indigestion Archives - Amazing Health Advances

“Calm Down” Heartburn with this Natural Plant-Based Compound

The AHA! Team — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 05:57:11 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – With its spiky purple flowers and dull green leaves, milk thistle may appear to be nothing more than an ordinary weed growing wild in vacant lots and fields. Featuring ridged gray bark and deep green leaves, the slippery elm tree is a common presence in the hardwood forests of North America. But in its inner bark lies a secret. Holistic doctors believe that compounds from this ordinary-looking tree may offer an extraordinary gift – the ability to relieve the digestive complaint known as acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Slippery elm, treasured in indigenous American healing systems as a remedy for digestive upsets, has also attracted the attention of contemporary scientists. In a new report from the National Institutes of Health, researchers gave slippery elm a “thumbs-up” for its absence of adverse effects in clinical studies. To learn how this natural compound can help to safely and effectively quench the “fire inside,” read on. SHOCKING: 40 percent of all Americans experience GERD at least once a week GERD results from a backflow of stomach acids into the esophagus, which causes the classic burning sensation in the throat and upper chest. You may also experience nausea, difficulty swallowing, sour taste, and coughing. Unfortunately, GERD is extremely common. In a review published in 2022 in Nutrients, the authors cited a Cedars-Sinai study showing that an astonishing two out of every five Americans have GERD-like symptoms at least once a week. Western medicine often attempts to treat GERD with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole, which is marketed under the brand name Prilosec. However, PPIs can feature toxic side effects. Long-term use heightens the risk of magnesium deficiencies, bone fractures, shortfalls in vitamin B-12, kidney disease, and intestinal infections. With consequences such as these, it’s no wonder that an increasing number of people with GERD are turning to natural interventions – such as slippery elm – for relief. Formula featuring slippery elm shows significant promise in combating GERD In an Australian clinical trial published in Nutritional Research, 12 weeks of slippery elm combined with curcumin, aloe vera, and other herbs significantly improved the frequency and severity of indigestion, heartburn, nausea, and abdominal pain in GERD patients. The participants also reported improved quality of life, higher energy levels, and better sleep quality. For good measure, the herbal formula improved the health of the gut microbiome by increasing beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus. Amazingly, by the study’s end, almost half the participants taking proton pump inhibitors for heartburn no longer required their medication. A sizable portion of the volunteers (about 33 percent) were even able to reintroduce common GERD “triggers” such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and caffeine into their diets. Although more studies can always be helpful, the researchers agree that slippery elm is a “promising ingredient” for relieving GERD. Why slippery elm is perfectly suited to soothing troubled digestive systems Slippery elm is rich in antioxidant phenolics, resins, and tannins that can help prevent tissue oxidative damage. However, its “secret weapon” against GERD is its high content of mucilage, a type of fiber that forms a gel-like substance in water. Mucilage gives slippery elm natural demulcent qualities (meaning that it can moisturize, hydrate, and protect tissues while relieving inflammation and irritation). In addition, slippery elm stimulates mucus production, which helps coat irritated tissues in the throat and stomach. Many holistic doctors maintain that slippery elm’s soothing and protective powers can help prevent ulcers. While more studies are needed, this natural compound may also hold promise as a natural intervention against a host of digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulosis, “leaky gut,” and Crohn’s disease. Bonus benefit: Smooth and moisturize dry, itchy winter skin Slippery elm, botanically known as Ulmus rubra, is available as a supplement. You can find it in various convenient formulations, including powders, capsules, extracts, tinctures, lozenges, and tea bags. Choose a high-quality product that has been subject to third-party testing and is sold by a reputable vendor. Before trying slippery elm, consult your trusted holistic doctor – who can advise you on the proper amount to take. Slippery elm is also available in ointments and creams for topical use. Some holistic healthcare providers suggest these to address eczema, psoriasis, and rashes – or simply to soothe and pamper run-of-the-mill dry, itchy skin. If you’re tired of “feeling the burn” from acid reflux, maybe it’s time to try slippery elm. This drug-free herbal intervention just might tame the fire. Editor’s note: In case you’re wondering how much slippery elm to take for heartburn relief, typical amounts suggested are as follows: In powdered form mixed with water, tea or juice: 1 tablespoon, up to 3x / day 2 – 4, 380 mg lozenges can help provide relief For tea: 2–3 teaspoons of powder per one-cup serving, 1-2 cups / day And, finally, for capsules: 1,600 mg / day, divided in 2-3 servings / day Other natural heartburn remedies include: lemon water, apple cider vinegar, aloe vera juice, licorice and chamomile tea. Obviously, when in doubt, work with a trusted holistic healthcare provider or health coach to find what remedy works best for you. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Verywellhealth.com NIH.gov NIH.gov Healthline.com Mayoclinic.org NHS.uk To read the original article click here.

