Gut Health Problems - November 2017

5 SURPRISING BENEFITS OF POSTBIOTICS 

Issue 10 I November 2017 

9 SIGNS THAT YOUR BODY IS 

PROTEIN DEFICIENT 

5 HANDY TIPS TO 

MAKE EVERY 

STOOL EASIER 

13 IMPORTANT TIPS ABOUT 

STOMACH FLU THAT 

YOU NEED TO KNOW 

A 9 PART GUIDE ON THE 

BENEFITS AND USES 

OF PEPPERMINT 

5 HELPFUL TIPS TO 

KEEP YOUR DIGESTIVE 

SYSTEM HEALTHY 

November 2017 1 

A 6-PART GUIDE ON GALLSTONES SYMPTOMS

2 

November 2017

November 2017 3

CONTENTS 

ISSUE 10 I NOV2017 

36 

08 

7 POINTERS ON THE 

CAUSES OF YELLOW 

STOOL 

22 

A 9-PART INTRO TO 

THE BENEFITS OF 

PEPPERMINT 

5 SURPRISING BENEFITS 

OF POSTBIOTICS 

43 

6 NATURAL HOME 

REMEDIES FOR 

CONSTIPATION 

14 

6 GALLSTONES 

SYMPTOMS TO WATCH 

OUT FOR 

29 

5 TIPS FOR KEEPING 

YOUR DIGESTIVE 

SYSTEM HEALTHY 

50 

4 WAYS TO INSTILL 

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE 

CHOICES IN KIDS

ISSUE 10 I NOV2017 

AN 11-PART 

WALKTHROUGH ON THE 

HEALTH BENEFITS OF 

COD LIVER OIL 

4 PRINCIPLES TO 

EFFECTIVELY TREAT 

DIARRHEA 

56 95 

81 

A 5-PART INTRO ABOUT 

COLON CANCER MYTHS 

AND FACTS 

A 5-PART GUIDE TO 

PASSING STOOLS MORE 

COMFORTABLY 

67 101 

6 MYTHS ABOUT GLUTEN 

AND CELIAC DISEASE 

DEBUNKED 

74 87 108 

9 SYMPTOMS OF 

PROTEIN DEFICIENCY 

7 TIPS ON THE USES OF 

PREBIOTICS 

13 KEY POINTS FOR 

BEATING STOMACH FLU

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 

Issue 10 

NOVEMBER 2017 

Editor 

Susan Barnes 

Writer 

Michael Hall 

Head of Creatives 

Nyvia Ross 

Lead Graphic Designer 

Michael Juanson 

Graphic Designer 

Rogelio Castino, Jr. 

Quality Assurance Editor 

Nicole Ross 

Junior Editor 

Keeneth Ross 

Digital Property 

Managers 

Maharlika Matutinao 

Layla Anaya 

Digital Property 

Assistants 

Krystine Sitjar 

Warren Nietes 

Online Presence: 

www.guthealthproblems.com/ 

Facebook 

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Twitter 

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For advertising concerns 

please contact KJ Ross at 

kjross@authoritativecontentllc.com 

Gut Health Problems Magazine content 

cannot be copied or reproduced in any 

form without the written permission of 

the publishers. Gut Health Problems’ 

editors and publishers shall not be held 

liable for any unsolicited materials. All 

prices and specifications published in 

this magazine are subject to change by 

manufacturers, agency and retailers. 

Welcome to the tenth issue of Gut 

Health Problems! Thanksgiving 

and the bulk of the holidays are 

right around the corner, making 

this an exciting time to be with 

family, enjoy great food and warm 

sentiments. Unfortunately for many, 

gut distress and digestion problems 

often accompany this season. At 

Gut Health Problems, we’re here to 

change that. 

In the last issue, you got ready to 

tackle a natural detox, superfood 

smoothies, healthy fermented foods, 

and more. We covered surprising 

facts about cranberries, after-lunch 

energy tips, and fun ways to add 

fiber to your diet. In this release, 

we have sneaky ways to introduce 

healthy choices into your kid’s diet, 

myths and facts about celiac disease, 

colon cancer, tips to make every 

stool easier, and more. 

Frequent gas and chronic digestive 

discomfort are things that a ton of 

people have learned to live with. 

But it’s not something that you have 

to accept forever. Do something 

about it! At Gut Health Problems, we 

put the information in your hands. 

Thanks for reading, and don’t forget 

to have a look at our next release! 

Regards, 

Susan Barnes 

SUSAN BARNES 

Editor 

Gut Health Problems Magazine 


7 POINTERS ON THE 

CAUSES OF 

YELLOW STOOL 

by 

Susan Barnes 

Follow Us: 

Stools normally change color, but a yellow stool might pose a health problem. 

Learn more about some health conditions that might be causing a yellow stool. 

Why does the color of 

the stool change and 

is it normal? More 

than likely you have 

a varied diet which 

is going to impact the color of 

the stool. However, when the 

stool turns yellow, it may be 

the early indication of a serious 

health problem. 

1 

LIVER AND GALLBLADDER 

DISORDERS 

Hepatitis and cirrhosis of the 

liver will eliminate or reduce the 

amount of bile salts that help 

to digest food and absorb its 

helpful nutrients. Sludge and 

gallstones which can be found in 

the gallbladder will reduce the 

amount of bile that can reach the 

intestines. This will cause pain for 

the individual but it will also turn 

the stool a yellow color. 

8 


Constipated? Read this article and learn more on how to free yourself from the struggles of constipation by 

following these easy natural remedies. 

 

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE 

2 

PANCREATIC DISORDERS 

Pancreatic cancer, pancreatic duct 

blockages, cystic fibrosis, and chronic 

pancreatitis will also turn stool yellow. 

These health conditions will prevent the 

pancreas from providing enough enzymes 

to the intestines that are needed for 

proper food digestion. This undigested 

fat will give the stool a greasy, yellow look 

which may cause it to float. 

3 

CELIAC DISEASE 

Gluten is a protein that can be found 

in barley, rye, and wheat. For individuals 

who eat gluten and have celiac disease, 

the immune system is going to attack and 

damage the tissue of the small intestine. 

When this happens the intestines 

are unable to absorb the essential 

nutrients that your body needs. Celiac 

disease will typically run in the family. 

The National FOundation for Celiac 

Awareness states that there are more 

than 300 symptoms associated with celiac 

disease. This is why it is such a hard 

disease to diagnose. Some of the most 

common symptoms include constipation, 

diarrhea, bloating, nausea, headaches, 

fatigue, loss of bone density, skin rashes, 

and depression. There is no cure for celiac 

disease at this time, however, it can be 

treated by eliminating gluten from the diet. 

4 

GILBERT’S SYNDROME 

Gilbert’s syndrome is a liver 

disorder that is associated with periods 

when an individual’s bilirubin levels are 

too high. The United States National 

Library of Medicine has stated that 

Gilbert’s syndrome generally affects 

three to seven percent of all Americans. 

Typical symptoms include mild jaundice, 

in fact, most people do not even notice 

it. In many cases, Gilbert’s syndrome will 

be left untreated. 


5 GIARDIASIS 

Giardiasis is an intestinal tract 

infection which is caused by a microscopic 

parasite known as the giardia. One 

gets giardiasis by ingesting the giardia 

cysts. These can be found in the food 

or water you have ingested. Some of 

the symptoms of giardiasis include 

a very bad smelling diarrhea that is 

yellow, headaches, low fever, weight 

loss, stomach cramps, and nausea. 

Most times giardiasis is diagnosed by 

a stool sample test. Most people will 

not need much treatment, however, an 

antibiotic is usually prescribed. While 

giardiasis can become chronic, it typically 

will only last several weeks. Giardiasis 

has become a common place problem 

throughout the world. The CDC has stated 

that giardiasis has become one of the 

most widespread intestinal infection in 

the United States. 

6 STRESS 

In some cases, when your body is 

stressed, it will speed up the digestion process. 

This simply is going to limit the amount of 

nutrients that your body is able to absorb 

which will lead to yellow stool and diarrhea. 

7 DIET 

There are some instances where the 

stool can yellow just by an individual’s diet. 

If you are eating foods with food coloring, 

sweet potatoes, or carrots. This may also 

be due to foods containing gluten or are 

simply high in fat. 

10 



12 



6 GALLSTONES SYMPTOMS TO 

WATCH OUT FOR 

by 

Michael Hall 

Follow Us: 

This article will provide helpful information that will allow you to determine if 

you are manifesting symptoms of gallstones problem in your gallbladder. 

When an issue occurs in the 

gallbladder, most people 

immediately think of 

gallstones, which are made 

up of dissolved cholesterol 

and hunks of bile that have crystallized 

in either the bile duct or the gallbladder 

itself. Gallstones are uncomfortable and 

can lead to inflammation, and they are 

also fairly common, with about one fifth 

of all women and one tenth of all men 

being diagnosed with them by the time 

they turn sixty years old. Women are more 

prone to gallstones because hormone 

changes can impact production. Estrogen 

increases the amount of cholesterol in 

the body and progesterone causes the 

gallbladder to empty slowly. Pregnancy 

and oral contraception can both make 

gallstones a little more likely, because 

they impact the hormones in the body. 

The majority of individuals that get 

gallstones do not experience any 

symptoms and do not need treatment, 

but the ones that do have pain or 

14 


Colon cancer is diagnosed in more than 130,000 people each year in the U.S. alone. Read more about 

the common myths of colon cancer and its facts exposed. 

 

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE. 

inflammation may need surgery to correct 

the problem. The gallbladder and the 

appendix are similar in that they are not 

essential to the body and can be removed. 

Still, the body has to have time to get used 

to having bile go right into the digestive 

tract, because that is a fairly major 

change. Some patients have trouble eating 

fatty foods after they have the procedure. 

Many gallstones are found accidentally, 

when a patient is receiving treatment for 

another concern or complaint; however, if 

you notice the following symptoms, have 

yourself checked out right away! 

1 

PAIN IN THE ABDOMEN 

If you feel pain near your liver, 

and it comes and goes, you may have 

gallstones. In fact, this is the most 

common complaint, and the pain can 

be particularly intense after you finish 

a meal. You’ll notice it in the upper right 

part of your abdomen (but you may also 

feel it near the upper back), and it typically 

lasts several hours before it goes away. 

Some patients have this pain each time 

they eat, while others experience it 

infrequently. It is also called a gallbladder 


attack, and you are particularly prone 

to have this biliary colic pain if you 

overeat and consume a lot of fatty 

foods. The pain will fade in and out. You 

could also have pain for a much longer 

period of time, and if you do, you might 

have a serious situation on your hands. 

It is important to note when you feel the 

pain. Normally, the onset is within a few 

hours of eating. If you have pain while you 

are eating, or immediately after getting 

up, you may have something other than a 

gallbladder issue. 

