Better Nutrition January 2019

naturalREMEDY/HOLISTIC STRATEGIES TO HELP YOU FEEL BETTER
Best Gut Health Remedies
Quick tips about the top supplements
for gut health /// BY LISA TURNER
Fiber
* Fiber is crucial for gut health, normal
bowel movements, and elimination of
toxins. Most Americans get only half
of what they need from food.
* Psyllium husk is rich in fiber to
treat constipation, and is safe for
long-term use.
* Fiber-rich flaxseeds help treat
constipation, especially in people
with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Add flax slowly to avoid bloating and
gas, and take sufficient water.
* Be aware: fiber can impact the
absorption of certain medications, so
take first thing in the morning away
from medications and supplements.
* People with allergies to grass pollen
or melon could have allergic reactions
to fiber.
Digestive Enzymes
* They help break down food and aid
in digestion.
* Alpha-galactosidase supplements
improve the breakdown of legumes.
* Lactose improves digestion of
dairy products.
* Specialized enzymes like as dipeptidyl
peptidase help break down gluten.
22 • JANUARY 2019
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Protease, lipase, and amylase
digest protein, fats, and starches.
Combination formulas with a variety
of enzymes are best for overall digestion.
Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)
* Derived from licorice root, DGL is
used to relieve indigestion, heartburn,
and acid reflux.
* It heals and protects the mucosa lining
the GI tract.
* It contains flavonoids that protect
against H. pylori, a common cause
of ulcers.
* Unpurified, licorice can have side
effects and may contribute to high
blood pressure. Use DGL licorice—this
TRADITIONAL HERBS FOR HEALTHY DIGESTION
Tap into the wisdom of plants to heal stomach problems and other digestive issues. Here
are a few of our favorites:
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FENNEL SEED: This herb is a safe, traditional remedy for bowel irregularities and spasms.
CHAMOMILE: It’s an antispasmodic herb that soothes the digestive system.
GENTIAN ROOT: This herb and other bitter botanicals support digestive activity.
SLIPPERY ELM: This ancient herb soothes inflamed and irritated GI mucous membranes.
TRIPHALA: This Ayurvedic herb promotes the health of the gut epithelium and villi. It
also helps ease constipation.
Healthy Tip!
Flaxseeds are especially
helpful in treating irritable
bowel syndrome.
form does not contain glycyrrhizin,
the compound that causes some side
effects such as high blood pressure.
Ginger
* It relieves nausea, vomiting, and
morning sickness, and is safe for
use in pregnancy.
* It can work as well as Dramamine
against symptoms of motion sickness.
* It prevents gastric ulcers caused by
H. pylori and NSAIDs.
* It aids in digestion by stimulating
gastric motility and the production
of enzymes.
* It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
effects.
Peppermint
* It improves bile flow to help ease
digestion.
* It helps prevent gas, bloating, and
flatulence, especially in IBS.
* It acts as an antispasmodic to ease
digestive discomfort.
* The enteric-coated capsules pass
through intestines, where the oil is
then released.