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3 Tricks to Improve Digestion Today

AHA Publisher — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 07:00:22 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Are you in the majority? Believe it or not, the majority of Americans want to improve digestion since they experience digestive issues on a monthly (or more frequent) basis. In fact, according to the National Institutes for Health, 60-70 million Americans are affected by all digestive illnesses (1). Surveys also suggest that over 70% of adults suffer from diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, constipation, and more at least monthly. Is it really that surprising? Our digestive tracts have a really big job, every day. They never get a break. They are one of the only organs bombarded daily with external substances. In fact, they are in the initial filter by which most of our body interacts with outside substances. Like the lungs, they come in direct contact with both healthy and unhealthy substances from our environment. Think about the filters in your home or vehicles. They get dirty, beat up, and torn down. The same can happen to your digestive tract if not properly cared for. The digestive tract is also really large. It includes about 7 digestion organs (the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (aka colon), rectum, and anus) and 4 digestion accessory organs (the salivary glands, pancreas, gallbladder, and liver) (2). The tract itself covers a surface area of about 400-500 square feet (3). Interestingly, this number has been reduced from an estimate of 2500-3000 square feet to 400-500 in just the last 10 years after new evidence emerged that it is smaller than previously thought. In other words, there’s a lot to this system of organs, it does a lot of work every day, and a lot can go wrong. How can you improve digestion today? Here are 3 tricks to get started. Trick #1 to Improve Digestion: Use Your Brain Amazingly, there is a strong brain-gut connection. In fact, as digestive health falters or becomes inflamed, the brain experiences inflammation. This may look like brain fog, memory loss, fatigue, and even invite neurodegenerative issues. In fact, a recent study published in Scientific Reports showed a link between gut bacteria and dementia (4). On the flip side, as brain health falters, the digestive tract is affected and often impaired. Stress, for example, can ignite a series of digestive issues from ulcers to diarrhea to nausea. Why do we “feel things in our guts?” It’s the brain-gut connection. To improve digestion, then, do everything you can to support brain health. Try to: Reduce stress as much as possible through activity reduction, journaling, praying, etc. Incorporate laughter into your everyday schedule Get 7-10 hours of good-quality sleep every night Eat brain-healthy, anti-inflammatory foods like omega-3s from seafood, spices, and supplementseach day Hydrate well Incorporate fasting into your diet To learn more ways to support brain health, see our 11 Top Tips. Trick #2: Eliminate and Fortify with Nutrition Simply put, some foods and nutrients damage your gut. Some fortify it. The more we damage our guts, the more digestive issues arise, and more and more foods become intolerable to it. In some cases, food simply does not “set well” in our guts. In other cases, the food or nutrient actually hurt. This can lead to inflammation and a cascade of digestive issues. On the other hand, there are many foods that fortify both the healthy bacteria and cells in our guts. Most of these foods contain soluble fibers (prebiotics) and healthy bacteria (probiotics). To improve digestion, eliminate or reduce: Inflammatory carbohydrates such as sugars and white flours (consider the Keto Zone Diet) Sugary drinks Gluten, if not tolerated (in some people, gluten actually harms and flattens the tissues in the digestive tract responsible for nutrient absorption) Processed foods, especially those with inflammatory fats like soybean oil Alcohol Foods and medications with antibiotics (when not indicated) To improve digestion incorporate: Fermented foods such as plain yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha, tempeh, fermented vegetable powders like Greens Supremefoods©, and living foods like Living Chia with Probiotics Vegetables and plant foods that provide prebiotics and polyphenols and living vitamins Plant-based protein powders such as Divine Health Vegan Protein Supremefood© Nuts like walnuts, which support healthy gut bacteria, every day (5) A daily probiotic supplement such as Beyond Biotics Ultra Blend Probiotics To learn more, read our post on the health benefits of fiber and tips to improve gut bacteria. Improve Digestion Trick #3: Slow Down and Look Up Are you a victim of the rush, rush, rush mentality? Are you overscheduled and burnt out? Do you have little time to cook at home and focus on foods that improve digestion? If so, your busy lifestyle is likely hurting your digestion. If you can find ways to slow down, you’ll have time to really utilize tricks #1 and #2 to improve digestion and brain health. It’s challenging to slow down in the midst of many demands, but it’s incredibly important. What can you do to simplify your life and leave the hustle and bustle of the modern stressed-out schedule? How can you make more foods at home (even simple foods such as grilled chicken or an easy slow cooker meal)? Can you clear your schedule and allow for more downtime? Non-activity time? Time outside in nature or in a garden? How can you incorporate daily gratitude, optimism, and prayer within your family? Even if you can only think of one thing you can do to slow down and look up within nutrition and pace of life, you can improve digestion and brain health! Take a few moments to jot down ways you can do so today. Get the Best Plan to Improve Digestion If you are ready to really improve digestion and overall health, it’s time to get Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone book or the Healthy Gut Zone Starter Kit (includes the Healthy Gut Zone book, Fiber Zone supplement, and the Beyond Biotics digestive supplement) today. You’ll find a clear plan that supports digestion, improved overall health, and additional protection for your brain. What’s more, Dr. Colbert’s fiber and probiotic supplements utilize the best fibers and bacteria strains that support optimal gut health. Bottom Line The digestive tract is amazing. It takes substances outside our bodies and breaks them down for energy, fuel, and nutrients within our entire bodies. It is strongly linked to our brains, and every other system depends on it. You can support digestion and overall health, starting today, with these 3 tricks. What’s more, a great digestion health plan is only a click away! Get your Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone book or theHealthy Gut Zone Starter Kit. Learn how to support digestive health in every area of your life, from stress to lifestyle to sleep to nutrition. The entirety of your health depends on your gut. Get started today! To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

