying health condition? Luckily, in many cases, it isn’t anything to be alarmed about. It can usually be cleared up by making some simple changes to your diet and routine, although not always. For many people, the cause of excessive gas in the intestines boils down to: Inadequate protein digestion (causing some foods to ferment) Inability to break down sugar and carbohydrates fully (certain complex sugar compounds need the presence of enzymes to be digested fully, yet people can lack these) Imbalances in gut bacteria (in the digestive tract, there are trillions of healthy and unhealthy bacteria that compete, and when “bad bacteria” outweigh the good for one reason or another, an imbalance can lead to abdominal bloating and excessive gas) Stomach bloating can however sometimes signify serious health problems lurking below the surface. For example, it’s one of the most common candida symptoms and also tends to develop when from other conditions, including allergies, hormonal imbalances, thyroid dysfunction, gut troubles and inflammatory bowel disease. Other potential causes of bloating can include: Irritable bowel syndrome, especially if you’re constipated Digestive disorders like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis Fluid retention Dehydration Constipation Food allergies or sensitivities, including celiac disease or lactose intolerance SIBO Infection in the gut Bowel obstruction Hormonal changes Certain types of cancer Many different things can affect gut health, the ability to metabolize food properly and the body’s way of naturally eliminating waste. Because so many different factors can contribute to stomach bloating — including some that seem totally unrelated, like sleep or stress — it’s possible to become bloated any time of the day or month. Contrary to what most people think, bloating is not the same as carrying around extra fat mass or even “water weight.” Fluids can’t actually accumulate in your stomach, although you might be bloated and have water retention in other parts of your body (like your ankles, face and feet) while also having a bloated stomach if you have a condition that’s causing both. Here’s more about some of the most common causes of bloating: 1. Digestive Disorders Most people dealing with various functional gastrointestinal disorders like IBS, ulcerative colitis and celiac disease have bloating, gas, distension and other symptoms. Some reports show that stomach bloating is experienced by 23 percent to 96 percent of people with IBS, 50 percent with functional dyspepsia and 56 percent with chronic constipation. 2. Fluid Retention (Called Edema or Ascites) Fluid retention in the abdomen is known as ascites, and it can be a sign of a more serious health condition, such as abdominal infection, liver disease or rarely even cancer. Check for other signs of liver failure or hepatitis, including yellowing of the skin (jaundice), changes in the white color of your eyes or pain in the abdomen. Stomach cancer often does not show symptoms early on. However, in addition to bloating, you may experience unintended weight loss, indigestion, nausea, vomiting blood and abdominal pain. 3. Dehydration Ever notice the day after you ate salty foods or drank alcohol that you become dehydrated and bloated as a result? It might seem counterintuitive, but the more water you drink (or consume in water-heavy foods) and better you stay hydrated, the less bloating you’re likely to deal with. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances both halt digestion and make it hard to “stay regular.” When your body tries to recover from dehydration, it holds on to excess water to prevent the situation from happening again. Plus, you might find yourself becoming constipated. This means when you do finally drink more fluids, you’re likely to store them around your midsection and feel extra puffy. 4. Constipation This might be the most obvious reason you have a bloated stomach — you need to go to the bathroom! Constipation can cause stool to remain in the intestines, leaving you with a hard-feeling stomach, pain, discomfort and gas. The biggest reasons for constipation include eating too little fiber, not drinking enough water, being too sedentary/avoiding physical activity and stress. 5. Food Allergies or Sensitivities Often, food allergies, sensitives or intolerances (like lactose intolerance) are common reasons for gas and bloating. The foods that cause gas include dairy products, gluten-containing foods (most bread, pasta, rolls, cereals, etc.) and certain kinds of carbohydrates called FODMAPs. There are dozens of other possible food allergies (like shellfish, nuts and eggs), but you’re likely to know if this is what you’re reacting to since symptoms are usually more noticeable. FODMAPs can be tricky to rule out since there are so many different kinds and everyone is unique in terms of tolerability. An elimination diet can help you pinpoint which foods might cause bloating (like apples or avocados, for example) because they’re not being properly broken down and digested. 