2 

PERSISTENT PAIN 

If you take an over-the-counter 

medication, like Tylenol or Advil, and you 

still have pain near your abdomen, you 

could be suffering from gallstones. In 

addition, if you use the bathroom, switch 

your position or pass gas, and you still 

don’t notice any change, you are likely 

dealing with your gallbladder. Knowing 

this is useful so that you can focus in on 

what might really be causing the problem. 

3 JAUNDICE 

Jaundice, which is an indication of 

liver problems, presents itself through 

yellowing of the skin and the eyes, and 

it also causes dark pee and light colored 

poop. Many newborns have jaundice, but 

when an adult is affected by it, it could 

mean that there is an issue with the 

gallbladder. The gallbladder sends bile 

into the small intestines by way of the 

cystic duct, which also links up with the 

bile duct; when the ducts are blocked, 

jaundice is the result. Picture the tube as 

if it were a hose, and imagine what would 

happen if a stone gets lodged in there. 

This situation is essentially the same, and 

the result is that bile continues to collect 

in the gallbladder and causes there to be 

more bilirubin in the body. 

16 


4 NAUSEA 

Gallbladder issues are often confused for acid reflux, heartburn and stomach 

aches. Sometimes, people think that the pain they are feeling is muscle pain when it is 

really coming from the gallbladder. However, if you continue to experience nausea, and 

you have pain after eating, you should start to consider the possibility of gallbladder 

disease. Not everyone has nausea, but if you are throwing up a lot or if you experience 

extreme nausea, you need to talk to a medical professional and get it checked out. 

5 PANCREATITIS 

When the pancreas is inflamed, it is 

known as pancreatitis, and it often goes 

hand in hand with gallstones. The pancreas 

and the liver are close to one another, and 

the pancreas gets rid of digestive enzymes 

in the same place where bile is released; 

since the two ducts come together by the 

intestine, if there is a stone in one duct, 

it can impact the other. If a gallstone gets 

lodged in the pancreatic duct, it often 

leads to both pain and inflammation. 

Typically, following this situation, doctors 

will take out the gallbladder. Symptoms of 

pancreatitis include vomiting, nausea, a 

fast pulse, fever, and abdominal pain. 


6 

UNUSUAL SCANS 

If a person with gallstones has an ultrasound, it may look like there are solid 

masses in the bile duct or the gall bladder. An ultrasound is normally the first scan 

that a physician performs when trying to take a closer look at the gallbladder. They 

use the ultrasound to see how big the gallbladder is and whether the walls are thick 

or swollen. They may also order a magnetic resonance imaging test. A hepatobiliary is 

possible, too, as this test can help the doctor understand if the gallbladder is emptying 

appropriately or not. If they order the hepatobiliary, they will inject a radioactive 

tracer into your limb so they can see the ducts better. Sometimes a gallbladder issue 

won’t show up on an ultrasound, so additional testing is necessary. The tests can help 

medical professionals figure out why the patient is experiencing their symptoms. 

Normally, gallbladder disease presents itself with pain on the right side of the 

abdomen, but if there is an issue with the heart or the lungs, it can also feel like 

abdominal pain. Women, in particular, are prone to unusual heart attack symptoms, 

so they may not feel the discomfort in their chest. Pneumonia can also cause pain 

near the upper right of the abdomen. Also, if you have abdominal pain, chills and 

a fever, you may actually be dealing with gallbladder inflammation rather than 

gallstones; it is important to pay close attention to your symptoms and be aware of 

what is happening with your body. Go to a doctor right away if you are concerned. 

Always schedule an appointment with your doctor if you have recurring symptoms 

and you are concerned about your health. Start a conversation with your medical 

care professional and ask if you need to have further care, because you do not want a 

misdiagnosis to affect your health. 

18 



20 



A 9-PART INTRO TO THE 

BENEFITS OF PEPPERMINT 

by 

Susan Barnes 

Follow Us: 

Peppermint, a hybrid mint that is now widely cultivated due to its many uses. 

This article will guide you on the health benefits and uses of peppermint. 

Many of us prefer 

the taste of 

peppermint - 

which is very 

popular in holiday 

treats, after dinner mints, 

and toothpaste. The latest 

studies show that there is 

much more to the peppermint 

plant than being an ingredient 

in candy canes. The digestive, 

cosmetic, and antibacterial 

benefits of peppermint are 

just beginning to be explored. 

Peppermint or Mentha 

Pepperita is a cross between 

spearmint and watermint 

- a hybrid plant. Although 

the plant is prevalent in 

North America and Europe, 

it can grow in any part of the 

world. It has been used for 

centuries as a pain reliever. 

Peppermint is considered a 

gastric stimulant as well as an 

antibacterial agent according 

to the latest studies on the 

22 


Cod liver oil is the essential oil extracted from the livers of Atlantic cod. Learn more about the health benefits 

that you can get from cod liver oil. 

 


plant. This article provides information on 

some of the main uses and benefits of the 

peppermint plant. 

1 

PEPPERMINT IS GREAT FOR 

DIGESTIVE ISSUES AND NAUSEA 

The herb is ideal for improving many 

digestive functions such as irritable bowel 

syndrome or IBS. IBS is a condition that 

comes with bloating, irregular bowel 

movements, and discomfort in the 

stomach. The latest studies reveal that 

the symptoms of IBS could be relieved 

with peppermint oil supplements. 

The herb is effective for calming nausea. 

When you have nausea or morning 

sickness during pregnancy, inhaling the 

scent of peppermint oil will help you 

recover from the condition. Even a hot cup 

of peppermint tea can do the trick. 

2 

PROMOTES HEALTHY HAIR 

Peppermint oil comes with a fresh 

scent and soothing properties. Hence, 

it is the main ingredient in most of 

the shampoos. It will refresh the skin 

underneath the hairline when applied on 

your scalp. The herb also clears dandruff 

and stimulates the blood flow to the region. 

This will stimulate the hair growth over time. 

Peppermint binds to the follicles of the 

hair - thereby infusing it with protein. 

It gives the hair a fresh minty scent and 

a shiny, radiant appearance. The latest 

studies reveal that peppermint could be an 

alternative to hair growth stimulants. On 

the other hand, peppermint is a healthier 

and safer option in this regard since it 

doesn’t contain toxins and carcinogenic 

ingredients like most of the synthetic hair 

growth products on the market. 


3 

PEPPERMINT WILL HELP 

YOU BREATHE EASIER 

Peppermint contains menthol that can 

clear your nasal passage. It will thin the 

mucus and break down mucus in the 

inflamed nasal passage. This will help 

relieve the symptoms associated with 

airborne allergies. A recent university 

study revealed that peppermint helps 

young men workout more efficiently due 

to its menthol content. 

4 

PEPPERMINT HEALS THE SKIN 

The cooling properties of peppermint 

can be quite soothing to your skin. Hence, 

it acts as a balm for the effects of hives, 

poison oak or poison ivy. It is a great 

treatment for insect bites. When you apply 

the oil on a bug bite, it will calm and soothe 

the area - which makes the skin less itchy. 

5 

PROMOTES DENTAL HEALTH 

There are mouthwashes and 

toothpastes that leave a “minty fresh” 

taste in your mouth. In fact, there is more 

to using peppermint as an ingredient in 

mouthwashes and toothpaste than the 

promise of a fresh mouth. The ingredient 

can destroy bad bacteria that resides 

between the gums, teeth, and the walls of 

the mouth. 

6 

PEPPERMINT LEAF 

The leaf of fresh peppermint is 

subtle and slightly bitter. The ingredient 

can be chewed fresh from the peppermint 

leaf. It is often used as a garnish. The leaf is 

dehydrated and prepared as a popular tea. 

Peppermint teas are available in numerous 

health food stores, supermarkets, and 

online e-commerce stores. 

24 


7 

PEPPERMINT OIL - EXTRACT 

Essential oils have become quite 

popular in this day and age. Hence, you 

can easily find peppermint extract on the 

market right now. You should be cautious 

of using too much of peppermint extract. In 

fact, peppermint oil in an effective method 

of incorporating the health benefits of 

peppermint into your daily life. 

8 

PEPPERMINT CAPSULES 

Peppermint capsules are popular as 

a herbal treatment for digestive ailments. 

It is important that you use a peppermint 

capsule that breaks down in the small 

intestines when taking peppermint to 

relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel 

syndrome. This helps the intestines to 

absorb the oil directly. 

9 

SIDE EFFECTS OF PEPPERMINT OIL 

Menthol is an ingredient of 

peppermint oil. Hence, too much exposure 

to the oil may cause respiratory problems 

over time. The oil shouldn’t be used 

around the chest or nasal area of kids 

under two years old. The overdose of 

peppermint oil is extremely rare. The 

safe dose would vary depending on the 

individual and the method of ingestion. 

Although large quantities of peppermint 

tea are safe, large amounts of peppermint 

oil or leaf extract are not safe. On the other 

hand, there are people who are allergic to 

menthol - a component of peppermint. 

If you plan to use peppermint oil for its 

health benefits, you should be aware of 

any allergies. 


26 



28 


5 TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR 

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM HEALTHY 

by 

Michael Hall 

Follow Us: 

Whether you are a person with a sensitive or a less sensitive stomach, this 

article will help you with tips on how to maintain a healthy digestive system. 

Our digestive systems react 

differently to what we give 

them; there are stomachs 

that are so sensitive that they 

easily upset while others can 

eat almost anything and go unaffected. If 

you’re the type with a sensitive stomach, 

it can be daunting to determine how to 

aid your digestive system and reduce 

irritation. In this article, we shall look at a 

few tips that will help you have a healthy 

digestive system. Even if you’re not among 

the people with sensitive stomachs, the 

tips below will ensure that your digestive 

system remains at its best. 

1 

CONSUME A HIGH-FIBER DIET 

We all know fiber for being an 

essential aspect of a healthy and balanced 

diet. And the question is, why is it so 

good for our digestion? To begin with, 

fiber is of two types: insoluble fiber and 

soluble fiber which forms a gel when 

it is dissolved in water. Soluble fiber is 

mostly found in vegetables like beans, 

carrots and squash, in citrus fruits and in 

grains like barley and oat. Soluble fiber is 

important in a number of body processes. 

Insoluble fiber on the other hand helps 

in promoting digestion. Insoluble fiber 


is mostly obtained from whole grains such as bran and wheat flour, vegetables like 

spinach, lettuce, kale and celery. Insoluble fiber is perfect for cleaning your digestive 

tract since it is not fully digested and it passes through the digestive system intact, thus 

scrapping other waste with it. 

Postbiotics are products of probiotic bacteria metabolism in the gut. Read on to learn more of the 

benefits of postbiotics in your digestive tract. 