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5 Surprisingly Simple Tricks to Eradicate Acid Reflux

AHA Publisher — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 07:00:44 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Are you one of the millions of people suffering from acid reflux? Statistics show that around 50% of Americans will suffer the symptoms of this unfortunate condition! That means the likelihood of you or your family being affected is really high. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 5 all-natural remedies for acid reflux. But first… What Is Acid Reflux? Acid reflux is a result of stomach acid that has made it’s way up into the esophagus. This part of the body is not designed to have contact with the powerful acid of the stomach and prolonged exposure can lead to damage of the tissue of the esophagus. Interestingly, acid reflux is not always caused by too much stomach acid, but can also result from the body not producing enough stomach acid and/or digestive enzymes. Poor dietary choices, over eating, quickly eating, or eating in a stressed state can all contribute to acid reflux. These activities can cause an excess of acid production which may then lead to acid finding its way into the esophagus. Symptoms Of Acid Reflux Acid reflux can cause a myriad of symptoms including heartburn, bloating, nausea, and indigestion. Symptoms can be triggered by eating fried foods, alcohol, coffee, chocolate, spicy food, onions, garlic, citrus, soda, and tomatoes. The chances are that you or a loved one will be dealing with acid reflux at some point in your life. Many people use antacids or other medications to help alleviate the symptoms but these treatments can often have unwanted side effects and don’t always actually treat the underlying cause of the condition. So before you pay for expensive and often counterproductive medications first try these 5 easy and natural acid reflux remedies: Chew Your Food By eating mindfully and chewing each bite of food at least 30 times, not only is the act of masticating mechanically breaking down the food, but this also allows the enzymes of the saliva to begin to digest your food before swallowing. Plus, this gives the stomach adequate time to gauge the proper amount of acid that needs to be produced. Be sure to eat in a relaxed state without too much distraction. When we are relaxed, the nervous system to comes in to parasympathetic dominance which is considered the “rest and digest” state. This will allow your body to utilize adequate resources for the digestion and assimilation of your meal. Apple Cider Vinegar Mix 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 6-8 oz of filtered or spring water. Drink this mixture 10-30 minutes before your meal to help create an environment in the stomach conducive to healthy digestion and balanced stomach acid production. The vinegar will help curb overproduction of acid or will stimulate acid in the case of underproduction. Ginger Ginger root can be used as a delicious appetizer to help prepare your stomach for digestion by stimulating the production of stomach acid, enzymes, and bile. Take a small slice of ginger root and marinate it in a bit of lime juice. Top it off with a dash of mineral rich celtic, himalayan, or aztec sea salt. The salt contains chloride which will help stimulate production of stomach acid (hydrochloric acid). Allow the ginger to marinate in this mixture for 1-2 hours. Consume the marinated ginger 10 to 30 minutes before your meal for best results. Probiotics The balance of bacteria in our digestive tract is critical to the efficiency of our digestion. By adding a small amount of fermented food such a sauerkraut, kimchi, grass-fed yogurt or kefir, raw grass-fed cheese, or kombucha, you introduce a high number of beneficial bacteria, yeasts, and enzymes that help regulate digestion and balance stomach acid production. Additionally, you can supplement probiotics in a capsule or powder form. Digestive Enzymes When the pancreas is not producing adequate digestive enzymes or if the pancreatic ducts are congested and the enzymes can not make their way to the stomach then the food you eat is not broken down entirely and can irritate the stomach causing acid reflux. Raw living foods have naturally occurring enzymes that are wiped out by the cooking of food. To get around this issue you can use a high quality digestive enzyme supplement before meals can help supplement the digestive process allowing your food to digest easier and prevent the overproduction of stomach acid. It is important to only use digestive enzymes intermittently because the goal is to boost your body’s own innate ability to produce enzymes so you are not overly reliant on a supplement. Digest Like The Best! These 5 simple tricks can support your body’s balanced production of stomach acid and dramatically reduce the likelihood of experiencing acid reflux. These all natural and effective remedies produce results without turning to Dr. Don Colbert has formulated a highly efficacious supplement called Fermented Green Supremefood. This collection of fermented grasses and vegetables comes packed with beneficial probiotics, enzymes, and fiber which all help to regulate digestion and alleviate acid reflux. References http://articles.mercola.com/home-remedies-heartburn-acid-reflux-ulcer.aspx http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/home-remedies-for-acid-reflux/ https://draxe.com/acid-reflux-symptoms/ http://lifespa.com/cool-your-digestion/# To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

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