6. SIBO Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is caused by high levels of abnormal bacteria living in the digestive tract, usually in the bowel (dysbacteriosis), where they can accumulate after taking antibiotics or due to inflammation and poor digestion. Normally, different strains of bacteria are in proper balance in the colon. This helps with absorption of essential nutrients, but when harmful bacteria invade and take over, damage of the stomach lining can occur along with numerous symptoms. Some foods are capable of causing SIBO symptoms and related sensitivities in the digestive tract, including FODMAPS, which in some cases can ferment abnormally during digestion. 7. Infection You can become bloated and swollen or develop ascites if you’re dealing with an infection because this triggers inflammation levels to rise, caused by an elevated white blood cell count around the pelvic, urinary and gastrointestinal organs. Check for signs of a fever, redness and pain, and swollen lymph nodes, which usually accompany a serious infection. 8. Bowel obstruction Sometimes a severely bloated stomach (though it isn’t actually your stomach that’s bloated) — along with constipation, nausea and vomiting — is due to a bowel obstruction. This can be caused by scar tissue or a tumor in either the small intestine or the colon, among other causes. When it grows and presses against the bowel, the bowels become blocked and hold in fluid and stool. You’ll likely know this is what you’re dealing with, since it’s usually very painful and stops you from going to the bathroom normally. It’s important to see your doctor and get medical treatment right away if you suspect a bowel obstruction. This condition can lead to a ruptured bowel, which is a potentially fatal medical emergency. 9. Hormonal changes PMS is known to cause a bloated abdomen and digestive issues, since it makes you prone to constipation and fluid retention. This is common and not too much of a concern unless you notice other serious symptoms, like an irregular menstrual cycle, fibroids or severe cramping. Having a bloated stomach before or during your period can differ depending on your cycle, and some women experience severe water retention for up to two weeks. Why do women experience bloating before, during and after their menstrual cycles? During the early days of a woman’s cycle — sometimes called the follicular stage — estrogen levels rise while the uterine lining thickens. Bloating can also become stronger as ovulation occurs and more fluids and blood build up. Normally when a woman has her period, she experiences shedding of the excess fluid, tissue and blood. This usually results in the bloating going away. 10. Cancer While it’s not the cause of most people’s bloating, one sign of cancer in the colon or uterus is bloating. This is why it’s important to talk to a doctor if you’ve tried all other ways of reducing bloating and digestive issues but still can’t seem to pinpoint what’s causing your symptoms. Symptoms Having a bloated stomach is different from gaining actual fat mass around your stomach, since bloating is temporary and mostly caused by air becoming stuck around your abdomen, making it distend outward. Simply put, being “bloated” is the feeling of having built-up gas in your digestive system that makes your stomach protrude uncomfortably. It usually causes some type of abdominal pain. Some people even kid around and joke that they “look pregnant” when their abdominal bloating becomes very bad. Sometimes bodily fluids can be stored around the body, including near the abdomen or pelvis area. This causes excess bloating and temporary weight gain. You might also notice jewelry and clothes becoming tighter, extra swelling, and pain around joints or tightness in the skin. Along with feeling full, gassy and having pain in your abdomen, you should check if your bloated stomach occurs simultaneously with other symptoms throughout the body. This can clue you in on what’s causing the problem and whether it might be serious enough to contact your doctor, including: A fever Skin rashes or hives Watery eyes, itchy throat and other signs of allergic reaction Constipation or diarrhea Vomiting or nausea Blood in your urine or stool Unintentional weight loss Trouble going to the bathroom Pain around your lymph nodes, including in your groin, throat or armpits Fatigue Brain fog and trouble concentrating Irregular periods Hemorrhoids How to Get Rid of a Bloated Stomach One of the most effective bloated stomach remedies is improving your diet, since the foods you eat play a huge part in regulating how much air and poop is trapped inside your digestive tract. To keep things “flowing” smoothly, you want to make sure to eat a high-fiber diet, aiming for about 25–30 grams every day or even more. This isn’t too difficult when