Digestive Treatment Table
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Probiotic
Nutritional
“Probiotics” is a term used to refer to a group of “beneficial” bacteria that help maintain the health and function of the gastrointestinal tract. Probiotics have been defined as viable microorganisms that (when ingested) have a beneficial effect in the prevention and treatment of specific pathologic conditions. These microorganisms are believed to exert biological effects through a phenomenon known as colonization resistance, whereby the indigenous anaerobic flora limits the concentration of potentially pathogenic (mostly aerobic) flora in the digestive tract. Other modes of action, such as supplying enzymes or influencing enzyme activity in the gastrointestinal tract, may also account for some of the other physiologic effects that have been attributed to probiotics. Acidophilus (Lactobacillus acidophilus) and Bifidus (Bifidobacterium lactis) of varying strains are popular forms of “good” bacteria found in dietary supplements. By displacing other bacteria and yeast, Acidophilus and other lactic acid bacteria may also play an important role in immune system function and prevention of gastrointestinal problems, including cancer. A wide variety of beneficial bacterial strains can be found in cultured yogurts and in freeze-dried form as dietary supplements.
For general digestive health, take 1 billion CFU's every morning on an empty stomach before breakfast. If you are on a coarse of antibiotics increase the dose to 1 billion CFU's 3 times daily before meals.
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L-Glutamine
Amino Acid
The intestinal mucosa can also synthesize glutamine, but not enough to compensate for the body's needs during severe physiologic stress. There is some evidence suggesting that glutamine, in addition to serving as a metabolic fuel for enterocytes, might play a regulatory role in the intestine, affecting cell proliferation and differentiation. The gastrointestinal tract is one of the largest utilizers of glutamine in the body. Depletion of glutamine can result in atrophy, ulceration, and necrosis of intestinal epithelium.
To stimulate repair of the intestinal mucosa, take 2.5g on an empy stomach 3 times a day before meals.
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Fiber
Nutritional
See tips for Fiber
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Milk Thistle
Herbal Milk thistle contains several chemicals with possible medical effects. Traditionally, it has been used to treat gallbladder disease and conditions of the liver, such as chirrosis. Most current research focuses on a mixture of milk thistle’s chemicals, collectively called silymarin, which may have specific protective effects on cells in the liver. Although a recent analysis of the available study results studies did not find significant value, multiple human, animal, and laboratory studies have shown differing degrees of effectiveness for silymarin. It may help to protect the liver from damage caused by alcohol, chemicals, drugs, diseases, and poisonous plants. It is used to treat both acute conditions (such as poisoning) and long-term diseases (such as hepatitis C). Silymarin and other chemicals in milk thistle are believed to protect liver cells in different ways: Anti-inflammatory effects of silymarin help keep liver cells from swelling after being injured. Silymarin seems to encourage the liver to grow new cells, while discouraging the formation of inactive fibrous tissue. By changing the outside layer of liver cells, silymarin actually may keep certain harmful chemicals from getting into liver cells.
Take 200mg to 420mg daily with meals. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should avoid using this. If you are using chronic medication, consult your healthcare practitioner before using Milk Thistle.
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Flaxseed Oil
Essential fatty acid
One major use of flaxseed is as a laxative. Because flaxseeds are coated with mucilage, a natural gummy substance that does not dissolve in water, they form a thick, gooey mass when exposed to fluids. The body does not digest mucilage, so when mucilage-containing substances are taken by mouth, the resulting large soft mass moves through the intestines and also triggers intestinal muscle contractions. In addition, the mucilage forms a slick coating on the walls of the intestines. All of these effects help to prevent or relieve constipation. Flaxseed oil may also be taken by mouth for a mild laxative effect. Both flaxseeds and flaxseed oil may also be used to treat other gastrointestinal (GI) complaints such as irritable bowel syndrome.
For general use, take 2000mg per day with meals. If you suffer from IBS take 2000mg 3 times a day with meals. If you are using blood thinning medication such as warfarin, avoid using this product. Epileptics should contact their healthcare practitioner before using this.
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Ginger
Herbal
Ginger is an effective treatment for nausea and vomiting, especially during pregnancy (morning sickness) as well as after surgery. It is also effective for reducing symptoms of motion sickness.
For the treatment of nausea take 250mg 4 times a day. If you are using blood thinning medication, avoid using ginger.
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