2 

INCLUDE CULTURELLE IN YOUR DIET 

While not all bacteria is good, the 

healthy bacteria in the digestive system 

is essential not only in breaking down 

foods but also absorbing nutrients. Some 

bacteria causes bloating, diarrhoea and 

occasional gas. And that is where Culturelle 

comes into play. The Culturelle Probiotic 

bears naturally sourced ingredients which 

work with the body in supporting the 

digestive system. This probiotic contains 

more than 10 billion active cultures that 

aid in promoting a healthy balance of 

bacteria in the body. 

30 


3 

KEEP OFF THE EXCESS CAFFEINE 

It’s no secret that we all love our 

morning coffee; in fact studies have shown 

that 59% of Americans take a cup of coffee 

every morning. However, the same coffee 

could be a source of occasional digestive 

upsets. Coffee is acidic and since the stomach 

already has some acid, pumping more of 

the same into the stomach could result 

in irritation in the intestines. Additionally, 

coffee tends to stimulate the small and large 

intestines more than normal and results 

in more contractions and consequently 

increasing the movement of anything going 

down the digestive tract. Taking caffeine with 

food can trigger the stomach to empty all its 

content in the ileum prematurely, forcing the 

intestines to work extra hard to digest the 

prematurely digested food. This could result 

in occasional abdominal pain. 

4 

AVOID FOODS WITH 

HIGH FAT CONTENTS 

In the past few years, fat has made its way 

into our diets and lifestyle. Nowadays, 

people are not afraid of eating fat and 

even putting on extra weight. Fat, mostly 

polyunsaturated and monosaturated, 


is beneficial to our diets and should be 

enjoyed like anything else, though in 

utmost moderation. When it comes to 

digestion, however, fat goes hand in 

glove with caffeine. Fat-rich foods such 

as cheese, red meat, butter and ice cream 

can over-stimulate your digestive causing 

undigested food to pass slower or faster 

through the intestines, which can either 

result in diarrhoea or constipation if 

you’re already having a stomach irritation. 

It is advisable that we take fat-rich foods 

in moderation or avoid them completely if 

you already have digestive upsets. 

5 

DO SOME YOGA 

When your digestion is poor, 

exercising is the last thing you want to 

do. Of all forms of exercise, yoga- which 

is arguably the answer to almost all health 

concerns - will aid in easing your digestive 

upsets. The combination of abdominal 

poses, unique poses, deep and deliberate 

breathing will help gently massage 

your organs and relieve your intestinal 

discomforts. You can try poses that 

require you to twist your body such as the 

bow pose or reverse triangle pose that will 

help massage your abdominal organs. 

32 



34 



5 SURPRISING 

BENEFITS OF POSTBIOTICS 

by 

Susan Barnes 

Follow Us: 

Postbiotics are products of probiotic bacteria metabolism in the gut. Read on 

to learn more of the benefits of postbiotics in your digestive tract. 

Postbiotics are, in essence, 

the byproducts or nonpractical 

products of 

the metabolic activity of 

probiotic bacteria in our 

guts. Synbiotic is a medical product 

that contains both prebiotics and 

probiotics. Some scientists suggest 

that there is a likelihood that 

postbiotics play a major role in 

maintaining our long-term digest 

health. Here is a look at some of the 

health benefits postbiotics offer to 

our digestive systems. 

1 

PROMOTE GROWTH OF GOOD 

PROBIOTIC BACTERIA 

Postbiotics are the byproduct of 

the metabolic processes being 

performed by lactic acid bacteria in 

our guts. It is important to note that 

postbiotics can mimic the activities 

of probiotics and help probiotics 

thrive. Bacteria found in lactic 

acid, and which are supported by 

postbiotics pack plenty of benefits 

within our microbiome, and that 

includes decreasing the presence 

36 


of toxins and viruses and helping 

eliminate heavy metals from our bodies. 

One promising aspect of using postbiotics 

instead of probiotics is that postbiotics 

imitate the therapeutic and beneficial 

aspects of probiotics. At the same time, 

they minimize the need to administer live 

microorganisms to patients that cannot 

tolerate them like those with impaired 

immune defenses or immature intestinal 

barriers. At the same time, there is evidence 

that probiotic bacteria killed due to the heat 

in our gastrointestinal tract could function 

as postbiotics. Postbiotics seem to retain 

structure while continuing to provide health 

benefits to the patient, such accelerated 

intestinal barrier healing, and maturation. 

Whether you are a person with a sensitive or a less sensitive stomach, this article will help you with tips on 

how to maintain a healthy digestive system. 

 


2 

REDUCE THE NUMBER OF HARMFUL PATHOGENS IN THE BODY 

Our bodies are home to both harmful and beneficial bacteria. Some naturallyoccurring 

substances - and that includes plants and herbs - have antimicrobial properties 

which allow them to regulate harmful bacteria, hence helping our bodies fight illnesses 

and infections. Scientists believe that postbiotics could have some of these antimicrobial 

abilities. That is why it is believed that postbiotics could be the next frontier in helping 

our immune system fight pathogens. Pathogens like clostridium perfringens, Listeria 

monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enterica are amongst those that 

researchers believe postbiotics can diminish. 


3 

HELP LOWER OXIDATIVE STRESS 

AND INFLAMMATORY DISEASES 

Studies have shown that probiotic 

bacteria like DG (LC-DG) or Lactobacillus 

casei, produce advantageous postbiotic 

byproducts that could help regulate 

immune/inflammatory responses. In some 

studies, it has been found that postbiotics 

like propionate, butyrate, and acetate 

are linked to lowered generation and 

regeneration of reactive oxygen species, 

regulation of apoptosis, and inflammatory 

suppression. Considering their ability to 

lower inflammation like after a patient 

has recovered from an infection or illness, 

postbiotics and probiotics can work 

together, be very helpful for treating 

IBD and IBS symptoms amongst other 

inflammatory conditions. Some studies 

even show that in specific cases when 

probiotics aren’t necessarily helpful or safe 

to administer to patients with irritated GI 

tissues, postbiotics could be the best and 

safest alternative to treat IBD patients in 

the acute inflammatory phase. 

4 

COULD HELP PREVENT DIABETES 

AND LOWER BLOOD SUGAR 

A recent study conducted at McMaster 

University in Canada showed that the use of 

postbiotics can be linked to the reduction 

in blood sugar levels in individuals 

considered prediabetic. Postbiotics appear 

to offer anti-diabetic effects since they 

improve how the body utilizes insulin. 

Researchers suggest that postbiotics 

work by lowering fat inflammation and 

lowering the liver’s insulin resistance. Mice 

38 


injected with muramyl dipeptide, a type of 

postbiotic, experienced reduced glucose 

intolerance and adipose inflammation 

without even losing weight. Based on the 

study’s findings, certain types of postbiotics 

can, therefore, be considered as insulin 

sensitizers that provide several protective 

effects to diabetic and obese patients. 

5 

WELL-TOLERATED BY PATIENTS WITH 

A SUPPRESSED IMMUNE SYSTEM 

Research has shown that probiotics are 

quite useful when it comes to reducing 

NEC or necrotizing enterocolitis - a 

serious condition that’s considered 

to be one of the leading causes of 

complications and even death in preterm 

infants. The condition, considered a 

medical emergency, is characterized by 

intestinal inflammation and injury and 

develops in 1 out of 10 preterm infants. 

Though probiotics are considered the 

most promising treatment option for 

this deadly disease at the moment, 

researchers are now opting to use both 

postbiotics and prebiotics as potential 

adjunctive or alternative therapies to 

probiotics. Postbiotic and probiotic 

bacteria are crucial to infants for 

immunity, development, storage of 

nutrients, absorption, and digestion 

(just as they are in grownups). However, 

some infants can’t tolerate probiotic 

bacteria (live microorganisms) but may 

respond well to postbiotics and prebiotics. 

According to a report published in Clinics 

in Perinatology in 2014, the host/infant 

provides a hospitable nutrient-rich, and 

temperature-stable environment for the 

bacteria to thrive while, in turn, receiving 

the benefits offered by the commensal 

bacteria. Postbiotics could help strengthen 

the infant’s intestine, helping it to protect 

itself against pathogens known to cause 

inflammation, while encouraging the 

growth of useful bacteria, maintaining 

intestinal homeostasis, and controlling 

epithelial immune responses. 


40 



42 


6 NATURAL HOME 

REMEDIES FOR CONSTIPATION 

by 

Michael Hall 

Follow Us: 

Constipated? Read this article and learn more on how to free yourself from the 

struggles of constipation by following these easy natural remedies. 

Constipation can be 

discomforting especially if it 

lingers on for several hours, or 

even a day. Although almost 

everyone has had constipation 

at some point in life, some people 

experience it more often. This often occurs 

when on certain medications, pregnant, 

or an unhealthy/unbalanced meal. 

Identifying what might have triggered the 

condition can help you seek appropriate 

treatment options. Although many will 

resolve to use over-the-counter medication, 

experts recommend trying natural remedies 

first. Using natural home remedies to treat 

constipation not only promotes healthy 

movement of food materials down the 

digestive system, but also prevents a 

recurrence of the same in the near future. 

Below are 6 tips and methods on how to 

treat constipation at home. 


Stools normally change color, but a yellow stool might pose a health problem. Learn more about 

some health conditions that might be causing a yellow stool. 

 

1 

HAVE A CONSISTENT SCHEDULE 

Many of us like lazing around on the 

bed on Sundays and rarely make time to go 

to the bathroom. Although all you want is 

rest all day, failing to go to the toilet regularly 

affects your bowel health. It not only slows 

down movement of food materials down the 

gut, it causes your stool to harden as well. 

Make it a habit of going to the bathroom 

(for long calls) just before going to bed, and 

early when you wake up. Make it a habit 

until your body learns the rhythm. Doing this 

should help keep everything on the move, 

hence making it possible to prevent/contain 

constipation in the future. 

2 


REGULAR BODY EXERCISE 

While you may not be a fan of the 

gym, taking on regular body exercises 

and workouts can help promote your 

digestive health. Simple workouts such 

as running, jogging, swimming, or even 

doing sit-ups help a lot in inducing 

movement of food materials in the 

digestive system. Physical actions may 

be all you need to ‘unclog’ the system. 

44 


At least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise in a 

day is enough to relieve and even prevent 

constipation. Start off with much easier 

routines such as walking, jogging, or even 

swimming. Make them regular until you 

can introduce intense workouts. 

3 

TAKE LOTS OF WATER 

Fluids, and especially water, help 

keep the system well-hydrated. Drinking 

enough water not only helps make your 

stool soft but also prevents gas buildup 

in the digestive tract. At least nine glasses 

of water are recommended for all, though 

men should strive to take more. Fizzy 

drinks, alcohol, and coffee do not qualify as 

fluids here. Pure water or freshly pressed 

orange juice is recommended for fast relief. 