you eat plenty of whole foods, including veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes and ancient grains. It can certainly help you to track your symptoms after eating certain foods known to cause bloating, but remember that a bloated stomach is caused by your entire lifestyle, not just the food on your plate. Some of the best foods for helping to battle stomach bloating include: Probiotics: “Good bacteria” called probiotics act like friendly gut bugs in your digestive tract, killing off bad bacteria that can trigger digestive issues and reactions. You can take probiotic supplements, but acquiring them from natural probiotic foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir and kombucha is also beneficial. Raw dairy: In the case of dairy, I always recommend consuming raw dairy as opposed to the conventional kind sold in supermarkets, which has been pasteurized/homogenized. Manufacturing processes can kill enzymes that are needed for proper digestion, even to the point that some people who think they have symptoms of lactose intolerance can consume raw dairy products without having negative reactions. It also helps to avoid flavored yogurts, which have artificial ingredients, to consume aged/raw cheeses instead of soft cheese, and to consume kefir/yogurt instead of milk, which are lower in lactose. Water-rich fruits and veggies: Veggies and fruits that provide water, key electrolytes and beneficial enzymes are your best friends when it comes to relieving stomach bloating naturally. Try eating more raw or cooked leafy greens, cucumber, celery, fennel, artichoke, melon, berries, steamed veggies and cultured/fermented vegetables. Herbs, spices and teas: Natural digestion-soothing herbs like ginger, dandelion, aloe vera and fennel have been used for thousands of years to soothe an uncomfortable belly. Many herbs act like diuretics and help the...

The post Always Have A Bloated Stomach? Here Are 10 Reasons Why appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

7 Benefits of a Bone Broth Fast: Stronger Gut, Skin + More

AHA Publisher — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 07:00:44 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – By now you might be familiar with bone broth and all this time-honored, traditional food has to offer — collagen, amino acids and numerous trace minerals, just for starters. Maybe you’re now looking to take things to the next level and try a bone broth fast, but you aren’t quite sure how to safely go about this. As you’ll learn, bone broth is one of the most nutrient-dense, healing foods for the digestive system and therefore a great way to kick off a healthier way of eating and to help resolve symptoms related to poor digestion and other concerns. What Is a Bone Broth Fast? A bone broth fast involves drinking bone broth several times per day but not eating much other solid food. Although it’s been consumed around the world in one form or another for thousands of years, bone broth is made from animal parts that in modern times are normally discarded. These include bones and marrow, skin and feet, tendons and ligaments — all of which aren’t edible on their own but make nutrient-packed additions to slow-simmering stock. Bone broth is boiled slowly over several days — normally with veggies, an acid and fresh herbs in addition to animal parts — allowing all of the ingredients to release their stored nutrients. There are several kinds that are most popular, including chicken bone broth and beef bone broth. Fasts are not for everyone, and sometimes certain kinds can pose risks since they involve consuming little nutrients due to greatly reducing calorie intake. However, if you make a good candidate, consuming bone broth is ideal for a fast because it’s chock-full of both macronutrients and micronutrients. Within fish, chicken and beef bone broth, you’ll find amino acids (which form proteins) like glycine, arginine and proline; vitamins and minerals; collagen; electrolytes; and even antioxidants like glucosamine. One of the things that makes a bone broth fast stand apart from other types of fasts is that it’s an ideal way to obtain more collagen, a type of protein needed to create healthy tissue found throughout the body. Collagen is found inside the lining of the digestive tract, within bones in bone marrow, in skin, and in the tissues that form joints, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Within collagen are other special nutrients, including amino acids like proline and glycine, plus gelatin — each of which has its own unique functions. Benefits Why is bone broth good for fasting? The benefits of consuming bone broth while fasting include: stronger immunity against common illnesses or allergies reduced symptoms related to digestive disorders like leaky gut syndrome, IBS or IBD generally enhanced digestion with fewer cases of bloating, diarrhea, gas, acid reflux and constipation healthier joints, ligaments