8 Ways to Beat IBS & Digestive Orders
Fifty years ago, it was a rare phenomena for people to have mild to severe digestive disorders. Today, IBS and Crohn's disease have become part of the norm in our society as more than half the population suffer from digestive disorders. The main reason why more and more people are diagnosed with digestive disorders is bad diet. The typical American diet is by definition a bad diet. It mostly consists of #1 Refined and processed carbohydrates (breads, pasta, cereals, most commercial flours) #2 sugars (including beet sugar, cane sugar, corn syrup and rice syrup) #3 Transfats (margarine, canola and vegetable oils) #4 processed or fried meats #5 non organic dairy and cheeses and little to no fresh vegetables or fruits. Most of the foods that the avergae person consumes encourage weight gain, inflammation, and disease.
Refined and processed carbohydrates
Anything that has been bleached and stripped of fiber and nutrients has a high glycemic index and is a refined product. Refined and processed carbs can be found in cereals, cakes, pasta, breads and most flours. The reason refined and processed carbohydrates are so damaging for the gut is because they are digested and turned into sugar very quickly, which spikes blood sugar very fast. The body then has a hard time expelling them (due to their lack of nutrients such as fiber). In the end, they ferment in the intestines and become food for the bad yeast and bacteria in the gut. Overgrowth of bad bacteria starts the process of leaky gut and allergies. This is how digestive health spirals down hill.
LEAKY GUT
Overgrowth of bad bacteria as well as the consumption of certain foods such as binders like cellulose guar gum, xanthan gum eats away the gut lining. This leads to a condition called Leaky Gut Syndrome. Leaky Gut Syndrome is the root cause of most digestive disorders and allergies because undigested food particles leak from the gut wall and spill into the blood. The immune system recognizes these particles as foreign and stimulates an immune response.
HOW TO REVERSE IBS & LEAKY GUT
Diet Change - The Only Way
The only way to truly be disease free is through a healthy diet and lifestyle. People are curing themselves daily (or at least going into remission) from Crohn's, UC and IBS by simply changing their diet. The first step is to remove all irritants from the diet. Replace all unhealthy foods with healthier alternatives like stone ground bread made from ancient grains, homemade chicken soups, vegetables (cooked and raw), fresh vegetable juices, and certain fruits. All foods should be organic. Vegetables and fruits should be introduced slowly to prevent discomfort.
Another great way to improve digestive health is through specific herbs and supplements. Herbs can offer much needed vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that the body desperately needs. Below are a few basic foods and supplements that have shown great promise for people with digestive disorders .
Stone Ground Kamut Bread-
Stone Ground Bread has been a staple food for thousands of years. In fact, the Bible mentions bread about 70 times. There was a special bread offering in the Temple every day. This bread was called Lechem Hapanim.
The Talmud explains that there are 83 diseases that start in the digestive system and spread to the rest of the body. These 83 ailments all have the same root cause and are cured by eating bread in the morning. Morning bread is called Pat Shacharit in hebrew. The Talmud specifies that bread should be the first thing we eat. It should be sprinkled with high quality salt. Water (or Wine according to Rashi) should accompany this healing breakfast.
Stone Ground bread maintains and can even reduce Blood Sugar Levels because it is high in natural fiber and nutrients. Additionally, the large particle size of the flour prevents blood sugar surges. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is critical for digestive health. As we know, bad bacteria and yeast thrive in a sugary acidic environment. Pathogenic bacteria feed off of sugar. Ancient grains like kamut are the only healthy grains to eat as modern wheat is has been tampered with so much that it has become quite toxic.
Kamut grain has been shown in a research study from the University of Florence to lower blood sugar levels and ensure proper digestive health.
Personally, I eat about 2 slices of bread sprinkled with sea salt for breakfast. Eating breakfast speeds metabolism. I also eat bread with a big salad and cooked veggies for lunch.
Bread was a staple food for thousands of years for a reason. It has the potential to meet up to 75% of our daily nutrient intake. It is especially high in B-vitamins.
Probiotics-
Probiotic are vital for digestive health. Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria present throughout the body and mostly in the gut. Probiotics keep the harmful yeast, fungi and bad bacteria in check. They also work with the immune system. Probiotics help identify pathogens and microbes, alert the immune system of their presence, and order an attack.
Natural food sources of probiotics are fermented foods such as saurkraut an organic goat kefir. Supplementing before meals has shown to reduce discomfort and bloating.
Digestive Enzymes -
Digestive enzymes are extremely important for gut health. They help breakdown foods and absorb nutrients. In addition, they help regulate the PH levels of the stomach. They are usually taken before meals.
To buy live digestive enzymes made from 89 fermented fruits and vegetables click here. These special enzymes from Japan are unique and can be taken before or during meals.
Herbal Tea-
Digestive supporting herbs and bitters have been used for centuries to help with digestion. Click here to try an amazing digestive tea from Portugal made from 10 different herbs.
Apple Cider Vinegar-
A easy way to increase stomach acid production and ameliorate digestion is Apple cider Vinegar (only organic). A teaspoon or 2 of apple cider vinegar mixed with a little water 20 minutes before a meal or alternately mix 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and sip throughout the day (keep it covered). If you have ulcers or H.pylori apple cider vinegar may be too acidic and cause discomfort.
Mastic gum-
Mastic has been used for millennia for treating gastrointestinal ailments and is now known to kill Helicobacter pylori. Helicobacter Pylora is the bacterium responsible for most cases of nonerosive gastritis (a chronic inflammation of the stomach) and most gastric and duodenal ulcers(collectively known as peptic ulcers). H. pylori is also implicated in stomach cancer. Mastic gum has been shown to relieve bloating and reduce stomach pains.
Bentonite Clay-
Calcium Bentonite clay (taken orally) has the ability to draw out toxins and supply the body with much need minerals. It is strongly recommended by Dr. Jordan Rubin for people suffering from diarrhea. It will help firm up stool. It is also naturally anti-bacterial and kills of harmful pathogens and microbes in the gut. Try to find a non toxic high quality source.
Restoring digestive health is not an easy task. It requires belief, dedication, and perseverance but it is worth it in the long run. Changing lifestyles and eating patterns is a big commitment, but it is necessary step if you want to feel better. Food has the power to harm but also to heal. Supplying the body with much needed nutrients and rest (mind and body) can go a long way. However, even the best food or herbs can heal without G-d's help.
"Diet change, supplementation and treatments cannot surmount the power of prayer."
*The information in this article is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.
These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration (FDA). The products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