If the signs of constipation do not subside, 

taking fiber supplements may help. 

4 

INCREASE YOUR DIETARY FIBER INTAKE 

Dietary fiber is crucial for gastrointestinal health. Both soluble and insoluble 

fiber (types of fiber) are needed for this to work. Soluble fiber plays a critical role in 

making your stool soft, while insoluble fiber contributes to making your stool bulk. 

Insoluble fiber is also known to aid food movement down the digestive tract, hence 

vital in treating flatulence and constipation. For mild constipation, consider eating 

easy to digest foods such as prunes, bananas, avocado, berries, and citrus fruits. 


Increasing your dietary fiber intake also 

helps prevent future problems too. Some 

of the best foods for dietary fiber include 

fresh vegetables, whole grains, and fresh 

fruits. You should even consider taking 

nutritional fiber supplements to treat 

extreme cases of constipation. 

5 

TAKE MAGNESIUM SUPPLEMENTS 

Magnesium plays a huge role in 

ensuring a healthy digestive system and 

commonly used to treat constipation. 

Oral magnesium supplements are 

laxatives, hence work by pulling 

water from body cells to the digestive 

system to help keep your stool softer. 

This again aids in movement of food 

materials and stool providing fast relief. 

Magnesium supplements are readily 

available over-the-counter in pharmacies 

and food stores. Seek a doctor’s 

prescription if you have a history of kidney 

problems. Increasing your intake of foods 

high in magnesium can also help treat/ 

prevent the condition for good. Dark leafy 

vegetables, whole grains, and cereals are 

some of the best sources of magnesium. 

6 

COCONUT OIL 

Research shows that taking a 

tablespoonful of coconut oil every day 

helps prevent most digestive conditions, 

constipation included. The oil acts as a 

lubricant thus making it possible for food 

materials to pass through quickly. If you 

however cannot swallow the oil, consider 

adding it to your diet plan. Coconut oil is 

one of the healthy options for cooking oil. 

You can use it when preparing salads too. 

If you have been dealing with constipation 

time and again, you then need to keep 

an eye on your eating habits, and put in 

some exercise. Making a lifestyle change, 

going for whole organic foods, and 

preparing your meals could help contain 

the problem. Magnesium and dietary fiber 

supplements will also come in handy in 

such conditions. 

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48 



4 WAYS TO INSTILL 

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE 

CHOICES IN KIDS 

by 

Susan Barnes 

Follow Us: 

A healthy lifestyle is not hard to achieve when you start early. Read more to 

learn how to introduce healthy lifestyle habits to your growing kids. 

Children are 

strong and 

can usually 

bounce back 

from an illness 

relatively quickly. However, 

as they transition from 

childhood into adulthood, 

it may not be as easy to 

bounce back. Teaching 

good lifestyle habits from 

early life can help them 

remain healthy through 

adulthood. As a parent, it is 

your job and responsibility 

to teach healthy lifestyle 

choices so that you can 

prepare them for the 

future. Let’s take a look at 

four easy steps towards a 

healthy life. 

1 

MAKE MEALTIME 

A FAMILY EVENT 

Meals at home should 

never feel like a restaurant. 

The food should not 

magically 

appear 

50 


and disappear. Instead, invite the family into the kitchen to help you cook. This is a 

wonderful opportunity to make lasting memories and create a love for healthy 

eating. Bring your kids into the kitchen to teach them how to prepare healthy meals. 

You can expound on this experience by growing a vegetable garden or shop for groceries 

together. This will allow you to teach your children how to create a dinner filled with 

colorful fruits and vegetables. In addition to this, you can invite your children into the 

kitchen to help with meal preparation and clean up after dinner. When children have 

ownership in a project, they will take pride in the job and be more likely to try new 

foods. During prep work, talk with your children about the importance of making healthy 

choices and show them that healthy foods are fun and delicious. Finally, don’t forget 

about dessert! Children love sweets and teaching them how to make healthy desserts is 

another great way to make mealtimes enjoyable. 

This article will provide you helpful tips on how to avoid constipation and make your every poop moments 

easier and successful. 

 


2 

MAKE EXERCISE A FUN EVENT 

Most adults dread exercising. By 

teaching your children the importance of 

exercise and showing them that playing is a 

great way to get fit and stay in shape, you can 

help them enjoy exercise throughout their 

adulthood. There are many options to help 

your child get exercise, including gymnastics, 

team sports, going for a swim or hiking. 

Think of what motivates your child and 

create options using those motivators. 

Does your child like competition? If so, 

create a backyard treasure hunt or enroll 

them in team sports. For those that prefer 

social interaction and adventure, opt for 

a rafting trip or a hands-on museum. The 

most important thing is to show your child 

that movement is fun! 


3 

THE IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP 

Sleep is one of the most important 

things you can do to ensure a healthy 

life. During sleep, your muscles relax 

and begin to heal from the rigors that 

you placed on them during the day, and 

synaptic connections are made to store 

up memories and hormones that the 

body need are synthesized. Although 

sleep is good for you, most children fight 

sleep. If your child does not know how to 

self-soothe, you can help by tucking your 

child in bed and explaining that there is 

a small task that you need to do before it 

gets too late like loading the dishwasher 

or starting some laundry. Do this nightly 

and slowly stretch out the time you are 

gone. Soon, your child will be able to 

settle down and go to sleep without you 

in the room. 

4 PROBIOTICS 

Did you know that more than 

70 percent of your immune system is 

housed in the digestive tract? Probiotics 

are beneficial bacteria that help to build 

immunity.There are many ways to ensure 

your child is getting enough probiotics, 

including a diet rich in fermented foods 

like pickles, sauerkraut and yogurt. In 

addition to this, there are many wonderful 

probiotic supplements that will increase 

the number of beneficial bacteria in the 

gut to make the immune system strong. 

52 



54 



AN 11-PART WALKTHROUGH ON THE 

HEALTH BENEFITS OF COD LIVER OIL 

by 

Michael Hall 

Follow Us: 

Cod liver oil is the essential oil extracted from the livers of Atlantic cod. Learn 

more about the health benefits that you can get from cod liver oil. 

Cod liver oil is a popular 

nutritional supplement that 

is derived from the liver 

of codfish. The liver of the 

codfish has a high amount of 

omega-3 and vitamins A and D. Cod liver 

oil has a higher concentration of vitamins 

A and D even though it has the same 

composition with that of fish oil. Cod liver 

is a good source of nutrients and there 

are a number of studies that have shown 

that cod liver oil has many healing and 

therapeutic properties. What are some of 

the health benefits that can be associated 

with cod liver oil? Here are some of the 

benefits in detail. 

56 


Peppermint, a hybrid mint that is now widely cultivated due to its many uses. This article will guide 

you on the health benefits and uses of peppermint. 

 


1 

HIGH SOURCE OF ANTI-INFLAMMATORY 

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS 

Cod liver oil is the richest source of 

omega-3 fatty acids in nature. It is 

called DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and 

EPA (Eicosapentaenoic). Because it has 

natural anti-inflammatory properties, 

which also includes the capability of 

reducing prostaglandin production, it will 

help in lowering the need to have antiinflammatory 

drugs. This means you can 

use it in treating a wide range of symptoms 

naturally, from arthritis pain to coronary 

disease risk factors or depression. 

If you are not familiar with the benefits 

you can get from taking omega-3 foods 

or supplements, some of them include 

reducing the risk of: heart disease, anxiety, 

ADHD, inflammatory bowel disease, high 

cholesterol, cancer, arthritis, and more. How 

can it provide a lot of benefits? One common 

problem that many Americans have is the 

imbalance of omega-3 to omega-6 fats in their 

diet. This doesn’t necessarily mean omega-6 

fats are bad for your body, but consuming 

them in large amounts without consuming 

omega-3 will result in inflammation, 

which is the root cause of many diseases. 


A good ratio to follow is two to one. Two omega-6 for every one omega -3 fats, but many 

people out there usually have five to ten times more omega-6 There is a rise in omega-3 

deficiency because the consumption of processed foods has continued to rise. There 

is also the increase of consumption of fried foods that have vegetable oil (like corn oil, 

soybean oil, cottonseed oil, and canola oil) that are filled with omega-6s. One way you 

can lower inflammation is by supplementing with omega-3 rich cod liver oil. Doing this 

will tip back the ratio in your favor. 

2 

PROVIDES CRITICAL VITAMIN D 

Vitamin D is unique because it tends 

to behave more as a hormone than a 

vitamin. This is because it usually affects 

neurotransmitter functioning, inflammatory 

responses, and heart health. Vitamin D is 

usually synthesized by the skin when it is 

exposed to the UV light of the sun. The best 

solution to get enough vitamin D is spending 

more time outside without wearing any 

sunscreen. Vitamin D will play a big role in 

healthy bone metabolism and also support 

important function of all your cells. Having 

low vitamin D is not good because it means 

interference with the ability of the cell to 

multiply and replenish. Deficiency in vitamin 

D can increase the risks of falling sick or 

even developing a chronic autoimmune 

disorder, diabetes, cardiovascular or 

cognitive disease, cancer, or osteoporosis. 

Both children and adults are not getting 

enough sun exposure today because 

the lifestyle many people have adapted 

involves spending a lot of time indoors, 

and this is why vitamin D supplementation 

has been recommended to many people. 

Some symptoms to look out for to know 

if you have vitamin D deficiency include: 

anxiety, depression, fatigue, infertility, 

low libido, asthma, autism, and more - it 

is important to remember that deficiency 

can lower immunity to the point where 

it increases risks of cancer. It is never a 

good idea to take a high dose of vitamin D 

without anything else because it has side 

effects. This is why it is recommended to 

take it in combination with omega-3 fatty 

acids and synergistic vitamin A, which is 

how it is usually naturally found in vitamin 

D- rich food such as cod liver oil. 

58 


3 

GOOD SOURCE OF VITAMIN A 

Vitamin A is an essential antioxidant 

that plays a role in reducing oxidative 

stress and also affecting the inflammation 

levels. It helps in preventing eye-related 

disorder, helps in fighting cancer, supports 

brain health, and it is also important in the 

production of the hormone. You should 

be able to get enough vitamin A from the 

food you eat, but deficiency is a risk to 

consider especially if you are eating a lot 

of processed food or not enough calories. 

There has been a lot of debate recently on 

the topic of supplementing with vitamin 

A since there is a thought that high levels 

are harmful to the body and potentially 

toxic. However, you need to consider 

the fact that many primitive populations 

in the past used to eat whole-foodbased 

diets that were rich in vitamin A 

(along with Vitamin D) and were in great 

health. A good example is Weston A. Price 

Foundation that has shown traditional 

Scottish diets involved foods such as 

fish liver oils, shellfish, organ meats, and 

animal fats - which are natural sources of 

Vitamin A and Vitamin D, and these people 

used to have low rates of chronic diseases. 

