Digestive Woes :: Healthy Lifestyles and Natural Weight Loss Information

Digestive Woes
by author Vincent Ziccarelli, RD, FICN, HIS

Slippery elm: Another herb that may soothe an inflamed digestive tract might be slippery elm bark, which has been used traditionally in herbal medicine to manage gastric disorders such as heartburn and ulcers. This herb is rich in demulcents and mucilagines that are believed to coat and promote a soothing effect. Many people have reported benefits after using slippery elm, particularly with heartburn, but to date, no scientific evidence supports the use of this herb. However, it appears to be safe and there are no known contraindications with its use. Slippery elm bark powder may be found in capsule preparations with typical recommended doses of one or two capsules three times daily after meals or when indigestion occurs. Slippery elm contains fibre that may bind medications and prevent absorption. It is therefore best to take slippery elm two to three hours away from medications.

In addition to these three strategies, consult with a natural health professional or your family doctor to rule out any serious condition that may be underlying your digestive woes. Let your doctor know that you would like to explore some natural approaches, and most doctors will be happy to monitor your progress since they would only like to see you get better.

Certain digestive conditions should not be left unchecked. Long-term GERD that is not properly treated may increase the risk for serious complications, including strictures, esophagitis, and Barrett’s esophagus. Associated with an increased risk for cancer of the esophagus, Barrett’s esophagus may occur in a small percentage of long-term GERD patients. Be sure to seek out appropriate medical guidance if symptoms are not improving. Gastroenterologists can assess your condition and the best path for treatment.

So, be friendly to your gut and soothe its woes with regular relaxation, eating foods that are well tolerated, and using sensible natural health products to ease any discomforts.

Three Stomach-Soothing Strategies

Strategy 1: Start a relaxation program on a daily basis such as yoga, meditation, or diaphragmatic breathing.

Strategy 2: Limit your intake of fried foods, fatty foods, spicy foods, and eat smaller more frequent meals. Keep a diary of possible food triggers.

Strategy 3: Consider sensible use of the appropriate natural health products such as artichoke leaf extract, enteric-coated peppermint oil, licorice root, and slippery elm. Consult with your natural health practitioner for guidance and to ensure no drug-herb interactions or contraindications.

A Word on Food Triggers

Food triggers may vary with individuals. In my practice I have seen people become intolerant to foods you least expect, such as bananas or rice. Food intolerances require detective work and the best method is a food symptom diary. Once possible food offenders have been identified, a systematic method of food elimination will confirm whether those suspected foods are indeed causing problems. Food elimination requires the guidance of a registered dietician, since avoiding foods can increase the risk for nutrient deficiencies over the long term. A registered dietician can help provide food options that are tolerated with equivalent nutrients to those foods that are to be avoided.

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Vincent Ziccarelli, RD, FICN, HIS, is a nutritionist and herbal information specialist who runs a private practice in nutrition and consults regularly on natural health options. www.nutritioncoach.ca

Source: alive #290, December 2006

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