and tendons more youthful-looking skin thanks to collagen stronger bones higher intake of importance minerals like calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, potassium and more Before we dive in to the advantages of consuming bone broth, let’s first talk about the many benefits of fasting. Fasting, when done right and by the right people, has been shown to promote better health by: improving weight loss and helping with weight maintenance reducing fasting insulin levels and normalizing blood sugar activity lowering cholesterol promoting the secretion of human growth hormone, which is important for burning fat having positive effects on body mass and health markers in professional athletes reducing risk for diseases like diabetes, cancer and heart complications normalizing appetite by controlling hunger hormones like ghrelin lowering triglyceride levels even slowing down the aging process and increasing someone’s life span Here’s more about how a bone broth fast can benefit you: 1. Improves Digestive Functions Bone broth is a natural source of collagen, a type of protein that’s needed to form tissue that makes up the lining of the GI tract. Collagen protects and soothes the lining of the digestive tract and can aid in healing leaky gut syndrome, IBS symptoms and acid reflux. It’s been shown that patients with IBD produce less collagen in their digestive systems. Increased intakes are capable of helping strengthen and normalize mucus membranes in the GI lining, closing tiny junctures and stopping indigested food particles and chemicals from leaking out of the gut into the bloodstream. When collagen breaks down, gelatin is formed, which is known to help people dealing with food allergies and sensitivities to foods, such as cows’ milk and gluten. Gelatin in bone broths contains “conditional” amino acids called arginine, glycine, glutamine and proline, which have certain anti-aging effects and promote probiotic balance and growth. 2. Makes Your Skin Glow Collagen helps form tissues found in skin that give it strength, smoothness, elasticity and youthful appearance. In fact, studies have found that higher intakes of collagen are associated with improvements in skin barrier functions, increased hydration and reductions in signs of aging, including wrinkles, fine lines and sagging. Although you likely won’t notice any improvements within just a few short days, higher collagen intake is also known to decrease the appearance of cellulite. Cellulite develops due to lack of connective tissue, which is made from collagen. 3. Supplies Important Minerals Some fasts fail to provide important trace minerals that we need for ongoing energy, immunity, digestion and more. Because bone broth is made from animal bones and parts that are concentrated sources of numerous minerals, it provides minerals and electrolytes, including calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, sodium, potassium, sulfate and fluoride. This can help prevent an electrolyte imbalance, dehydration that can occur during a fast, fatigue, brain fog, moodiness, and muscle spasms or weakness. 4. Helps Prevent Muscle Wasting It’s possible during a fast to wind up losing some weight, which can really be due to muscle (and therefore strength) loss. Luckily during a bone broth fast, you still obtain amino acids, such as glycine and proline, that help prevent the breakdown of valuable protein tissue found in muscles. In fact, a bone broth fast might even help you with muscle recovery, reduce joint pain (since collagen is known to fight symptoms of arthritis) and even relax tense muscles naturally. Glycine is an important amino acid for actually building muscle strength, ushering nutrients into cells to be used for energy, controlling blood sugar levels and even synthesizing human growth hormone. Because glycine plays a role in the process of gluconeogenesis, which takes place in the liver, it can provide cells with an energy source even when little calories or carbohydrates are consumed. This, in turn, can help prevent sarcopenia, muscle wasting as we age. 5. Helps Detoxify the Liver and Digestive System Consuming bone broth is an effective way to boost your supply of the antioxidant glutathione, one of the body’s most powerful detoxifying agents. Glycine is a precursor needed for the production of glutathione, which helps the liver flush out excess chemicals, stored hormones and other waste. Other minerals, acids and electrolytes can also boost detoxification processes, including acetic acid (found in apple cider vinegar, which is often added to bone broth recipes), magnesium and sulfate. 6. Boosts Immunity Bone broth fasts can increase beneficial bacteria living in the gut, and gut health is highly correlated with stronger immunity (not to mention many other aspects of health, like hormonal balance and weight regulation). Good bacteria in the gut (often called probiotics) can actually turn on certain genes that help regulate inflammation and turn down numerous types of unwanted symptoms. 