The quality of the supplement will always 

make a huge impact when it comes to 

getting vitamin A from cod liver oil. Many 

of the brands in the market have synthetic 

versions of Vitamin A and Vitamin D that 

are usually not absorbed well, and also the 

concern is the ratio of the two nutrients. 

There are some health concerns that have 

been linked to consumption of very high 

levels of vitamin A from supplements alone 

while getting them naturally from food can 

help your immune system. Choosing foods 

rich in Vitamin A is beneficial for bone 

growth, healthy cellular growth, night 

vision, testicular and ovarian functions, 

among others. 


4 

HELPS IN PREVENTING 

HEART DISEASE 

There is evidence showing that taking cod 

liver oil in whole food or supplement can 

help in lowering high triglycerides; this is a 

dangerous type of fat in the bloodstream 

which increases the risks of heart disease. 

Cod liver oil will help in treating high blood 

pressure and can be very helpful when 

it comes to the balancing of cholesterol 

levels. Many human and animal studies 

have continued to show the high efficacy 

of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids 

that have been obtained from cod liver oil 

in the prevention of atherosclerosis (this 

is a condition where the arteries harden 

or stiffen) and the complications it comes 

with. For patients with hyperglyceridemia 

and high triglyceride, they can have the 

treatment alone or combine it with statin 

drugs to reverse the risk factors. 

5 

LOWERS RISK OF CANCER 

High levels of vitamin D have 

been associated with lowering risk of 

cancer, both obtained from cod liver oil 

supplements and exposure to the sun. 

Cod liver oil has the antiproliferative 

and proapoptotic property that helps in 

preventing breast cancer. These properties 

will reduce mammary tumors. The most 

relevant way of getting enough vitamin 

D, but there are times when you will need 

to consider getting cod liver oil to ensure 

there are no deficiencies. 

6 

HELPS IN PREVENTING 

OR TREATING DIABETES 

Cod liver oil is a good source of 

essential healthy fats, and this can 

help in controlling insulin resistance, 

inflammation, and management of glucose 

level in the blood. It has been shown to 

60 


even help in lowering the symptoms of complications as a result of diabetes like kidney 

disease. Use vitamin D supplements and cod liver oil on your baby in their first year 

and during pregnancy to help in lowering the risk of the baby developing diabetes. 

There was a study published in 2007 in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 

found that when diabetic rats were given cod liver oil supplements for 12 weeks, the cod 

liver oil acted as a natural diabetes treatment. The cod liver oil they were given was able 

to completely prevent endothelial deficiency. Before they were given the cod liver oil, 

the rats had high glucose levels, high cholesterol and high triacylglycerol in the blood. 

Cod liver oil also played a role in managing the weight gain of the rats and preventing 

plasma lipid abnormalities while also controlling insulin sensitivity and other factors. 

7 

HELPS TREAT ARTHRITIS 

Many mothers in the early 20th 

century used to forcefully spoon-feed 

cod liver oil to unwilling children because 

scientists had established that it was 

a natural “antirachitic”. Cod has been 

shown to help in reducing pain, stiffness, 

and swelling in patients with arthritis 

and other inflammatory conditions. Cod 

liver oil has been used as a successful 

treatment for arthritis because it mimics 

the effects of medications. Cod liver oil 

is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug 

that will improve clinical symptoms and 

can be used as the safer alternative to 

taking medications, or it can be used as a 

complementary supplement for patients 

who have rheumatoid arthritis. 

8 

BOOSTS FERTILITY AND HELPS 

IN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT 

Fats have been shown to be beneficial for 

reproductive health and a vibrant pregnancy 

because it helps in the production of sex 

hormones including progesterone and 

estrogen. Cod liver oil provides critical 

nutrients such as vitamin D and omega-3 

which helps in healthier testicular and ovarian 

function because it helps the endocrine 

system run smoothly. Cod liver supports the 

hyptothalamic, adrenal, and pituitary glands 

because of its anti-inflammatory. It helps 

because it supports these glands which 

control the release of sex hormones involved 

in pregnancy, libido, and reproduction. DHA 

has also been shown to help in mobility and 

health of sperm in men. 


Weston A. Price Foundation has pointed out that women who use cod liver oil in the 

early stages of the pregnancy tend to have a higher chance of babies having more 

weight which can be associated with a lower risk of disease later in life. Women who 

take cod liver oil also have breast milk high in DHA and EPA when compared to that of 

women who don’t take it. This means the infant will be able to get the benefits in terms 

of development. There was a study done by University of Oslo in Norway that showed 

that children who were born to mothers who took cod liver oil had higher scores on 

intelligence tests when compared to those who didn’t. 

9 

IMPROVES BRAIN FUNCTION 

Fish oil will help in depression when 

you regularly supplement because it has 

been associated with lowering risks for 

depressive symptoms because of the high 

intake of vitamin D and omega-3 fats. 

There was a study that found that omega-3 

fatty acids found in cod liver oil help in 

improving the outcome of depression and 

anxiety in the general population. The 

Hordaland Health Study did a study where 

they followed 21,835 adults in Norway for 

two years where they were able to discover 

that 2.5 percent of the people taking cod 

liver oil had the prevalence of depressive 

symptoms. This was lower than the general 

population which had 3.8 percent. There 

was also found a decrease in the prevalence 

of high levels of depressive symptoms with 

increasing duration of cod liver oil use. 

A strong connection has been shown 

between prevention of cognitive decline 

and fish oil supplementation or omega-3 

intake, and this includes diseases like 

Alzheimer’s disease. The studies have 

continued to show consistent results: fish 

oil has some essential fatty acids that are 

important for the brain function and can 

help in preventing brain disorder in seniors. 

62 


HELPS MAINTAIN 

BONE HEALTH 

Vitamin D is important in maintaining and 

building strong bones. There are some 

studies that have shown women living in 

cold, northerly latitudes who don’t get 

enough sunlight will produce less vitamin 

D, and this means there is an increased 

risk for bone loss, bone turnover, 

fractures, and even obesity. Taking Vitamin 

D supplementation will help in lowering 

the risks of bone fractures and can help 

prevent osteoporosis from developing. 

FIGHTS ULCERS 

Though in a lab setting, cod liver 

oil has been shown to be a good way 

of improving healing of gastric healing 

as observed in rats. This is because 

of their antisecretory properties. This 

helps in reducing stress and pain 

caused by gastric ulcers. 


64 



66 


4 PRINCIPLES TO 

EFFECTIVELY TREAT 

DIARRHEA 

by 

Susan Barnes 

Follow Us: 

Diarrhea is a common illness affecting both young children and adults. Read 

on for some of the most effective ways to manage acute diarrhea. 

Almost everyone will 

experience some 

diarrhea during their 

lifetime. Some of 

the symptoms that 

are common with this affliction 

include watery stool, bloating, 

and abdominal cramping. 

Diarrhea is sometimes the 

body’s natural process for 

helping to heal gastrointestinal 

issues. Acute diarrhea can go 

on for up to 2 weeks and can be 

caused by things like bacterial 

infection, viral infections, 

contaminated water, food 

poisoning, and occasionally can 

be due to the use of antibiotics. 

A virus often causes diarrhea 

in young children. When you’re 

traveling it’s not uncommon to 

drink contaminated water and 

this can lead to diarrhea. If you 

eat something that was not 

correctly cooked or stored, then 

it can have bacteria that leads 

to food poisoning. 


Whether you are a person with a sensitive or a less sensitive stomach, this article will help you with tips on 

how to maintain a healthy digestive system. 

 


1 HYDRATION 

Anytime you have diarrhea it’s 

important that you keep hydrated. 

Especially older adults and children 

are susceptible to dehydration when 

experiencing diarrhea. Adults of average 

age that are experiencing moderate 

symptoms of diarrhea can include sports 

drinks and other types of over-the-counter 

solutions for rehydration. Drinks that 

include caffeine or that are carbonated, as 

well as drinks such as soda, alcohol, and 

milk, should not be used to hydrate oneself. 

In some cases, these types of drinks 

could actually make symptoms worse. 

When an infant is experiencing diarrhea 

you’ll still want to continue to feed them 

formula or breastfeed them. When very 

young children are experiencing diarrhea 

it’s recommended that you use over-thecounter 

products to hydrate them such as 

Pedialyte and other similar fluids. Fluids 

that are specifically designed for hydration 

should be given in small amounts frequently 

to the infant. For young children, it’s also 

possible to get these formulated solutions 

prepared as popsicles. 

2 PROBIOTICS 

Probiotics are good bacteria and 

they are able to work naturally with the gut 

to help it heal. These are microorganisms 

that are found naturally in certain live 

foods that include dark chocolate, 

cottage cheese, pepper, kombucha, 

kimchi, miso, pickles, sauerkraut, 

sourdough bread, yogurt, and tempeh. 

You can also get probiotics from the 

health food store in pill or powder form. 

68 


This type of bacteria is good and it 

can live in your intestinal tract and is 

something that’s necessary in order for 

your gastrointestinal system to function 

normally. This type of bacteria protects 

your intestines from getting infections. 

If your system is overwhelmed with 

unhealthy bacteria or by viruses, or 

if the good bacteria has been killed 

because you had to take antibiotics, then 

you can get diarrhea. When you take 

probiotics, you help restore the balance 

and that leads to your system naturally 

healing. Anytime you have acute diarrhea 

make sure to get professional medical 

advice. You should always talk to a 

healthcare professional before choosing 

to take probiotics to treat diarrhea. 

S. boulardii is not a bacteria but it is a 

yeast probiotic and it works very similar 

to the other good bacteria. This particular 

probiotic is particularly useful when 

diarrhea stems from a person having 

taken antibiotics. Many also say that it is 

very useful for travelers diarrhea. Some 

studies have concluded that it helps fight 

against certain pathogens and helps your 

body properly absorb nutrients. Anyone 

who has an autoimmune deficiency 

should not use this without medical 

advice because it is yeast. 

3 

OVER-THE-COUNTER DRUGS 

When you have acute diarrhea but your symptoms are not excessively severe, then 

you’ll be able to take over-the-counter medications but you still will need your doctor’s 

supervision. Some of the types of medication you can take include loperamide and 

Pepto Bismol. These meds only serve to treat the symptoms to give you temporary relief 

but they don’t do anything to attack the cause of the diarrhea. Anyone who has chronic 

diarrhea, meaning that it lasts for over 2 weeks should consult their doctor because 

that is caused by different issues and shouldn’t be treated with the same methods. 


