Gut Health: Holistic Medicine Cabinet
- Alex Kelly
- Dec 18, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 2
Probiotics
Our gut contains both beneficial and harmful bacteria. When things become unbalanced and harmful bacteria takes over it can cause chronic inflammation, gut & health issues, and more. Probiotics are live (beneficial) bacteria that help:
restore gut balance
influence immune responses
synthesize vitamins
ferment undigested fiber
detoxify environment pollutants
bio-transform mycotoxins in foods
It is highly recommended for everyone - babies, toddlers, kids, teens, and adults - to all be on a daily probiotic to aid in gut health.
Option for kids (can use ALEXK20 on their website for 20% off)
Option for adults (can use ALEXK20 on their website for 20% off)
see my full holistic medicine cabinet for more options
If You're on an Antibiotic
Antibiotics are often prescribed to stop or prevent an infection. They work by killing off the bad bacteria, however they also kill off the beneficial bacteria. This can really disrupt the function of the gut. While, unfortunately, antibiotics are heavily over-prescribed, there is absolutely a time and a place. If you find yourself in this situation, Florastor is a probiotic proven resistant to most common antibiotics and can be taken during the full course of an antibiotic.
Stomach Bug/Food Poisoning
Activated charcoal is a very porous supplement, which allows for the adsorption of drugs and toxins. Charcoal is most commonly used to treat poisoning and drug overdoses - even in emergency rooms. Research shows charcoal works better than stomach pumping in certain situations (1).
It can also reduce bloating and gas, lower cholesterol, treat bile flow problems such as diarrhea, and stomach problems/nausea. Activated charcoal works by adsorbing toxins, chemicals, and bacteria in its millions of tiny pores.
Adsorption, not be confused with absorption, is the reaction of elements, including nutrients, chemicals and toxins, soaked up and assimilated into the bloodstream. Adsorption is the chemical reaction where elements bind to a surface (2).
Motility
MotilPro supplements gut health and motility (important for the elimination of toxins) by helping move food through the body. *Magnesium is also known to help with motility.
It can also provide support for abdominal comfort. In addition, the formula contains ginger which supports gastric emptying, intestinal transit, health visceral sensation, and upper G.I. comfort.
This can be a beneficial supplement for anyone who suffers from motility issues and discomfort after eating.
Low Functioning / No Gallbladder
Cholacol can be used with or without a gallbladder, but can be especially beneficial for those without or low functioning gallbladders. It contains a bile salt designed to help with fat digestions, which is particularly important after gallbladder removal when your body cannot store bile effectively. By taking Cholacol, you are essentially supplementing the bile needed to break down fats in the digestive tract.
Gluten and Dairy Sensitivities
DG Protect is a unique digestive enzyme specifically designed to target gluten and dairy digestion, which can help give those with gluten and dairy sensitivities more flexibility in food choices.
It includes both endopeptidase and exopeptidase activity chosen for their ability to hydrolyze gluten proteins, as well as a unique mixture of protease enzymes and lactase to assist in the digestion of dairy products.
Heartburn
First and foremost you want to get to the root cause of the heartburn. Many people believe heartburn is caused by too much stomach acid, but most cases are actually caused by too little, leading to heartburn, GERD, or acid reflux.
Stomach acid (HCL) signals the Lower Esophageal Sphincter to close when the body has had enough acid to digest food. When there is not enough stomach acid, the Lower Esophageal Sphincter will not receive the signal to close. This allows acid and undigested food to creep into the esophagus, causing heartburn and digestion.
Betaine HCL is the main component of stomach acid and can supplement the stomach’s own acid when needed (it is important to check with your healthcare provider or naturopath as many factors need to be taken into account before starting).
Lemon Juice and Apple Cider Vinegar are natural acids that can help supplement the stomach’s own production. For lemon juice squeeze 2+ TBSP into a small gland of water as needed to avoid heartburn or get rid of heartburn. ACV mix 2 TBSP and drink every 5 minutes until heartburn subsides.
Baking Soda should only be used as a short term solution for severe heartburn pain. Mix 1/2 tsp into 1/4 c water and drink every few minutes until pain subsides (this does not address the underlying low-acid issue).
The BEST Thing You Can Do
Society loves to tell us we need the latest and best products, supplements, procedures, etc., in order to “get fixed quick,” or to better our lifestyle - but the BEST thing you can do for your gut health is eat a well-balanced, anti-inflammatory, healthy gut diet.
You would be surprised what cutting out sugar and processed foods can do for your health. Add on top of that daily exercise and sunshine, and it can truly be life changing.
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