7. Can Improve Sleep, Memory and Cognition The amino acids found in bone broth act like inhibitory neurotransmitters for the production of chemicals and hormones that help us sleep, think clearly, stay motivated, remember information and make decisions. Higher intake of glycine, for example, has been found to help people who can’t sleep get better rest, lower symptoms of anxiety, improve mental performance and even enhance memory. Bone broth is also a great way to obtain electrolytes, including potassium, magnesium and sodium, that sustain energy and assist in muscle, nerve, digestive and cognitive functions. Magnesium, for example, is known to help decrease headaches, restlessness, muscle spasms during sleep, muscle pains and digestive discomfort. How to Do It New to drinking bone broth and/or fasting? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the process: How long should you do a bone broth fast? Most people do this type of fasting for a period of three to four days, while consuming several quarts of bone broth daily and eliminating many problematic foods. Plan to fast for a period of three to four days. This amount of time is best for helping kill off harmful bacteria in the gut, repair the GI tract and repopulate the gut with probiotics. Longer than this might be tolerable for some, but it also raises the risk for more problems, fatigue and deficiencies in certain groups of people. If you plan on doing intermittent fasting, a longer duration up to 90 days might be beneficial. How much bone broth should you drink during a fast? Each day you ideally should consume between three to four quarts of bone broth. Making the broth yourself is the best way to ensure it’s high-quality and doesn’t cost you too much. About 12 ounces is the proper amount for one serving. You should consume this 12-ounce serving about five times a day — 7 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., for example. What foods should you definitely avoid while fasting? While fasting, you’ll ideally not eat anything at all, unless you’re doing intermittent fasting and it’s within your “eating window.” It’s ideal to eliminate all problematic and inflammatory foods during a bone broth fast, including grains, packaged/processed snacks, added sugar, FODMAP foods/complex carbohydrates, sweetened drinks, dairy and refined vegetable oils. Within your eating window, you can include as many healthy fats, clean proteins, fruits and veggies as you choose. Can you drink water on a bone broth fast? Drinking water is definitely encouraged. This helps keep you hydrated and can make fasting easier in general. How should you make and store bone broth? Plan to make your broth one to two times in a large batch and refrigerate/freeze small portions to keep them fresh throughout the fast. Drink broth throughout the day as you’d like, adding ingredients like salt, pepper, vinegar and seasoning for extra taste. You can reheat cooled or frozen stock on the stovetop, whisking it and skimming off the fatty/oily surface if you’d like to (although this is nutrient-dense and should be kept for cooking later on). Are there different methods of doing bone broth fasting? Bone broth fasts can be customizable to fit your needs and goals. They don’t require buying lots of expensive supplements, going for very long periods without eating “normally,” or much risk and investment. Here are several ways you can try a bone broth fast safely: You may want to practice intermittent fasting by going without any food for 12–15 hours of the day (usually through the night and morning), although this isn’t necessary for everyone. You might choose to utilize a combination of different stocks (chicken bone broth, beef bone broth and fish stock, for example) or stick with exclusively beef stock if you have a very sensitive system since this seems to be most well-tolerated. Try a bone broth fast as part of the GAPS diet protocol, eliminating problematic foods to test your response, or include bone broth in a FODMAP diet or specific carbohydrate diet (SCD) if you know certain carbohydrates cause your symptoms to worsen. It’s also a good idea to consume probiotics/fermented foods during the fast and afterward to boost intake of healthy bacteria. Even if you aren’t looking to do a formal fast but still want to take advantage of bone broth’s benefits, you can start by consuming eight ounces of broth once or twice daily as a soup, a plain beverage or within other recipes. Who Should Do It? How do you know if a bone broth fast is right for you? The people who can benefit most from fasting with bone broth include: those with digestive disorders (like leaky gut syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease or IBS) anyone struggling...

The post 7 Benefits of a Bone Broth Fast: Stronger Gut, Skin + More appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.