Anytime a small child has diarrhea you’ll want to be cautious about it. Dehydration for 

young children can be very dangerous and it can cause problems quickly and when 

the dehydration is severe it can be life-threatening. Using typical over-the-counter 

medications is not usually a good choice for children and you should consult with your 

doctor before deciding on what methods to use. If your baby is under 3 months old, 

then the first sign of diarrhea should be taken seriously and you should take your infant 

to the doctor. If the diarrhea has blood in it or if it is accompanied by a fever or if it lasts 

over a week, then you should get proper medical attention. 

4 

FOODS YOU SHOULD EAT 

Many people mistakenly think they 

shouldn’t eat if they have diarrhea but 

there are some foods that actually help the 

condition. The food should be low in fiber 

to help the stool be more firm. Things like 

white rice and bananas as well as toast 

and applesauce are all good choices. Other 

foods include baked potatoes, oatmeal, 

baked chicken and chicken soup. 

5 

FOODS YOU 

SHOULDN’T EAT 

Any type of greasy or fried foods will 

usually exacerbate symptoms. Foods that 

are high in fiber are likely to increase 

bloating. Other foods like artificial 

sweeteners and alcohol as well as cabbage, 

broccoli, coffee, ice cream and green leafy 

vegetables are some of the foods that 

should be avoided. 

70 



72 



9 SYMPTOMS OF 

PROTEIN DEFICIENCY 

by 

Michael Hall 

Follow Us: 

Proteins are responsible for muscle growth and tissue repair of the human 

body. Read on to know the signs that your body is not getting enough protein. 

Proteins are large molecules 

comprised of amino acids 

that are used for many critical 

functions in the body. Protein 

is used to repair muscles and 

tissues, produces hormones and enzymes 

and so much more. If you do not consume 

enough protein, it can negatively impact 

your health and you can experience one 

or more of the symptoms listed below. 

1 

YOU MAY HAVE HIGH 

CHOLESTEROL LEVELS 

Many people believe that high triglycerides 

and cholesterol levels are caused by fatty 

foods; however, hormonal imbalances, a 

diet filled with processed and sugary foods 

and inflammation can also cause high 

triglycerides and high cholesterol. If you 

tend to eat a lot of refined carbohydrates, 

sugar snacks and refined carbs, your 

74 


Stomach flu is one of the common illnesses suffered by both children and adults. Read on for some 

important tips about stomach flu that you need to know. 


cholesterol can increase due to the liver 

being unable to process fat efficiently. 

Studies have also shown that consuming 

enough replacing these foods with protein 

can lower the risk of heart disease. 

2 

ANXIETY AND MOODINESS 

LINKED TO LOW PROTEIN LEVELS 

Amino acids are used to create 

neurotransmitters in the brain, which help 

to regulate your mood. Protein is used 

to synthesized dopamine and serotonin. 

These neurotransmitters help to create 

calm and positive feelings and help to 

counteract moodiness and anxiety. 

3 

POOR WORKOUT RESULTS 

AND LOW ENERGY LEVELS 

Most people know that protein helps to 

repair muscles and build muscle mass; 

however, many do not realize that protein 

helps to improve motivation and energy 

levels. A low protein diet can cause low 

energy levels, muscle wasting, increased 

fat and the female athlete triad (eating 

disorders, osteoporosis and amenorrhea). 

Even if you increase the intensity and 

duration of your workouts, you may not 

see good results if you do not provide the 

body with the protein that the body needs 

for energy and tissue repair. 


4 

POOR SLEEP AND INSOMNIA 

RELATED TO LOW PROTEIN 

CONSUMPTION 

Insomnia and poor sleep have been 

linked to unstable glucose levels, a 

decreased production of serotonin and 

an increased amount of cortisol in the 

body. Spikes in your blood sugar can carry 

over from the daytime into the nighttime. 

Proteins and fats require less insulin than 

carbohydrates do. Eating a protein-rich 

meal in the evening can increase the levels 

of serotonin and tryptophan; protein also 

can help to slow down the absorption of 

glucose following a meal. 

5 

YOU MAY EXPERIENCE BRAIN FOG, 

POOR CONCENTRATION AND 

LEARNING DIFFICULTIES 

The brain requires protein to ensure 

that it functions properly. Some of the 

signs of low protein levels are decreased 

neurotransmitter production, including 

serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine 

and dopamine, that causes brain fog, 

poor concentration, difficulty learning 

and retaining new information, low focus 

and lack of motivation. In order for the 

brain to synthesize neurotransmitters, 

the body must have ample stores of the 

amino acids found in protein; studies have 

shown that a diet rich in protein can help 

improve motor skills, work performance 

and learning. 

6 

PROTEIN CAN RELIEVE 

CONSTIPATION, BLOATING AND GAS 

In order for your metabolism to stay 

high and your digestive tract to function 

properly, you must consume enough 

protein. If you feel fatigued, experience 

digestive discomfort, bloating or 

experience abdominal cramping, you may 

not be consuming enough protein. 

76 


7 

YOUR CLOTHING FEELS TIGHTER 

Although high protein foods may be 

higher in calories than other food choices, 

protein provides more satiety than fats or 

carbohydrates, which means you will be 

less likely to overeat or snack when you 

consume a protein-rich meal. Additionally, 

protein can stabilize your glucose levels, 

reduce cravings and increase muscle mass 

which can increase your metabolism. 

8 

YOU MAY EXPERIENCE IRREGULAR 

MENSTRUAL PERIODS 

Infertility and irregular menstrual periods 

are often caused by a medical condition 

called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). 

There are two risk factors associated 

with polycystic ovary syndrome - obesity 

and diabetes; in fact, approximately 

50 to 70 percent of all PCOS sufferers 

have insulin resistance. A high carb/ 

high sugar diet can contribute to insulin 

resistance, fatigue, weight gain and 

inflammation, which can disrupt the 

female hormones (DHEA, progesterone 

and estrogen) that are required to help 

regulate the menstrual cycle. 

9 

INCREASE INJURIES 

AND SLOW HEALING TIMES 

If you are not consuming enough protein, 

you may experience weak bones that can 

lead to an increased risk of fractures and 

osteoporosis, muscle loss, an increased 

risk of falls and bone weakness. The body 

needs protein to properly metabolize 

calcium. Studies have shown that the 

elderly who do not consume enough 

protein experience greater bone loss 

than those who get the recommended 

daily allowance of proteins. Furthermore, 

studies have shown that a protein-rich 

diet can help prevent and treat sarcopenia 

(muscle loss associated with aging). 


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80 


A 5-PART INTRO ABOUT 

COLON CANCER 

MYTHS AND FACTS 

by 

Susan Barnes 

Follow Us: 

Colon cancer is diagnosed in more than 130,000 people each year in the U.S. 

alone. Read more about the common myths of colon cancer and its facts exposed. 

Colon cancer (which is also 

referred to as colorectal 

cancer) is the second leading 

contributor of cancer-related 

deaths in the United States. 

The likelihood of developing colon cancer 

is around 1 in 20, meaning it is quite 

preventable and treatable provided you 

have the appropriate screenings. To 

promote greater awareness, here is a list 

of some of the leading myths about colon 

cancer, as well as the truth about each 

particular notion. 

1 

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE SCREENED 

AS LONG AS YOU LACK COMMON 

COLON CANCER SYMPTOMS 

Like most forms of cancer, colon cancer 

is a silent killer. Once common symptoms 

begin showing up, the cancer is often 

already in an advanced stage; this leaves 

the chance of survival considerably more 

grim. That is precisely why it’s so crucial 

for individuals that reach 50 years of 

age to get screened as soon as they can 

(so long as they aren’t suffering from 

gastrointestinal conditions such as Crohn’s 

disease or ulcerative colitis). Individuals 


This article will provide helpful information that will allow you to determine if you are manifesting symptoms 

of gallstones problem in your gallbladder. 

 


with colon cancer in their family history 

would also be wise to have a screening 

done at an even earlier age. 

2 

YOU CAN SKIP OUT ON BEING 

SCREENED IF COLON CANCER IS 

NOT IN YOUR FAMILY HISTORY 

This is a common assumption since those 

with the highest risk of developing colon 

cancer usually have it in their family history 

- particularly those with parents or siblings 

that have suffered from it - but a wide 

variety of individuals still end up diagnosed 

despite it having never touched their family 

beforehand. Only around ten to twenty 

percent of those that are diagnosed have 

colon cancer in their family history, so 

please get screened regardless! 

3 

COLON CANCER 

ONLY AFFECTS MALES 

Cancer actually does not discriminate 

between the sexes; it has been proven 

to affect women just as frequently as 

men. Age is a leading risk factor when 

it comes to the development of colon 

cancer in particular, accounting for the 

overwhelming suggestion to have a 

screening as soon as you turn 50. 

4 

IT’S TOO LATE TO BE TREATED IF 

YOU’VE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH 

COLON CANCER 

In actuality, colon cancer that is diagnosed 

early enough can be treated, and the 

survival rate is generally around 90 

percent. On the other hand, only around 

82 


10 percent of those who are suffering 

from the disease at an advanced stage 

tend to survive beyond the 5 year range. 

This should only serve to further illustrate 

why early screenings are so important. 

5 

COLONOSCOPIES ARE TOO 

PAINFUL, EXPENSIVE, OR 

TIME CONSUMING 

You will actually be fully sedated when 

you have your colonoscopy; the process 

will actually put you into a state known 

as twilight sleep, the result of which 

will likely rid your memory of the entire 

procedure. It also only takes between 15 

minutes to half an hour at most, and you’ll 

be heading home within the next half 

hour after everything has wrapped up. 

You might also want to look into the 

“virtual colonoscopy”. This is non-invasive, 

without the need of a scope or sedation. 

3-D images of your colon can be generated 

through computed tomography scans, 

where a doctor can seek out any existing 

abnormalities. Just talk to your physician 

about which option will work the best for 

your needs. 


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86 


7 TIPS ON THE 

USES OF PREBIOTICS 

by 

Michael Hall 

Follow Us: 

Prebiotics, the fiber food of your gut’s good bacteria. This article will introduce 

you to the powerful benefits of prebiotics intake to your gut health. 

Prebiotics are dietary fibers 

that can be found in the 

gastrointestinal tract that 

help to promote the growth 

of good bacteria. Prebiotics 

will nourish the good bacteria all while 

improving the ratio of good to bad 

bacteria. Below are just a few of the major 

health benefits of prebiotics. 

1 

BETTER DIGESTION 

AND OVERALL GUT HEALTH 

Prebiotics will stimulate the beneficial 

bacteria that tend to stay situated in the 

gut microflora. Considering they act like 

food for the probiotics, the prebiotic will 

balance out the harmful bacteria and 

toxins that are found in the digestive 

tract, which can lead to many health 

issues. Countless studies have shown 

that a larger intake of prebiotic foods 

will increase the number of probiotic 

microorganisms including bifidobacteria, 

L. reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus 

GG, and special strains of L. casei. 

One of the many benefits of having good 

bacteria in the gut is the fact that we 

are able to use the fiber that is found in 

the foods we eat, which is typically non- 


This article will walk you through the different popular misconceptions about Celiac disease and 

gluten-free lifestyle that has been brought to light. 


digestible. The gut bacteria is able to 

metabolize these non-digestible fibers 

from the food and produce short-chain 

fatty acids which the body is able to use 

in a variety of ways. One of the fatty acids 

that is produced is known as butyric acid 

and has a considerable impact on the 

health of the intestinal lining. Short-chain 

fatty acids are also designed to regulate 

electrolyte levels within the body which 

includes water, calcium, magnesium, 

and sodium, which are all essential for 

proper digestion, prevention of diarrhea, 

and bowel movement production. 

When there are changes in the gut 

microbiota composition it is typically 

associated with the development of 

irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory 

bowel disease. The Journal of Nutrition 

issued a report in 2012 that stated that 

prebiotics in association with probiotics 

can help to treat a number of digestive 

disorders including intestinal infections, 

diarrhea, and chronic disorders such as 

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. 

88 


2 

CANCER PROTECTION AND 

ENHANCED IMMUNE FUNCTIONS 

There have been a large number of 

studies conducted that have shown that 

the consumption of certain prebiotic 

foods will result in a number of changes 

in the gut microbiota that will help to 

improve immunity. This “Cprebiotic effect” 

is know associated with the modulation 

of activities and biomarkers found in the 

immune system which tend to reduce the 

concentration putrefactive metabolites 

and cancer-promoting enzymes within 

the gut. Prebiotics will help with the 

consistency and frequency of stool, 

reduce the infections and gastroenteritis, 

as well as improve the general wellbeing 

of an individual according 

to the British Journal of Nutrition. 

Probiotics and prebiotics will boost the 

immunity of an individual because they 

boost the ability of a humans nature to 

absorb trace minerals and nutrients that 

we eat. They will also considerably lower 

the pH levels that are found in the gut which 

inhibit the growth of damaging bacteria and 

pathogens that are found in the system. 

Much research has shown that the use of 

prebiotics and probiotics used together 

can cause a stronger immune system. 

Just a few of the ways they are able to 

enhance immunity include the ability to 

prevent or treat vaginal yeast infection, 

urinary tract infections, colds, digestive 

disorders, types of cancer, and cognitive 

disorders. Colon cancer, for example, is 

often associated with a toxic load which is 

often a possible cause of gut microbiota 

where it has been hypothesized. There 

have been several studies performed 

that have shown a reduction in the 

number of cancer cells and tumors after 

specific foods with prebiotic qualities 

have been consumed. 


3 

LOWER INFLAMMATION 

Prebiotics have been shown to lower 

the amount of inflammation in the body, 

which is often the root of many diseases 

including heart disease, which is this 

countries leading killer. People who tend 

to consume more prebiotics and fiber tend 

to have much healthier cholesterol levels 

and are at a lower risk for cardiovascular 

diseases. It is believed that probiotics and 

prebiotics improve the metabolic process 

that is often associated to type-2 diabetes 

and obesity. It is assumed that a healthier 

environment in the gut turns off many of 

the autoimmune reactions which will help 

the body metabolize fats and nutrients as 

well as modulate immune and hormonal 

functions that control how the body will 

store fat including in the arteries. 

4 

REDUCED RISK OF HEART DISEASE 

When one consumes foods that are 

high in prebiotics it helps to reduce the 

amount of glycation which lowers insulin 

resistance, increases free radicals, and 

triggers inflammation. Prebiotics have also 

been shown to have a hypocholesterolemic 

effect which will improve the body’s ability 

to prevent autoimmune and ischemic 

diseases. One other benefit is the fact 

that they are able to balance the level 

of mineral and electrolytes in the body 

including sodium and potassium which 

have a direct effect of the blood pressure. 

5 

WEIGHT LOSS AND MAINTENANCE 

Recent studies on animal and 

humans show the benefits of various 

prebiotic food products with lower weight 

gain, homeostasis, and satiety regulation. 

In fact, the higher amounts of fiber that 

are consumed lead to a lower body weight 

and continual protection against weight 

gain. The British Journal of Nutrition 

published a study in 2002 that stated that 

prebiotic foods tend to provide a sense 

of being full which will help to prevent 

obesity. They tend to effect the hormone 

levels that are associated with appetite 

regulation, which ends up producing less 

ghrelin, which is a signal to the brain that 

it is time for food. 

90 


6 

BONE HEALTH AND PROTECTION 

The Journal of Nutrition published a study in 2007 that showed that prebiotics 

enhance the level of absorption of minerals including calcium, iron, and magnesium. 

These minerals are absolutely essential in the ability to retain strong bones to help 

prevent fractures and osteoporosis. One study stated that just 8 grams of prebiotics was 

enough to increase the levels of calcium in the body to increase the density of the bones. 

7 

IMPROVED MOODS 

AND HORMONE REGULATION 

Research in the gut-brain connection 

is still in its early phases, however, it 

is becoming clear that mood-related 

disorders are all formed in or tied to 

the gut. Research has shown that the 

hormonal balance and mood are affected 

by a number of factors which tends to 

include the bacterial contents found 

inside of your body. The gut metabolizes 

and absorbs various nutrients from 

foods that support the neurotransmitter 

functions which create hormones that 

ultimately control the overall mood. 

Many mood-related disorders may be a 

result of a series of neurotransmitters 

simply not working how they should 

in the sense of emotions. These 

transmissions are dependent upon the 

health of the microbiome, so when the 

gut is not working as it should, other 

biological areas such as neuronal and 

hormonal may not work either. Research 

has shown that prebiotics have had 

significant effects on the human brain, 

including lower cortisol levels. A 2005 

study that was published in the Journal of 

Psychopharmacology explored the effects 

of two individual prebiotics on the levels 

of the stress hormone cortisol on healthy 

adults. The group of adults where given 

either a prebiotic or placebo every day 

for three week. The group that received 

the prebiotic had positive changes in the 

levels of cortisol as opposed to the group 

that received the placebo. 


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94 


A 5-PART GUIDE TO PASSING 

STOOLS MORE COMFORTABLY 

by 

Susan Barnes 

Follow Us: 

This article will provide you helpful tips on how to avoid constipation and 

make your every poop moments easier and successful. 

Digestive health 

seems to 

be the new 

hot topic, as 

conversations 

are popping up everywhere 

online. One of the newest 

products to hit the market 

is called the “Squatty 

Potty,” and it is garnering 

a lot of attention because 

it helps users sit on the 

toilet properly, therefore 

helping them to be more 

comfortable while they 

have a bowel movement. 

The idea itself seems solid, 

but does the product do 

what it says it will? And, 

is it something necessary 

or can you get along just 

fine without it? The jury is 

still out on that one. There 

are medical professionals 

that are skeptical, because 

there isn’t any research to 

back up what the Squatty 


Potty is saying. One doctor was questioned 

about what the Squatty Potty can do for 

you and also talked about other ways to 

achieve a regular bowel movement. The 

following tips will make it easier to poop 

going forward. 

1 

USE A LAXATIVE 

The cure for constipation is a gentle 

laxative. There are several products that you 

can buy without a prescription, including 

magnesium citrate, milk of magnesia and 

Miralax, and they work by gathering water from 

different places in the body and transporting 

it to the colon. The result is a softer stool. 

You don’t want to use products like Senna 

and Dulcolax or anything that is considered 

to be a stimulant laxative; they cause issues 

for your colon and are eventually not 

effective any more. In addition, always talk 

to your doctor before taking laxatives for a 

significant period of time; they are supposed 

to be a quick fix for a fleeting issue. 

A healthy lifestyle is not hard to achieve when you start early. Read more to learn how to introduce healthy 

lifestyle habits to your growing kids. 

 


2 

INCREASE YOUR FIBER INTAKE 

You know that fiber can help you pass stools. Fiber is very important to your diet, 

but you don’t need to increase your fiber intake as soon as you notice constipation. 

Once constipation occurs, there is a lot of solid stool built up in your colon. 

Adding fiber to the mix isn’t going to help at that point. Fiber works because it 

sucks up extra water and uses that to form stool. However, if you are blocked 

up to start with, taking fiber may only cause you to have more constipation. 

Therefore, you have to solve the constipation problem first and then begin to eat more 

fiber. Take a laxative, and once you feel sure you are okay again, start with a fiber 

supplement each day. Also, watch what you eat and choose foods that are high in fiber, 

like whole grains, vegetables and fruits. If your diet consists mostly of fatty foods that 

don’t have a lot of fiber, you need to rethink what you are eating. 

96 


3 

GET ACTIVE 

When you work out, and you increase your heart rate, you may also get your colon 

working properly again. Many people that experience constipation are sedentary, so 

getting up and moving is crucial. You don’t have to engage in an intense workout, either, 

as a walk around your neighborhood can get things moving (literally). Try and get in the 

habit of taking a walk after each meal to help yourself avoid constipation. 

4 

DRINK WATER 

If your stools are dried out, they 

can’t make their way out of your body 

effectively. Dehydration can cause this 

problem, so drinking fluids is crucial; no 

one really knows the proper amount to 

drink, however. In order to evaluate if you 

are getting enough liquids, pay attention 

when you pee; a light color indicates that 

your efforts are successful, but a darker 

color means that you need to drink more. 

Think about incorporating more coffee, 

too. One or two cups per day can help get 

your colon working effectively, although 

you do need to make sure to drink other 

liquids, too. For about one third of people, 

coffee gets their bowels going. It’s likely 

both the caffeine and the acidity in the 

drink that have an impact. 

5 SQUAT 

When you use a stool, it helps move 

you into a squatting position, which can 

make pooping easier. This is particularly 

true if you have a defecation disorder, 

because the angle gives you a little more 

power behind your push. The Squatty 

Potty is pretty popular right now, but 

there are other products on the market 

that can help you, too. Look for a stool 

that goes around your toilet’s base; that 

makes it safer for you to move in and out 

of the bathroom. 


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100 


6 MYTHS ABOUT 

GLUTEN AND CELIAC DISEASE DEBUNKED 

by 

Michael Hall 

Follow Us: 

This article will walk you through the different popular misconceptions about 

Celiac disease and gluten-free lifestyle that has been brought to light. 

Consumer intelligence has hit an 

all-time low as the misinformed 

masses capitulate to glutenfree 

marketing schemes. Now 

being gluten free is not just 

a health fad, but a marketing campaign 

and an entire industry on grocery shelves 

everywhere. The absurdity reaches new 

levels as otherwise intelligent individuals 

prefer gluten-free products that are not even 

fit for consumption. Gluten free shampoo 

and soaps are here defying all logic. 

The sad truth is that gluten-free living is 

now a hip and trendy practice like growing 

a beard, snacking on organic algae flakes. 

One gets even more despondent when 

they consider this fad is simply piggy 

backing on the lifestyle needs of those 

suffering from the debilitating condition 

of celiac disease. In the spirit of sharing 

the information during Celiac Awareness 

month this following article will include 

some important facts that dispel some 

common myths about Celiac disease. 


1 

MYTH: CELIAC DISEASE IS JUST LIKE A WHEAT ALLERGY 

Gluten is a substance found in a wide variety of grains including rice, barley 

and wheat and many other food types as well. Wheat allergies are only caused by the 

consumption of wheat. 

2 

MYTH: IN TIME, PEOPLE CAN OUTGROW THE CONDITIONS OF CELIAC DISEASE 

Celiac diseases is not like an allergy that can become less of an issue with time: it is a 

lifelong disease of the autoimmune type and can cause serious damage to the small intestine. 

Prebiotics, the fiber food of your gut’s good bacteria. This article will introduce you to the powerful 

benefits of prebiotics intake to your gut health. 


3 

MYTH: THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHING THAT CURES CELIAC DISEASE 

There are no medical treatments that can reverse the effects of conditions of 

Celiac disease. The only way to get over the condition is by avoiding those foods with 

gluten that can aggravate the symptoms. 

102 


4 

MYTH: STAY AWAY FROM GLUTEN IN ALL SHAPES AND FORMS 

Actually, gluten can only be absorbed and harmful to those with celiac disease if 

ingested. Gluten is not absorbed through the skin. 

5 

MYTH: THOSE PRODUCTS WITH A “GLUTEN FREE” LABEL HAVE NO GLUTEN 

Gluten may still exist in these foods as it is very difficult to eliminate entirely. 


6 

MYTH: FOOD PACKAGED IN A FACILITY THAT ALSO PROCESSES WHEAT IS UNSAFE 

The food may still be safe, it really depends on the processes applied in the food 

production. For more information, call the company and inquire further. 

If you or someone you know suspects they may have celiac disease, don’t begin any 

special diets, the best thing to do is get tested. You must be consuming some gluten at 

the time of testing for an accurate reading. 

104 



106 



13 KEY POINTS FOR 

BEATING STOMACH FLU 

by 

Susan Barnes 

Follow Us: 

Stomach flu is one of the common illnesses suffered by both children and adults. 

Read on for some important tips about stomach flu that you need to know. 

Are you suffering 

from the effects of a 

stomach virus? The 

symptoms caused 

by these infections - 

nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting - 

are called gastroenteritis. Read on 

to see a 13-point outline of the key 

points you need to understand 

about this affliction, technically 

called viral gastroenteritis by 

doctors. As the name suggests, 

the cause of the problem is a 

viral infection taking hold in the 

stomach and intestines. 

1 UNDERSTANDING 

“STOMACH FLU” 

A stomach bug is a nasty problem, 

but it’s hardly a rare one. 

Sometimes a cramping, vomiting, 

diarrhea-stricken attack is 

inevitable. Every year, at least 20 

million people in the US have to 

deal with the stomach flu. Despite 

how common it is, the “stomach 

flu” isn’t all that well-understood 

by its sufferers. 

108 


Proteins are responsible for muscle growth and tissue repair of the human body. Read on to know the signs 

that your body is not getting enough protein. 


2 

WHY FLU SHOTS DON’T 

SOLVE THE PROBLEM 

The most common use of the word “flu” 

is to refer to the influenza virus, a nasty 

respiratory infection that spreads through 

the world in seasonal waves. The important 

point here is that the viruses responsible 

for influenza are completely separate from 

those that cause viral gastroenteritis. The 

two infections do share a few common 

symptoms, such as low fevers, body aches, 

and nausea. Flu shots don’t do anything 

to resolve stomach infections. There is no 

adult stomach flu virus. 

3 

GETTING TO KNOW 

THE NOROVIRUS 

Your first step is understanding that you’re 

dealing with an entirely separate family 

of viruses when you’re suffering from 

the stomach flu. The norovirus is one 

common culprit, but there are others - 

like astrovirus and adenovirus - that have 

similar effects. In infants and children, 

stomach flu symptoms are frequently 

caused by rotavirus. Norovirus doesn’t just 

cause nasty stomach flu symptoms; it’s also 

extremely contagious and likely to spread 

under any conditions that involve lots 

of interpersonal contact: schools, cruise 

ships, hospitals, nursing homes, and more. 

4 

WATCHING THE VIRUS SPREAD 

Stomach viruses like the norovirus 

spread on the “fecal-oral” route, which is 

as disgusting as it sounds. Live viruses exit 

the body in feces or vomit and then end 

up getting into our mouths. Getting strict 

about washing your hands is the best way 

to prevent this. Wash extra thoroughly 

when you’re cleaning up after a sick child 

or changing diapers. Adults suffering from 

a stomach virus should do their best to 

clean up their own messes. 


5 

FOOD IS AN INFECTION VECTOR 

Viral gastroenteritis is similar to 

food poisoning, but it’s not quite the same 

thing - proper food poisoning involves 

infection by contaminants in food like 

the salmonella bacteria. Norovirus is 

actually the most common root cause 

of food-transmitted illnesses in the US. 

While there are other infection vectors 

for viral gastroenteritis, like person-toperson 

contact or contaminated surfaces, 

eating foods that have been contaminated 

by sewage or prepared by an infected 

individual are the most common way for 

the virus to travel. This is why you see 

so many signs about the importance of 

washing your hands in restaurants. 

6 

ONE TOUGH VIRUS 

Noroviruses are, by the standards 

of microorganisms, incredibly hardy. They 

spread easily thanks to the relatively long 

lifespan they have after escaping the 

body. They’re also dangerous because 

a full-blown infection can get started 

thanks to just a few virus particles. 

Washing your hands with soap and water 

is far more effective than relying on hand 

sanitizers. If you know you’re sick (or have 

been recently), avoid preparing food. 

Laundry should be washed thoroughly 

and carefully; you may want to wear 

gloves when handling soiled clothes and 

bedding. Individuals with the norovirus 

can remain infectious for 3 days or more 

110 


after symptoms subside. Bleach-based 

cleaning products can kill virus particles 

on any hard surface. 

7 

THE VIRUS RUNS ITS COURSE 

The stomach flu and similar foodborne 

infections belong to a class of 

illnesses called “self-limiting” by doctors. 

This means the illness resolves on its 

own without treatment. This is the silver 

lining behind the norovirus infection. 

Common as it is, it virtually never leads 

to hospitalization or death like more 

serious infections such as salmonella. 

When you catch viral gastroenteritis, 

you can expect your symptoms to 

subside after two to three days. Other 

forms of food poisoning tend to cause 

more severe symptoms and also resolve 

themselves more quickly. 

8 

STAY HYDRATED 

As the norovirus causes multiple unpleasant symptoms that cause you to lose 

moisture (i.e. diarrhea and vomiting), it’s important to keep your fluid levels up. Along 

with the water, though, you’re also losing electrolytes like sodium and potassium that 

need to be replaced. The most effective solution is an oral electrolyte preparation like 

Pedialyte that contains sugars and salts combined with water. Sports drinks are a lastditch 

option as their ingredients are balanced to replace sweat lost during exercise 

rather than the fluids lost during an illness. 


9 

WATER ISN’T IDEAL 

Plain water doesn’t help as much 

as specifically-formulated products, 

and sugary beverages like soda and 

juice are also problematic. Rehydrating 

with water alone isn’t a good idea. 

Adding plain water to your system can 

actually be counter-productive. Without 

replacement electrolytes, additional 

water will simply dilute the ones that 

remain in your system. Beverages that 

provide too much sugar and not enough 

salt will aggravate diarrhea. 

OTC MEDICATIONS CAN HELP 

Time is the only sure cure for viral 

gastroenteritis, so you really only need to 

deal with the symptoms. Antibiotics do 

nothing, which is why your doctor won’t 

prescribe them in situations like this. 

Simple diarrhea may respond well to overthe-counter 

products (like Pepto-Bismol) 

that contain bismuth subsalicylate. Other 

antidiarrheal medicines can be helpful, 

but they should be avoided if you’re 

experiencing a high fever or bloody 

diarrhea. According to the Centers for 

Disease Control and Prevention, OTC 

antidiarrheal medication can aggravate 

the stomach flu in these situations. 

WHEN MEDICAL 

ATTENTION IS NEEDED 

Get in touch with your doctor immediately 

if you see blood in your diarrhea or 

vomit. Simple diarrhea is not cause 

for alarm, but you should contact a 

healthcare professional if your diarrhea 

is accompanied by confusion, extreme 

lethargy, or other altered mental states. 

Be on the lookout for a lack of urination 

or dark and concentrated urine, as these 

are signs that dehydration is becoming 

serious. Reach out to a doctor if your 

symptoms don’t improve after three days, 

you’re vomiting too frequently to take 

liquids, or your oral temperature goes 

above 101.5 Fahrenheit. 

112 


THE IMPACT OF AGE ON STOMACH FLU SEVERITY 

Because their immune systems are still developing, young children have a harder 

time fighting off viral infections; their lighter weight also makes them more susceptible 

to dehydration. Viral gastroenteritis is also a greater threat to the elderly, who are more 

susceptible to infections and take longer to get over them. Chronic illnesses like heart 

disease, cancer, asthma, kidney disease, HIV and other immune-suppressing infections, and 

other conditions can make the stomach flu more serious. 

DON’T RUSH THROUGH THE RECOVERY PROCESS 

Once you’ve gotten over the diarrhea and vomiting caused by the stomach flu, your 

natural instinct will be to make up for the meals you’ve missed. Don’t rush to whip up a big 

feast, though. It’s a good idea to keep your food intake modest until your symptoms have 

been safely gone for a few days. Keep your meals small and maintain a steady but modest 

intake of fluids. The goal here is to keep from distending the stomach until it’s fully healed. 

If you overload it too fast, you may experience an unpleasant relapse; it’s better to stick to 

lighter meals until you’re safely out of the woods. 


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TUNE IN 

FOR OUR 

NEXT 

ISSUE! 

The December edition of 

Gut Health Problems 

will be available this fall. 

• 7 FULVIC ACID BENEFITS 

• 9 FOODS TO AVOID WHEN YOUR 

STOMACH HURTS 

• 10 REASONS TO TAKE A BIFIDUS 

PROBIOTIC 

• 6 BENEFITS OF MCT OIL 

• 11 PROTEIN-RICH FOODS TO ADD 

TO YOUR DIET 

• 6 INULIN FIBER BENEFITS 

• 6 TIPS ON DIATOMACEOUS EARTH 

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Gut Health Problems - November 2017

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